There’s nothing quite like the freedom of hitting the open road in a motorhome, but nothing stops a great trip faster than tyre trouble. Your tyres are the only thing between your home on wheels and the road, so looking after them properly isn’t just about longevity. It’s about safety, stability, and making sure you get where you’re going without issue.
Here are our top tips for motorhome tyre maintenance so you can focus on enjoying the journey!
Check Your Tyre Pressure Before Every Trip
If there’s one habit to get into, it’s checking your tyre pressure regularly. The right pressure keeps your motorhome running smoothly, improves fuel efficiency, and—most importantly—reduces the risk of a blowout. Under-inflated tyres overheat and wear out faster, while overinflated ones make for a rougher ride with less grip.
The correct tyre pressure for your motorhome depends on its loaded weight, so if you haven’t had your motorhome weighed at a weigh bridge, it’s a good idea to do so before setting off. Once you know your axle weights, you can adjust your cold tyre inflation pressure accordingly.
You’ll find the recommended tyre pressure on the tyre placard, usually inside the driver’s door or in the owner’s manual. Always check your tyres when they’re cold, before you start driving for the day, and use a quality tyre pressure gauge, as service station air pumps aren’t always reliable. Additionally, you could invest in a tyre pressure monitoring system so you can keep an eye on your tyres in real time and ensure they’re at the correct pressure.
But if you’re in a pinch, a quick trick some seasoned travellers use is tapping the tyre with a metal bar—if it gives a nice ring, it’s likely good to go. A dull thud? Time to check the pressure.
Make Sure You’re Using the Right Tyres
Not all tyres are created equal, and your motorhome needs something built for the job. Every new Avida motorhome is fitted with tyres matched to its chassis, but when the time comes to replace them, it’s important to stick as close as possible to the original specifications from the chassis manufacturer. If an exact match isn’t available, light truck tyres are the best alternative. These tyres have stronger sidewalls and deeper treads, making them more durable for long trips.
Choosing the wrong tyres or over-inflating your tyres to compensate for a heavy load can put extra strain on your motorhome’s handling and stability. Overloading is a common cause of tyre failure, particularly on single-rear-wheel motorhomes where the back axle carries most of the weight. If you’re unsure whether your current tyres are suited to your motorhome’s weight and load distribution, getting them checked by a tyre professional is always a smart move, but if that’s not possible, tyre manufacturers will usually have the information available online.
Keep an Eye on Tyre Wear
Tyres don’t last forever, but keeping an eye on their condition can help you avoid issues on the road. The legal minimum tyre tread depth in Australia is 1.5mm, but for better grip and safety, it’s best to replace them well before they get to that point. If you notice uneven wear, cracks, bulges, or cuts, these could be signs of under-inflation, misalignment, or suspension issues, all of which should be addressed before your next trip.
Even if your tyres still look fine, they should generally be replaced every five to seven years, as rubber naturally deteriorates and perishes over time. Regular inspections can go a long way in preventing unexpected failures, so it’s worth giving your tyres a good once-over before each trip. If something doesn’t look right, getting them checked by a professional is always the safer option. However, be prepared to shell out for new tyres if their report doesn’t come back clear.
Don’t Forget About Your Spare Tyre
A flat tyre in the middle of nowhere is bad enough, but the last thing you want is to discover your spare wheel is unusable when you need it most. Just like your main tyres, your spare needs regular checks to ensure it’s properly inflated and in good condition. It’s also important to have everything you need to change a tyre, including a jack, wheel brace, and a ground tarp to keep things clean.
If you ever find yourself in a tricky spot, Avida RV Help offers 24-hour roadside assistance. Just call 1800 RV HELP, and we’ll get you sorted. Having that extra peace of mind can make all the difference on the road.
Hit the Road with Confidence in an Avida Motorhome
Taking care of your tyres is one of the simplest ways to keep your motorhome safe and reliable. Regular air pressure checks, proper tyre selection, and routine inspections help prevent issues before they happen. A little maintenance now can save a lot of trouble later.
Of course, the right motorhome makes all the difference too. If you’re looking for a vehicle built for comfort, reliability, and long-haul travel, explore our range of motorhomes for sale and find the perfect fit. Prefer something more compact and easy to manoeuvre? Our campervans for sale offer the ideal balance of convenience and adventure.
Wherever you’re headed next, we’re is here to help you travel with confidence.
