Caravan Tyre Pressure Uk Before Towing
Before towing a caravan in the UK, set the caravan tyres to the pressure specified for that caravan, tyre size and load, and check them cold before you hitch up. The right number comes from the caravan plate, handbook or manufacturer data, not from a general internet PSI chart.
Where the correct pressure comes from
Start with the plate or sticker on the caravan body, often near the door on newer touring caravans. Halfords notes that this plate may also show tyre size, MTPLM and other load information. If the plate is missing, use the handbook or manufacturer support for your exact model and year.
TyreSafe caravan tyre advice points drivers back to manufacturer information and cold checks before journeys. That is important because caravan tyres may sit for long periods, carry high loads, and lose pressure while stored. A tyre can look acceptable from a distance yet still be well below its required pressure.
Pre-tow pressure checklist
- Check when cold, before the caravan has been towed or left in direct sun for long.
- Confirm the fitted tyre size matches the pressure information you are using.
- Use the caravan plate or handbook figure for the current load condition.
- Inspect tread, sidewalls, valves and visible cracking before inflating.
- Check the spare if one is fitted and accessible.
- After storage, take extra time: pressure loss, ageing and flat spots are easier to miss when the caravan has not moved for months.
Decision table: which source should you trust?
| Source | Use it when | Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Caravan plate | It matches your fitted tyre size and caravan model. | Do not use if the tyres have been changed to a different specification. |
| Handbook | The plate is missing or unclear. | Use the exact model and year, not a similar caravan. |
| Manufacturer or dealer | You cannot confirm tyre size, MTPLM or pressure. | Requires the caravan details before travel. |
| TyreSafe calculator or advice | You need a secondary check or general safety guidance. | It does not override the caravan manufacturer's data. |
When a small pump may not be enough
TyreSafe towing guidance warns that correct pressure is critical for trailers and caravans, and some domestic pumps may struggle with required pressures. If your caravan needs a high pressure, a tiny emergency inflator that overheats or cannot reach the figure is not the right tool for the full job. Use a capable compressor or a reliable airline, then verify the pressure with a gauge you trust.
If you also want one home-and-road tool for routine top-ups, a dual-power inflator can be relevant when its pressure range, duty cycle and cable reach suit your caravan and tow car. The same-site option is the Oasser dual-power tyre inflator, but only consider it after checking your caravan's required pressure and the pump's stated limits.
Do not forget the tow car
The caravan is only half the pressure job. Your tow car may need its rear tyres set to a towing or fully-laden figure before the trip. For that separate check, see the linked guide on tow-car tyre pressure when towing.