How to Choose the Best Trailer and Caravan Tyres

 

Different vehicles have different functions. The same goes for tyres, arguably the most hardworking parts of your car because they hit the ground and absorb direct impact.

Trailer and Caravan Tyres are no exception. These tyres are built for toughness, each capable of carrying and towing loads weighing thousands of pounds.

To help you shop for exceptional Trailer and the best Caravan Tyres, we discuss how these are different from other tyres and the many ways you can maximise their performance.

What are Caravan and Trailer Tyres?

Caravans and trailers are similar because they are separate units attached to your vehicle's rear. However, their difference lies in size.

Caravans are bigger, containing more than the bed and storage space features trailers typically offer. With its expanse, a caravan can accommodate a bedroom, a bathroom, and even a cooking space—perfect for those who value comfort and convenience while exploring the great outdoors.

Because of these traits, the recommended tyres for Caravans and Trailers have functions different from the standard car and even light truck or lt tyres:

 

Heavy Lifting and Towing

These tyres are specially engineered to withstand the load and maximum weight of trailers and caravans. While Car Tyres are all about dynamic performance such as accelerating, braking and cornering, Trailer and Caravan Tyres prioritise stability while supporting heavy weight.

 

Safety Features

You can't steer or brake these tyres because their foremost duty is to maintain stability by preventing trailers and caravans from rocking side to side. Imagine your trailer braking or accelerating on its own; its sheer weight can tug your vehicle in all directions instead of the other way around! Losing control over your ride endangers your safety and your passengers.

 

How do I Choose the Best Trailer and Caravan Tyres?

Fitting the wrong tyres to your trailer or caravan may result in uneven wear, damage to your vehicle, rims and tyres and poor fuel economy. You need to get the right size as well -do you need 13-inch trailer tyres or a 14 inch set?

Also read Top 8 Causes of a Flat Tyre

 

Here are some helpful tips in selecting Trailer and Caravan Tyres:

Prioritise Load Rating.

The first thing you should look for in buying Trailer and Caravan Tyres is their Load Rating - the weight your tyre can carry while operating at maximum speed and proper pressure.

You can find the Load Rating code on your tyre's sidewall as the last number on the series of markings embedded on the rubber. You can also look for the Load Rating in the owner's manual or the tyre placard found on the lid of your glove box, the door jamb on the driver's side, or inside the fuel cap.

But note that this number is just a code referring to the actual weight the tyre can support. Use our Load Index chart to guide you.

 

Also read Tyre Load Rating and Tyre Speed Rating

 

Choose Heavy-Duty Tyres.

Because of their high load index, Light Truck Tyres are typically compatible with loaded-up trailers and caravans. These tyres have a more robust carcass and rigid sidewalls that bear excess weight and boost puncture resistance. You can identify a LT Tyre through the LT code on the sidewalls (instead of the P-code, which stands for Passenger Tyres).

Also, some opt to use Commercial Light Truck Tyres, equipped to handle heavier loads and vehicles. But remember this rule of the thumb: Never fit Passenger Tyres to your trailer or caravan.

Also read Tyre Number Meanings Explained in Full

 

Think about where you will be driving.

What terrains will you be navigating on your road trip? You can select tyres based on your specific journey, optimising vehicle performance and guaranteeing safety.

Highway-Terrain Tyres

Best for Driving on: Purely sealed or paved roads
Promising Points: Quiet, more affordable, and delivers better ride comfort and fuel economy than off-road tyres.

 

Recommended Tyres for Trailers and Caravans

 

All-Terrain Tyres

Best for Driving on:Both on-road and off-road driving and towing
Promising Points:A higher load index, better puncture resistance, and more ply ratings boost protection against tyre staking and damage.

 

Recommended Tyres for Trailers and Caravans

 

Mud-Terrain Tyres

Best for Driving on:Off-road conditions with mud, loose soil, sharp rocks, and sand
Promising Points:Better stability, grip, and traction on muddy tracks, debris-ejecting tread, superb puncture resistance

 

Recommended Tyres for Trailers and Caravans

 

Also read Your Guide to the Best 4x4 Tyres—All-Terrain, Mud-Terrain and More!

 

How Do I Maintain My Trailer and Caravan Tyres?

Even if you don't often use your trailer or caravan, you should still examine its tyres before driving and that it has the correct tyre pressure. Check for damaged sidewalls, carcass deformation, tread wear, and other signs of deterioration.

But remember that tyre damage can go beyond the surface. When in doubt, ensure your vehicle servicing and repairs are done professionally - they might see something you don't and potentially save your life.

Also read: How to Make Sure Your Tyre's Tread Depth Is NOT Illegal

 

Here are other items on your to-do list to ensure that your tyres remain road-worthy:

Remove the tyres before storing your caravan or trailer.

Your tyres can still wear down when they're stationary. Avoid parking your trailer or caravan in coastal areas for a long time. The lethal combination of sun, salt and water can degrade your vehicle and tyres. Protect your trailer or caravan from direct sunlight, and if you can, remove its tyres from the wheel or rim or put wheel chocks under them. Doing so relieves the tyre from on-road or ground pressure, preventing cracks and other damage.

 

Mount the right Caravan or Trailer Wheels and Tyres.

It doesn't matter if you change your steel wheels to alloy or vice versa. More importantly, they have a load rating that matches the size and weight of your trailer or caravan.

Installing the wrong wheels and tyres creates risks, severe damage, and potential insurance issues.

We advise that you fit the same wheels and tyres on your tow vehicle, trailer, or caravan. Why? With this setup, you can carry similar spares and easily interchange wheels and tyres when needed.

Also read What's the Difference Between Steel and Alloy Wheels?

 

Avoid overloading.

Overloading your trailer or caravan is not only illegal but also downright dangerous. Just as important is evenly distributing the load around the vehicle and positioning it as low as possible to ensure stability. Unequal load distribution and overloading may also result in blowouts and other tyre problems.

 

Check proper tyre inflation.

Check your vehicle handbook for your tyres recommended pressure. Properly inflating ALL your tyres enables them to carry and tow the applied load safely. Failing to do so can compromise handling and cause rapid deflation, ultimately leading to your loss of control. Underinflated tyres also lead to more fuel consumption, faster tread wear—and a hole in your pocket from frequent tyre purchases and trips to the petrol station.

Also read 8 Ways You Can Save on Gas With the Right Tyres

 

Conduct regular maintenance.

Before your big trip or after fitting new tyres, have your wheels balanced to protect your vehicle's suspension and boost comfort, handling, and fuel efficiency. The same benefits apply to wheel alignment, ensuring that your tyres are correctly angled. Meanwhile, tyre rotation lets your tyres wear evenly.

 

Drive safely.

Remember that towing a caravan or trailer isn't the same as driving a regular car. Extra caution is necessary. Always drive within the speed limit and avoid sudden manoeuvres on the road, including swerving and abrupt braking and overtaking.

Also read Summer Driving Safety Tips

 

Buy Trailer and Caravan Tyres at the Cheapest Prices Online!

There is no need to search online for “Trailer Tyres near me” to purchase your new tyres; at Tyroola, you can order commonly sized 13-inch trailer wheels and tyres or 14-inch trailer wheels and tyres or 14-inch Trailer Tyres and more in the comfort of your own home. Because we don't operate a brick-and-mortar shop, we save on costs, letting us sell more products for more affordable prices—by as much as 50% off in big-brand tyres! Shop now and enjoy super-saver deals that fit your needs and budget.

For more tyre tips and tricks, explore our guides and blog.