When Do Caravan Tyres Need Replacing? Age, Cracking & Safety

There is no legal age limit for caravan tyres in the UK, but the safety guidance from TyreSafe and the Caravan and Motorhome Club is clear: replace caravan tyres every 5 to 7 years, regardless of how much tread is left. Caravans cover very few miles yet spend months parked under a heavy, static load, so the rubber ages, cracks and weakens long before the tread ever wears down — which is why age, not tread depth, is what usually retires a caravan tyre.

How old is too old for a caravan tyre?

As a rule of thumb, start planning to replace caravan tyres at 5 years and treat 7 years as the sensible upper limit, even if they look fine and the tread is deep. There is no law forcing this on a private touring caravan — the 10-year tyre ban introduced in 2021 applies to lorries, buses and minibuses, not caravans — but every major body (TyreSafe, the Caravan and Motorhome Club and the tyre manufacturers) recommends age-based replacement, because caravan tyres degrade from standing still rather than from mileage.

How do I check my caravan tyre’s age?

Every tyre carries a DOT date code on the sidewall — the last four digits tell you the week and year it was made. For example, “2419” means week 24 of 2019. Check all four tyres and the spare, as they are often not the same age — especially on a used caravan. If you cannot find a date code within the last seven years, assume the tyre is due for replacement.

What should I actually look for?

• Cracking or crazing — fine cracks in the sidewall or between the tread blocks mean the rubber is perishing. Visible cracking is a replace-now sign.
• Bulges or blisters — a lump in the sidewall is internal damage that can fail suddenly. Replace it immediately.
• Flat spots — a caravan left standing can develop flat spots. Mild ones ease off after a few miles; a permanent flat spot means a new tyre.
• Tread depth — the legal minimum is 1.6 mm across the central three-quarters, the same as a car. Most caravan tyres are replaced on age long before this, but check it anyway.

What pressure should caravan tyres run at?

Always inflate to the pressure in your caravan’s handbook or the plate on the A-frame — never guess, and do not use car pressures. Caravan tyres often run noticeably higher than a car (frequently in the 50–65 psi range depending on load) because they carry a heavy load on relatively small tyres. Under-inflation is one of the biggest causes of caravan blowouts — a soft tyre overheats and can disintegrate at motorway speed. Always check pressures cold, before you set off.

How do I make caravan tyres last — and avoid a blowout?

• Keep them at the correct pressure and check before every trip.
• Do not exceed the caravan’s MTPLM (maximum weight), and make sure the tyres’ load and speed rating suit it — overloading cooks tyres.
• Fit tyre covers in storage to shield the rubber from UV and ozone.
• Move the caravan a little every few weeks over winter to avoid flat spots.
• Replace on age (5–7 years), not just on tread.

How much does caravan tyre replacement cost?

Expect roughly £70–£140 per tyre, fitted, depending on size, load rating and brand — see our caravan repair costs guide for the full breakdown. It is usually worth doing all of them at once if they are the same age. While the wheels are off is also a natural time to have the wheel bearings and brakes checked.

Get it checked by a local engineer

Not sure how old your tyres are, or spotted cracking you are unsure about? A mobile caravan engineer can inspect the tyres, wheels and running gear and replace anything past its best. Post a job with your postcode and compare quotes from local engineers — free for owners, no obligation.