Motorhome Tyre Pressures Explained

When you’re driving on the open road, it’s likely that you haven’t got the pressure of your tyres in mind, even though they’re one of the most important components of your vehicle. Indeed, checking motorhome tyre pressures is one of the most important things that you should be doing before each and every journey, with this having a significant impact on the performance and fuel efficiency of your vehicle. 

This blog from AutoFinance will delve into the subject of motorhome tyre pressures, explaining everything you need to know about the subject so that you can drive with total peace of mind. 

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What Should Your Motorhome’s Tyre Pressures Be?

Checking the tyre pressure of your motorhome should be included in your preparation checks before you head out on a long drive, but exactly what your motorhome tyre pressures should be depends on what kind of vehicle you have. One thing you can be sure of, however, is that the pounds per square inch (PSI) will be far higher than that of a car, usually being in the range of 60-80 PSI, while cars are often in the 30-35 range.  

How Do You Find Out What Your Motorhome Tyre Pressures Should Be?

To find out what the PSI of your motorhome’s tyres should be, consult your vehicle handbook or look for the informational sticker, which is often printed on the inside of the door on the driver’s side. Alternatively, you can use an online tool to do this for you, with Tyre Safe’s motorhome PSI calculator requiring merely your vehicle’s maximum axle load and tyre size to complete this. The sidewall of the tyre itself may even inform you of the maximum PSI it will take. 

How To Check Tyre Pressure

Checking your motorhome tyre pressures is as simple as buying a digital or an analogue pressure gauge and checking each of your four tyres. But, before you purchase, make sure they’re suitable for use with your motorhome and can go up to approximately 120 PSI. Using a gauge is simple; just remove the dust cap from your wheels and attach the gauge to check the pressure. 

Tyre pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) can also be installed, which constantly measure tyre pressures and digitally notify the driver if an imbalance is detected or one of the tyres falls beneath a threshold.   

How To Inflate Your Tyres

If you’re a car owner, you should know how to inflate your tyres, and there’s no difference in inflating the tyres of your motorhome! You can either go to a petrol station and use the tyre air pump for a small fee, or you can use your own compressor, which is ideal if you’re a seasoned motorhome owner. By using your own compressor, you can easily maintain your motorhome on the go, no matter if you’re about to set off on a trip or have stopped at a service station. 

Looking for a quick walk-through? Take a look at the simple step-by-step video below. 

Why Is Maintaining Proper Tyre Pressure Important? 

Maintaining proper tyre pressure is important to protect your safety as well as the longevity and performance of your vehicle, while disregarding under-inflated tyres leaves it vulnerable to short-term and long-term damage. Keeping on top of your motorhome’s tyre pressures is important for the following reasons:  

• Vehicle Handling: Under-inflated tyres can cause poor vehicle handling, which, when driving a motorhome in potentially poor weather conditions, can lead to dangerous situations. 
• Fuel efficiency: According to one study, a fifth of all motorists waste £140 of fuel each year by driving with four underinflated tyres. Making sure each of your tyres is optimally inflated will therefore save you money in the long run. 
• Tyre Wear: Underinflated tyres flex and warm quicker than normal, accelerating rubber wear. This means that you’ll spend more money on replacement tyres over time. 
• Insurance: If you get into an accident and it’s found that your tyres are underinflated, this could considerably impact your claim and possible payout.

How Motorhome Tyres Can Be Affected By Weather Conditions

Motorhome tyres, and indeed all car tyres, can be affected by weather conditions. As a result, it’s a good idea to check your tyres before and after each trip to monitor them for damage and replace or repair them if necessary. To conquer any weather condition, here’s how different circumstances can impact your tyres.  

The Effects Of Heat On Motorhome Tyres  

It’s important to keep on top of tyre pressure when the weather is particularly hot, as insufficient pressure can cause long-term damage to your tyres. Heat causes tyres to expand, which can reduce grip strength and impact braking distances. 

The Effects Of Cold On Motorhome Tyres  

On the other hand, cold weather can cause tyres to contract, reducing car performance and the ability of tyres to sufficiently grip the road. Consistent cold weather can also cause the pressure of your tyres to decrease, so make sure you’re keeping on top of this throughout winter.

The Effects Of Wet Weather On Motorhome Tyres  

No matter if you’re in a motorhome or a car, it’s a good idea to drive slowly and steadily in the rain, as your tyres will have less grip on the road. To avoid aquaplaning, make sure your tyres are well inflated. 

Different Types Of Motorhome Tyres

Although many motorhome owners believe otherwise, there are actually several different types of tyres available for leisure vehicles that are optimised for different configurations. The main types of motorhome tyres include: 

• CP tyres: Made specifically for the higher loads and varied weights of motorhomes.

• C tyres: Made for vans and motorhomes that are lighter in weight. 

• All-season tyres: Ideal for those who enjoy touring their motorhome across the continent – these tyres have a unique tread and temperature-adaptive rubber. 

• Winter tyres: With a deep, wide tread, these tyres offer a shorter stopping distance and better handling on icy roads. 

Is There A Difference Between Motorhome Tyres And Car Tyres?

Yes, there are plenty of differences between car tyres and motorhome tyres, with the latter being optimised to handle the necessary weight of leisure vehicles. In addition, motorhome tyres have thicker sidewalls and are built to withstand long periods of being static without damaging their integrity. When it comes to driving, motorhome owners will also find that their vehicles are easier to handle thanks to unique tread patterns in the tyres that aid balance and stability, even in wet weather.

Looking for the perfect motorhome to start your adventure? Why wait to make your purchase? With AutoFinance, you can find the perfect deal to secure your motorhome! Making purchasing your new motorhome simple, at AutoFinance, we do the hard work for you and reach out to dealers across the country to find you the best deal. Enjoy outstanding deals today from our team of experts for a stress-free financing process.  

Reach out to us today to get a quote.

To find out more about your new motorhome, explore our other blogs below. 

A Beginner’s Guide to Buying a Motorhome

Everything You Need to Know About Motorhome MOTs

From A to C: Understanding The Different Motorhome Classes