Tire tips for motorhomes

Tire tips for motorhomes

With regard to the legal minimum tread depth, the same rules apply to motorhomes and caravans as to other vehicles and trailers. 1.6 mm is the requirement, but Yokohama recommends at least 4 mm to prevent the vehicle from floating in heavy rain. Since most camping vehicles are only driven a few weeks a year, outdated rubber is an even more common problem. Once the plasticizers have evaporated from the mixture, performance drops significantly. As a result of this process, the tires not only crack more and more, but also become hard, which means that a lot of grip is lost. In the worst case, the tread can come loose, which poses a high risk of accidents. Old tires, summer heat and high payloads often form a dangerous cocktail. What makes matters worse is that the plasticizers are not activated regularly in vehicles that are rarely used, as this only happens when driving. The tires should therefore be replaced after 6 to 8 years at the latest. For caravans with a 100 km/h approval it even has to be less than 6 years, that's what the law wants.

The last four digits of the DOT marked on the tire sidewall indicate the date of manufacture. For example, “1020” means that production took place in the 10th week of 2020. During long periods of standstill, the tires should be filled with 0.2 to 0.3 bar more pressure. Another tip from the experts: Relieve the pressure on tires using a tire cradle or air cushion - this avoids so-called flat spots. Unscrewing the support, on the other hand, has no advantage. Sun, wind and heat and especially the gaseous ozone from the atmosphere also affect the tires. In sunny areas or when standing for longer periods, you should therefore cover them if possible. The so-called speed index, which provides information about the maximum permissible speed, can also be found on the sidewall of the tire. For trailers with a 100 km/h approval, there should be at least the letter “L” for 120 km/h, as the law requires a certain safety reserve here. And even for summer tires for motorhomes, the value must harmonize with the registered maximum speed. The two or three digit number in front of the speed index indicates the load capacity of the tire. The type certificate states which load capacities are required when purchasing a new one. If you buy a used motorhome, you should definitely check the tires, as you cannot rule out that the previous owner “got away”. If you choose a load index that is too high, you are not taking any risks, but you may have to live with a somewhat harsher ride comfort due to the stiffer sidewalls.