When you’re travelling thousands of kilometres across Australia by RV, your tyres are your most important safety feature. They’re the only point of contact between your van and the road — and on long outback stretches, steep alpine descents, or corrugated gravel tracks, even a minor tyre issue can become a major problem fast.
Australian conditions present unique challenges: scorching summer highways, sudden downpours, rugged unsealed roads, and remote distances where help may be hours away. Tyres that are underinflated, overaged, or misaligned aren’t just inefficient — they’re dangerous. Blowouts, poor handling, and uneven wear can leave you stranded or worse.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to inspect, maintain, and protect your caravan or motorhome tyres to ensure they’re road-trip ready. From understanding correct pressures and load ratings to dealing with blowouts and preparing for off-road tracks, we’ll walk you through every step to keep your wheels safe, legal, and long-lasting on Aussie roads.
Understand the Tyre Load Ratings for Your RV
Before you even check your tyre pressure or inspect for wear, you need to make sure you’re running the right tyres for your rig’s weight. Every RV — whether it’s a camper trailer, caravan, or motorhome — has a Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM), which is the maximum loaded weight it can legally carry. Your tyres must be rated to handle that load safely.
How to Read Tyre Load and Speed Ratings
On the sidewall of every tyre, you’ll find a code like “225/75R16 113/110Q”. The 113/110 refers to the load index, and the Q is the speed rating. For example, a load index of 113 means each tyre can support 1,150 kg. Multiply this by the number of tyres on the axle to determine whether the setup supports your RV’s weight.
Important: RVs that are even slightly overloaded can generate excess heat in tyres, leading to blowouts, tread separation, or premature failure — especially in hot or high-speed driving conditions.
Where to Find Correct Load Specs
Check your:
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Compliance plate (usually near the RV door or drawbar)
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Owner’s manual
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Manufacturer website
When replacing tyres, always match or exceed the factory-specified load index. Under-rated tyres may void your insurance or leave you legally liable in the event of an accident.
Understanding load ratings isn’t just about compliance — it’s about safety, handling, and peace of mind across every terrain Australia has to offer.
Tyre Pressure: The Golden Rule of RV Safety
Maintaining correct tyre pressure is the single most important thing you can do to ensure safety, reduce wear, and improve fuel efficiency on long Australian drives. RVs are heavier and more complex than cars — and improper pressure affects everything from braking performance to stability in crosswinds or cornering.
Ideal Cold Pressure for RV Tyres
Tyre pressure should always be checked “cold” — before driving or after sitting for a few hours. The right PSI (pounds per square inch) varies based on:
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Vehicle type (caravan vs motorhome)
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Tyre size and load index
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Weight distribution (e.g., water tanks, supplies, passengers)
As a general guide:
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Light caravans: 40–50 PSI
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Heavy caravans or motorhomes: 55–80 PSI
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Always consult the placard, manual, or manufacturer for exact recommendations
Underinflation causes heat buildup, poor handling, and blowouts. Overinflation leads to harsh rides and uneven tread wear.
How Heat and Terrain Affect Tyre Pressure
Driving through hot Aussie regions — like the Nullarbor or Outback Queensland — causes internal tyre temperatures to rise, increasing pressure by up to 4–5 PSI. That’s normal, and you should not bleed air while hot.
On gravel roads or sand tracks, lowering tyre pressure slightly can improve grip and reduce bounce, but be sure to reinflate promptly on sealed roads.
How to Check and Maintain Pressure
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Use a digital gauge for accuracy (stick gauges are less reliable)
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Check all tyres, including spares, before each long drive
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Don’t forget dual axle setups — check both inner and outer tyres
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Recheck after significant altitude or temperature changes
Consider a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
A TPMS tracks your tyres in real-time and alerts you to sudden drops or overheating — crucial for long hauls. Top brands used by Aussie RVers include:
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Tyredog
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TPMS Australia
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Enerdrive TPMS Kit
Proper pressure management is your first defence against roadside emergencies. It also saves fuel, extends tyre life, and delivers a smoother, safer ride on any Aussie road.
