Tyre pressure might seem like a minor detail, but on a motorhome it's a critical safety issue: a heavy vehicle, often loaded close to its limit, running on poor pressure has a much higher risk of a blowout or poor handling. Keeping it in check (and better still, with sensors that alert you) prevents serious scares. Here's why it matters so much and how to stay on top of it.
Why pressure is critical on a camper
- Heavy weight: a camper runs close to its maximum weight, and its tyres work near their limit; correct pressure is what lets them safely carry that load.
- Blowouts: the number one cause of a blowout is driving on low pressure (the tyre flexes, overheats and bursts), a serious hazard at speed on a heavy vehicle.
- Wear and fuel use: poor pressure causes uneven tyre wear and increases fuel consumption.
- Handling: it affects braking, stability and comfort.
The correct pressure
- Based on load: the right pressure for a camper is usually high (due to the weight), and it's set by the manufacturer according to the load on each axle. A car's pressure won't do.
- Check it cold (before driving; heat raises the pressure).
- Check it often, especially before long trips and when the camper is loaded.
- Don't forget the spare wheel (if you carry one; see changing a wheel).
TPMS sensors: a great ally
TPMS (tyre pressure monitoring systems) are sensors that watch the pressure (and sometimes temperature) of each wheel and alert you on a screen if it drops or rises abnormally. On a camper they're highly recommended: they warn you of a slow pressure loss before it causes a blowout, giving you time to pull over safely. Some come fitted from the factory, and others can be installed (with sensors on the valves). A modest investment in safety.
Don't forget condition and age
Besides pressure, keep an eye on the condition (tread, cracks, deformation) and the age of your tyres: rubber ages over the years even with little use, and a low-mileage camper can easily have tyres that expire by age rather than wear (see tyres).
In short
Tyre pressure is critical for safety on a heavy camper (a blowout from low pressure is a serious hazard), so keep it correct (high, based on load) and check it cold often; TPMS sensors warn you before a problem develops. The step you can take today: set the pressure to what the manufacturer specifies for your load (checking it cold before every long trip) and consider fitting a TPMS; it will warn you of a leak before it becomes dangerous. Pair it with tyres.