Caravan and Trailer Tyre Safety: A Norfolk Broads Guide
Caravan and trailer tyres usually fail because of age rather than wear. Because they spend long periods parked, the rubber hardens and cracks while the tread still looks fine. Most makers and safety bodies recommend replacing them every 5 to 7 years, and always checking age, pressure and condition before towing.
Why caravan tyres age faster than they wear
A caravan or trailer often covers very few miles but sits still for months at a time. Sunlight, temperature changes and the weight resting on one spot all degrade the rubber, leading to cracking and flat spots long before the tread runs out.
That is why tread depth alone is a poor guide for towing tyres. A five-year-old tyre with plenty of tread can still be unsafe if the structure has aged, and a failure while towing at speed is far more dangerous than on a solo car.
How to check your tyre age
Every tyre has a DOT code on the sidewall ending in four digits that show the week and year it was made. For example, 2419 means the 24th week of 2019.
If your towing tyres are more than five to seven years old, plan to replace them even if they look fine. We can read the date codes for you and advise on replacement if you are unsure how old your tyres really are.
Pressures, loading and condition
Caravans and trailers have their own recommended pressures, which are often higher than a car's and depend on the load. Check the handbook or the plate on the unit, not your car's figures.
- Set pressures cold, before towing, to the correct laden figure.
- Do not exceed the trailer's maximum weight or the tyre load rating.
- Check for cracking on the sidewalls and between the tread blocks.
- Look for flat spots from long storage, which cause vibration.
Storing a caravan over winter
How you store a caravan affects its tyres. Leaving it in one position for months lets flat spots form where the weight presses down, and parking on damp grass or in strong sun accelerates ageing on the exposed sidewall.
If you can, move the caravan occasionally over winter, keep pressures up, and consider tyre covers to shield them from UV. Check everything thoroughly before the first trip of the season rather than discovering a problem on the A47 with the family aboard.
Spare wheels and towing kit
Many caravans and trailers carry a spare that has never been used and may be as old as the others, so it can be just as perished. Check the spare's age and pressure too, and make sure you actually have the tools and a suitable jack to change a wheel at the roadside.
It is also worth checking the trailer lights, number plate and any tyre on a jockey wheel. A little preparation means a roadside problem is an inconvenience rather than the end of the holiday.
Before you tow around the Broads
The Norfolk Broads and coast draw plenty of caravans and trailers each summer. Before your first trip of the season, give the tyres a proper inspection after winter storage and check the spare too.
We carry common caravan and trailer tyre sizes and can advise on the right replacement. Call ahead on 07933 900901 to confirm your size, and we will have it ready so you can hitch up with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is too old for a caravan tyre?
Most caravan makers and safety bodies advise replacing tyres every 5 to 7 years regardless of tread depth, because the rubber degrades with age. Check the four-digit DOT date code on the sidewall, and if the tyres are older than this, replace them before towing.
Can I use car tyres on a trailer?
Only if they meet the trailer's size, load and speed requirements. Many trailers need specific tyres with a higher load rating. Always check the trailer plate and handbook, and ask us if you are unsure, as fitting the wrong tyre can be unsafe and illegal.
What causes caravan tyre flat spots?
Flat spots form when a caravan sits in one position for months and the weight deforms the part of the tyre touching the ground. They cause vibration when towing. Moving the caravan occasionally during storage and checking pressures helps reduce the problem.
How do I find the right caravan tyre pressure?
Use the figure on the caravan or trailer's weight plate or in its handbook, not your car's pressures. Caravan pressures are often higher and depend on the loaded weight. Set them cold before towing, and if you cannot find the figure, ask us and we will advise.
Should I cover my caravan tyres in storage?
It helps. Tyre covers shield the sidewalls from UV light, which is a major cause of cracking and ageing during long periods parked. Combined with keeping pressures up and moving the caravan occasionally, covers can meaningfully extend the safe life of towing tyres.
Book With Norwich Tyres & Auto Service
Need a hand from a real, independent Norwich garage? Call 07933 900901 or pop into Ber Street, NR1 3ES. Same-day tyre fitting is available on most common sizes, with free parking on site.
Hero image: “1993 Renault Safrane 2.0 RT” by charles cars (source), licensed under CC BY.