Inspecting Tyres Before Every Long Drive
Before every big drive — especially when crossing remote parts of Australia — a five-minute tyre inspection can prevent blowouts, delays, and dangerous roadside situations. Tyres might look fine at a glance, but hidden damage, debris, or uneven wear can quickly turn into a problem when you’re travelling at 100 km/h with a heavy rig.
What to Look For in a Pre-Trip Check
Start with a simple walk-around of your RV or tow vehicle:
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Tread Wear: Check all tyres for even tread depth. Use a tread gauge or the built-in wear bars. The legal minimum tread depth in Australia is 1.5 mm, but for touring, 3 mm or more is safer — especially in wet weather.
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Sidewall Cracks and Bulges: Cracks indicate UV or age-related deterioration, while bubbles or bulges may signal internal damage — both are signs you need to replace the tyre immediately.
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Objects Embedded in Tread: Look for nails, screws, sharp stones, or glass. Even a small piece lodged in the tread can cause a slow leak or blowout after heat builds up on long drives.
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Valve Stems: Flex them gently. Cracks, brittleness, or loose caps can cause slow leaks. Replace damaged stems before setting off.
Tools to Carry for Quick Inspections
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Tyre pressure gauge (digital preferred)
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Torch or headlamp for checking in low light
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Tyre tread depth gauge or coin (20c piece test)
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Tyre repair kit and portable air compressor
Inspect All Tyres — Not Just One Side
Many RVs have dual axles or inside-mounted spare tyres, so make sure to check:
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Inside tyre walls for rubbing or stone wedging
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Rear tyres on motorhomes — often neglected and hidden from view
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Spare tyre for cracks or low pressure
Don’t forget to listen, too: while driving, unusual vibration or noise can also be early signs of tyre trouble.
A quick inspection before you hit the road can mean the difference between a smooth, safe journey and a dangerous roadside emergency — especially when travelling far from the next servo or mechanic.
Rotating and Aligning Your RV Tyres
Even if you’ve invested in high-quality tyres and maintain perfect pressure, uneven wear is inevitable without regular rotation and alignment. This is especially true for dual-axle caravans, motorhomes with rear-wheel bias, or rigs that consistently carry heavy loads on one side (like kitchen slide-outs or water tanks).
Why Tyre Rotation Matters
Tyres wear at different rates depending on their position. For example:
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Front tyres on motorhomes wear faster due to steering and braking forces
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Rear tyres often carry more weight, especially in tow vehicles or loaded motorhomes
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In tandem-axle caravans, the front axle often wears quicker due to drag and pivot stress
Rotating your tyres helps:
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Extend total tyre lifespan
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Improve ride smoothness
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Maintain balanced traction and handling
Recommended Rotation Intervals and Patterns
As a general rule, rotate tyres every 10,000 km or annually, whichever comes first. Use these patterns:
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Motorhomes: Follow standard 4-tyre or 6-tyre patterns based on whether it’s front-, rear-, or all-wheel drive
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Dual-Axle Caravans: Swap front left with rear left, and front right with rear right
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Spare Usage: Consider rotating in the spare (if full-size) to keep wear even across all tyres
Tip: Always mark tyre positions with chalk before rotation to track wear trends.
Wheel Alignment: When and Why
Alignment affects more than steering — it determines how evenly your tyres touch the road.
Signs you need an alignment:
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Uneven tread wear (e.g., bald spots on one edge)
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Vehicle pulls to one side
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Steering feels loose or “wandering”
Alignment is especially critical after:
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Hitting a pothole or kerb
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Travelling on corrugated roads
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Suspension upgrades or repairs
Have alignment checked every 12 months, or after major suspension work. Most tyre shops can do alignments for both vehicles and large RVs.
Keeping your tyres rotated and aligned ensures even wear, safer handling, and maximum return on your tyre investment — crucial when touring long Aussie roads.
Tyre Age and Replacement Guidelines
Tyres don’t last forever — even if they look fine and have plenty of tread left. Rubber degrades over time due to sun exposure, heat cycles, and simple ageing. This is especially relevant in Australia, where intense UV radiation and hot road surfaces can prematurely age tyres, increasing the risk of failure on long-distance drives.
