Order RV tyres and start your journey in a relaxed way

Choosing the right tyres for your RV is crucial to ensure optimum road grip and to travel as safely as possible. Due to the variety of RV models, the range of tyres offered by well-known brand manufacturers is also very extensive. Below you will find information about the CP designation, why RV tyres should not exceed a certain age and how to find the right tyres.

What does CP stand for in tyres?

The abbreviation CP refers to specially manufactured camping tyres. If tyres are marked with a simple C, they are commercial or cargo tyres, which are mainly used in vans, family vans and light trucks. The main difference is that CP tyres for RVs or caravans offer higher overload capacities. This advantage is achieved through a reinforced substructure. In addition, the tyres are less sensitive to kerbs, gravel surfaces and similar obstacles on the road. In addition, they can be inflated with air pressures of up to 5.5 bar. This is an important aspect if you want to max out the load capacities of your vehicle.
Tip: Consider the load index (LI) before buying new motorhome tyres. Depending on the model, this is a two- or three-digit number. It is stated per tyre:

Tyres with an LI of 118 can each be loaded with up to 1,320 kg, allowing a total weight of up to 5,280 kg.
For classic RVs up to 3.5 tonnes (3,500 kg), an LI of 103 with a load capacity per tyre of 875 kg is sufficient.

Are CP tyres mandatory for RVs?

C-tyres with a load capacity adapted to the vehicle are part of the basic equipment of many RVs. However, this type of tyre is not mandatory. Nevertheless, they are highly recommended if you’re looking for higher load reserves as a precautionary measure. In addition, high-quality RV tyres feature additionally protected tyre sidewalls and laterally integrated abrasion blocks to increase the service life.

How long do RV tyres last?

The service life of your RV tyres cannot be determined by a fixed number of kilometres – regardless of whether they are C or CP tyres. There are several factors that play a role for the tyres' service life, which we will present below.

RV tyre tread
The natural ageing process
How do I determine the age of my RV tyres?
How old can a tyre be to pass the MOT?

RV tyre tread

As with all other tyres, the remaining tread is an important identifier to see if you should buy new RV tyres. The legal requirement is a minimum tread depth of 1.6 mm. Ideally, you should measure this on the centre tread, as this area has the most contact with the asphalt. As well as tread depth gauges, you can use a 20p coin with its 3 mm outer band to measure the tread of your tyres. If the band is not visible, the tyres are safe to use. The type of RV tyres you are using has different minimum tread depths. Here are the recommendations for summer and winter tyres or all-season tyres:

For summer tyres, it is recommended that the tread depth should not be less than 3 mm.
For winter tyres and all-weather tyres, it is recommended to have a tread depth of 4 mm.

Note: Using the tyres until they reach the legal tread limit may compromise your safety on the road.

The natural ageing process

In addition to tread wear caused by driving, RV tyres are subject to a typical ageing process that is influenced by various weather conditions. A process that occurs regardless of mileage even if you may only use your RV once or twice a year for holiday trips and short trips. Some of the typical identifying features include visible cracks on the flanks, which can pose a real danger. Likewise, greyish discolouration is an indication that your RV tyres have aged. Indications that it is high time for new tyres.

How do I determine the age of my RV tyres?

You can determine the age of the RV tyres by means of the DOT number. This is a four-digit number that is engraved on the sidewall of the tyres in the running direction. The first two numbers represent the month, the last two the year of manufacture. You can use this information to determine the exact age of the tyres.

How old can a tyre be to pass the MOT?

It is a surprising fact that there are no legal requirements for tyre age. This applies equally to cars and RVs, although the stress on the tyres per kilometre travelled is significantly higher for the latter. If the mileage is low and the tyres are in good condition, the MOT inspectors may approve RV tyres up to an age of 10 years. However, experts recommend changing the tyres after a . The reason is the ageing process described above, which automatically sets in with the rubber compounds over time. Even if it costs money, you should buy new RV tyres within this time frame to ensure safety for all passengers.

All-season tyres or RV tyres for summer and winter?

As a passionate camper, you will be faced with the question of which type of tyres to choose when ordering new RV tyres. Whether it's advisable to have all-season tyres or summer and winter tyres depends on your preferred travel time and the destinations. Below you will find some tips to help you choose.

Rules and regulations for all-season tyres

Whether it’s C or CP tyres: New regulations have applied to both variants since 2018. Previously, it was mandatory to use M+S tyres (where the two letters stand for mud and snow). If you currently buy new all-season RV tyres, they must be marked with the new snowflake symbol, often also called the Alpine symbol. You can still use M+S tyres manufactured before 2018 until 2024.
Important: If you travel abroad with your RV, you need to observe the local regulations.

The specialists: summer and winter tyres

If you are among the RV drivers who travel throughout the year, then summer and winter tyres are recommended. Depending on the season, you can fully exploit their potential in all types of road conditions – regardless of whether it is dry or wet or whether the snow is crunching under your wheels. If necessary, take snow chains with you when winter camping in alpine regions.

Ordering suitable tyres for popular RVs

According to various statistics, the trend towards RVs has been ongoing for several years. The recent Corona measures have further contributed to the current record number of registrations. Today, the number of registered RVs in the UK alone has exceeded 555,000. Among the most popular are models from Fiat, with the well-known Ducato serving as the base model. The conversion is carried out by various companies. In addition, there are luxury RVs based on trucks, which are fully customised to meet customers’ individual wishes and often exceed the 7.5 ton limit. It is obvious that truck tyres are used here. For new vehicles, there are various rim/tyre combinations available ex works. If you need new RV tyres due to tread wear or age, you should check the DOT number to determine the exact age of the tyres. You can find these either in the registration certificate part 1 or directly on the tyres. The combination of numbers and letters and their meaning is illustrated in the following example:
225/65 R16 91 CP 109 Q

Tyre width: the width is 225 mm.
Height-to-width ratio: the number 65 indicates that the tyre height is 65% of the tyre width.
Tyre type: the letter R indicates radial tyres typical for motorhomes.
Rim size: the two digits directly follow the tyre type indication. It is 16 inches.
Tyre type: CP stands for Camping, C for Cargo or Commercial. Both are possible.
Load index: with the index 109, each motorhome tyre may carry a load of up to 1030 kg. If you drive a 3.5 tonne motorhome, the load reserve is correspondingly large.
Speed index: Tyres with the index Q allow speeds of up to 160 km/h.

Note: For RVs up to 3.5 tonnes, follow the guidelines that also apply to passenger cars. Vehicles up to 7.5 tonnes are allowed to drive 50 mph on country roads and a maximum of 70 mph on motorways. We recommend choosing suitable C or CP tyres for your RV because of their higher load-bearing capacity. Make sure that the load index is not lower than the permissible total weight of the vehicle. Ideally, there should be a load reserve available for more safety. We deliver motorhome tyres in your desired design quickly and free of shipping costs for orders of two or more tyres. Order now!

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Prices include VAT and delivery within mainland UK (excl. special areas).