It’s easy to take for granted that the tyres on your motorhome are fine for use, but the reality is that every year up to a third of all motorhome accidents are caused by owners not checking that their tyres are in good condition.
Motorhomes by their very nature are often in storage and only used a few weeks of the year. But recent research found that as many as 33% of all motorhome collisions were caused by vehicles suffering tyre blowouts.
Now imagine trying to drive 3.5 metric tonnes of rapidly moving metal, which has just lost control through missing one of only four connections it has to the road surface, and you get an idea of just why good motorhome tyre maintenance is vital.
European driving regulations recommend a minimum tread depth of 1.6mm across the full width of the tyre, but replacing tyres well before they reach their legal limit is strongly advised – with organisations such as the Caravan Club recommending tyres are replaced every five to seven years regardless of their condition.
Checking your tyres is vital on a regular basis, especially during winter if it has not been driven for a while. Always look for any sign of the sidewalls cracking, or the tyres looking deformed, if they have been left for a while – especially on stationary vehicles.
If the motorhome’s parked outside and unused, especially if it’s exposed to coastal conditions, then cover the tyres to protect them from direct sunlight or seaside air, to prevent unnecessary damage to the tyre walls.
Should you find you are not using the motorhome for an extended period of time, it may be wiser to jack the vehicle up and take the weight off the tyres to protect them further. It is better to be safe than sorry, so if you see any sign of tyre wall damage or degradation then consult with your local garage immediately.
Once you are back on the road, making sure you have the right tyres for your motorhome is essential. Usually motorhomes have C type tyres – the type used on light commercial vehicles – which are designed to cope with larger load weights. Changing the type of tyre on your motorhome can have a serious effect on how it handles, so you should never replace them with ones designed for lower load capacities or speeds.
In some European countries, changing the tyres to ones with different specifications to those set down by the original manufacturer can be illegal – so if you’re planning to travel abroad with your motorhome make sure the tyres you have fitted are not going to leave you facing expensive bills or worse when on the continent. Make sure you research what countries have different regulations.
Checking your spare tyre is also essential – your motorhome should carry one in case of emergencies and you should treat this like any of your regular tyres to avoid any issues should you be forced to make a replacement while on the road.
Not for profit group Tyresafe has a useful guide to safe speeds and tyre pressures for motorhome drivers which is available to download for free here.
Emm-Bee Motorhomes’ can carry out a full service and examination of your motorhome, and are approved to carry out repairs and servicing to guarantee your safety on the road.
If you have any concerns about your tyres before taking to the road, do not hesitate to contact our expert team on 0161 797 2988 or click here to book an appointment online.
Whether it’s the height of summer or the dead of winter, make sure you do not forget these simple tips to make sure your tyres remain in suitable condition to keep you safe while driving in your motorhome.
- Make sure all tyres, including any spares, are at a pressure in line with the recommendations of the manufacturer.
- Check for signs of cracks, bulges or degradation in the tyre and sidewall – even if it seems minor – along with any damage from impacts.
- Check the tyres regularly – and consider replacing any where the depth of the tread is less than 3mm.
- Remember to drive at the correct speed for the vehicle to avoid undue stress on the tyres.
Following the right safety procedures can be the difference between a safe holiday in your motorhome, or an accident that could prove costly in more ways than one.
