Tyres are the only thing connecting your rig to the road, and caravan tyres often carry heavy loads for long distances in heat. Getting pressures right is one of the simplest safety checks you can do.
Where to find the right pressure
- Tow vehicle: use the tyre placard (usually on the driver’s door pillar or fuel flap) and the owner’s handbook. Many handbooks list a different pressure for heavy loads or towing.
- Caravan: use the caravan manufacturer’s recommendation, usually in the handbook or on a placard. If your van has been fitted with different tyres, ask the tyre retailer or manufacturer for a pressure that suits the tyre and your loaded weight.
- The number on the sidewall is the tyre’s maximum pressure, not the recommended running pressure.
Transport for NSW’s checklist says to set caravan tyre pressure to the manufacturer’s specifications (Transport for NSW checklist).
When and how to check
- Check pressures cold, before driving or after the tyres have cooled. Warm tyres read higher
- Use your own quality gauge, as forecourt gauges vary
- Check every tyre, including the spare on both the van and vehicle
- Re-check after big temperature changes or a change in load
- Replace missing valve caps
The tyre condition checks
Transport for NSW lists these for caravan tyres and wheels (checklist):
- At least 1.5 mm tread depth
- No deep cuts, bulges, exposed cords or other signs of carcass failure
- Wheels not cracked or deformed, with no pieces of casting missing
- Wheel nuts tightened to the manufacturer's specification
- Spare wheel packed and usable
Tyres age even when they look fine
Caravans often sit for months, and tyres can deteriorate with age and sun exposure even when tread is good. Find the date code on the sidewall (a four-digit week-and-year code) and ask a tyre professional to inspect older tyres. Note replacement dates in the renewals tracker of our Checklist Pack.
Load ratings matter too
The loaded caravan must not exceed the tyres’ maximum rated carrying capacity (Transport for NSW). If you’ve added accessories or carry a lot of water, re-check your weights against your tyre load ratings.
Unsealed and outback roads
Some travellers change pressures for gravel or sand. That’s a specialist topic that depends on your tyres, load and vehicle. Follow your tyre manufacturer’s advice and return to road pressures before driving on bitumen.
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