Tyre Safety for Campervans

Campervan tyres are not just rubber rings that keep the wheels turning; they are the very foundation of your vehicle's safety. Tyres carry the full weight of your van, your belongings, and let’s face it, your entire holiday. Neglecting them is a gamble no one should take.

Why Tyre Safety Matters

Unlike a car, a fully loaded campervan can weigh in at over 3 tonnes. That much weight, combined with long motorway stints and tight campsite manoeuvres, puts your tyres under pressure, literally and figuratively.

Just imagine - someone barrels down a French motorway only to hear the dreaded flap-flap of a blown tyre. Their van swerves, the awning takes a hit, and the insurance excess suddenly feels very real. A quick pre-trip check could’ve saved the whole drama.

Common Tyre-Related Issues

• Underinflation – A leading cause of blowouts and excess tyre wear.
• Overloading – Exceeding your payload puts extra stress on tyres and affects braking.
• Ageing – Even with good tread, rubber degrades over time. Most tyres should be replaced after 5–6 years, regardless of use.
• Incorrect type – Car tyres on a campervan? A recipe for disaster. You need commercial-grade tyres with the right load index.
• Poor alignment – Causes uneven wear and can mess with steering, especially noticeable on long drives.

Pre-Trip Tyre Checklist

Every time you head off, especially on a longer journey, take a few minutes to run through this:

• Check pressure – Use a reliable gauge. Find the correct pressure in your manual or on the door frame.
• Inspect tread depth – Legal minimum is 1.6mm, but anything under 3mm is worth replacing.
• Look for cracks or bulges – Sidewall damage is a serious safety risk.
• Check the spare – It’s always when you probably need it most that it turns out to be flat or missing.
• Inspect valve caps – A missing cap might not seem like a big deal, but it helps maintain pressure and keeps dirt out.

Tyres and Insurance Claims

Tyre-related issues are among the top avoidable causes of campervan insurance claims. Whether it’s a collision caused by poor grip or a blowout leading to secondary damage, insurers may take a dim view if maintenance was clearly neglected.

It’s a bit like leaving your fridge door open and then wondering why the milk went off. A flat or damaged tyre could invalidate a claim if it’s linked to the root cause of an incident.

Winter Tyres and Continental Travel

Heading to the Alps? Some European countries require winter tyres by law. Even where they’re not mandatory, they’re a wise choice for grip and control.

• Germany, Austria and some regions in France have specific winter tyre laws.
• Look for tyres marked with the snowflake symbol if planning cold-weather travel.

One campervanner found themselves sliding into a snowy lay-by in Austria with standard summer tyres. They were lucky it was just the back bumper that took the hit, not another vehicle. Their insurance premium wasn’t quite so lucky the following year.

Tyre Storage and Off-Season Tips

If your campervan’s parked up for the winter, don’t forget your tyres. Long periods of inactivity can lead to flat spots and cracking.

• Inflate to the upper end of the recommended range before storage.
• Move the vehicle every few weeks if possible.
• Use tyre covers if stored outdoors to protect from UV damage.

Wrapping Up

Tyre safety isn’t glamorous, but it’s very, very important. A few minutes of attention could prevent thousands in repair costs, or worse. Treat your tyres well and they’ll return the favour, mile after mile.

Before you head out on your next adventure, it’s also worth making sure your insurance is up to scratch. Get a quote and ensure you're fully covered, just in case those tyres ever let you down.