Maintaining the right motorhome tyre pressure is crucial not only for a more enjoyable driving experience but also for your safety.
Properly inflated tyres can help to ensure that your motorhome handles well, your tyres last longer, and your fuel efficiency is optimised. In this article, we go though some of the key considerations for ensuring your motorhome's tyres are always in top condition.
Regular tyre pressure checks
According to Michelin and other leading tyre manufacturers, you should check your motorhome tyre pressure at least once a month and before long trips. Tyre pressures should be checked when the tyres are cold, as driving even a short distance can increase the tyre temperature and cause a false reading.
Choosing the right tyres
Tyre types
It is important to select tyres that are specifically designed for motorhomes. These tyres are engineered to handle the unique demands of a motorhome, including preventing swaying, improving grip on wet surfaces, and offering higher resistance to abrasion and impact.
All-season vs. seasonal tyres
You can choose between all-season tyres, which are suitable for use year-round, or seasonal tyres optimised for specific weather conditions. In some countries, especially in Europe, winter tyres are legally required during certain months. If you plan to travel across borders, it’s crucial to check local regulations in advance.
Determining the correct tyre pressure
The correct tyre pressure for your motorhome depends on the vehicle's weight, which can vary significantly depending on the load you are carrying.
Weigh Your Motorhome: To accurately determine the right motorhome tyre pressure for your vehicle, you need to know the actual weight of your vehicle when it’s fully loaded. This includes passengers, luggage, fuel, water, and any additional gear you choose to take with you. To do this, you can visit a public weighbridge. You can find your nearest weighbridge using the GOV.UK website or equivalent resources in other countries.
Manufacturer’s Recommendations: Once you know your motorhome's weight, refer to the tyre manufacturer's load and pressure charts to find the correct tyre pressure. Over-inflation or under-inflation can both have serious consequences, including increased tyre wear, reduced fuel efficiency, and compromised handling. The correct inflation pressures for your motorhome’s tyres can normally be found in the manufacturer’s documentation or on a sticker on the vehicle. You can also obtain advice on your motorhome tyre pressure from your vehicle manufacturer.
TyreSafe’s motorhome tyre pressure calculator may be used for guidance on tyre inflation pressures.
Additional Considerations
Tyre Tread The 20p tyre tread test is a simple and popular method used to check if your tyre tread depth is above the legal minimum in the UK, which is 1.6mm. This test involves inserting a 20p coin into the tread grooves of the tyre. If the outer rim of the coin is visible, the tread depth is likely below the legal minimum, meaning the tyre should be replaced.
Although the legal minimum is 1.6mm, many experts recommend replacing tyres before they reach this limit, particularly for heavy vehicles like motorhomes. A tread depth of 3mm or more is often suggested to ensure adequate grip, particularly in wet conditions. This is crucial for a motorhome, which requires optimal traction due to its size and weight.
Tyre Condition: In addition to tread depth, motorhome owners should regularly inspect tyres for other signs of wear or damage, such as cracks, bulges, or uneven wear patterns. These can also affect safety and performance and may not be detected by the 20p test.
Tyre Age: Tyres degrade over time, even if they have plenty of tread left. It’s recommended to replace motorhome tyres every five to six years[i], regardless of their visual condition, due to the potential for rubber deterioration.
Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS): Consider investing in a TPMS, which continuously monitors your motorhome tyre pressure and alerts you to any issues in real-time. This can be especially useful in a motorhome, where tyre pressures can fluctuate with varying loads and temperatures.
RAC Motorhome breakdown insurance to keep you on the move
We’ve partnered with breakdown provider, RAC, to offer additional peace of mind while you’re out on the road.
With RAC motorhome breakdown cover you get:
- Unlimited call outs
- Free roadside labour
- No call out fee
- Unlimited roadside repair time and mis-fuel cover included, as standard
Their network of patrols vans fix 4 out of 5 vehicles on the spot and repairs are completed in just 30 minutes, on average. And their first-to-market innovative solutions such as the multi-fit wheel, rapid deployment trailer and EV boost charging capabilities means they can deal with more breakdown issues without needing to take your vehicle to a garage.
Policy limits and exclusions may apply, please see the policy documentation for full details.
For further details visit https://www.lifesure.co.uk/personal-insurance/motorhome-breakdown-insurance or speak to one of our agents on 01480 402 460.
Resources for further information
TyreSafe: A charity dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of tyre maintenance and safety.
TyrePal: A company specialising in tyre pressure monitoring systems, offering solutions to help you keep an eye on your motorhome tyre pressure, at all times.
[i]Information taken from https://www.edentyres.com/motorhome-tyres
Disclaimer: The sole purpose of this article is to provide guidance on the issues covered. This article is not intended to give legal advice, and, accordingly, it should not be relied upon. It should not be regarded as a comprehensive statement of the law and/or market practice in this area. We make no claims as to the completeness or accuracy of the information contained herein or in the links which were live at the date of publication. You should not act upon (or should refrain from acting upon) information in this publication without first seeking specific legal and/or specialist advice. Lifesure Group Limited trading as Lifesure and Lifesure Insurance Broker accepts no liability for any inaccuracy accepts no liability for any inaccuracy, omission or mistake in this publication, nor will we be responsible for any loss which may be suffered as a result of any person relying on the information contained herein.