How to Check the Age of Your Tyres
Every tyre has a DOT code stamped on its sidewall. The last four digits indicate the week and year of manufacture. For example, a code that ends in “2219” means the tyre was made in the 22nd week of 2019.
Tyres older than 5–7 years should be closely inspected, regardless of appearance. Beyond this age:
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The rubber hardens and loses grip
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Sidewalls become more prone to cracking
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Blowout risk increases significantly under heat and load
Even if your RV is used occasionally, tyre age still matters — parked tyres degrade just like driven ones.
Why Tread Depth Isn’t the Only Indicator
It’s easy to assume that if there’s still tread, the tyre is good to go. But in reality:
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Tyres can look brand new and still fail due to internal breakdown
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UV exposure causes microscopic cracks that weaken structure
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Long-term parked tyres develop flat spots and lose elasticity
For safety, consider replacing RV tyres:
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Every 5–6 years if travelling often
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Every 7 years max, even for low-use vehicles
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Immediately if cracking, bulging, or vibration appears
UV and Storage Exposure Accelerate Ageing
RVs stored outdoors suffer faster tyre ageing. To reduce degradation:
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Use tyre covers to block UV rays
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Park on wood, rubber pads, or levellers instead of bare concrete
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Rotate parked RV tyres occasionally to avoid flat-spotting
Your tyres may look fine — but if they’re past their expiry window, they’re a ticking time bomb on Australia’s long, remote highways. Staying ahead of the replacement curve ensures safe travels and avoids costly roadside drama.
Dealing With Common Tyre Problems on the Road
Even with excellent tyre care, things can go wrong — especially when you’re travelling through rugged terrain, outback roads, or remote regions with limited services. Knowing how to identify, respond to, and recover from common tyre issues can make the difference between a minor hiccup and a major holiday disaster.
Handling a Blowout While Driving
A blowout at highway speed can be frightening. Here’s what to do:
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Stay calm and keep both hands firmly on the wheel
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Do not slam on the brakes — ease off the accelerator gradually
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Allow the vehicle to slow down naturally, then pull over safely
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Once stopped, activate your hazard lights, apply the handbrake, and assess the situation
If your van or trailer is swaying, resist the urge to correct too sharply. Keeping the steering steady helps avoid jackknifing or overcorrection.
Tyre Repair Kits vs Spare Tyres
Every RV should carry at least one full-sized spare tyre in good condition. In addition, many RVers carry:
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Puncture repair kits (plug kits for tubeless tyres)
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Tyre slime or sealant for slow leaks (temporary fix only)
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Portable 12V air compressor to reinflate after patching
Puncture kits can work well for nail or screw holes, but they won’t help with sidewall damage or blowouts. For long-distance or remote driving, nothing beats a ready-to-go spare.
How to Safely Jack Up an RV or Caravan
Lifting a heavy RV requires care:
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Use a rated bottle jack or caravan jack with proper weight capacity
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Always jack on manufacturer-approved lifting points
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Place a solid timber block or jack plate under the jack if on dirt or gravel
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Use wheel chocks and engage the handbrake before lifting
Never crawl under the van unless it’s supported by rated jack stands — not just the jack.
When to DIY vs Call for Help
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DIY is OK if: you have experience, the road is flat, and conditions are safe
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Call roadside assistance if: it’s dark, you’re on a slope, there’s heavy traffic, or you’re unsure
Services like NRMA, RACV, or RACQ often offer RV coverage — highly recommended for Aussie travellers.
Being prepared for tyre issues doesn’t mean expecting the worst — it means having the confidence to keep going when something unexpected happens.
Off-Road and Unsealed Road Considerations
Australia’s vast network of unsealed roads, sandy tracks, and remote gravel highways opens up incredible destinations for RVers — but it also demands special attention to tyre care. Driving on rough terrain without adjusting your approach can drastically shorten tyre life, increase puncture risk, and compromise safety.
Lowering Tyre Pressure for Off-Road Conditions
When travelling on corrugated gravel roads, sand, or soft dirt, slightly lowering your tyre pressure improves traction, reduces vibration, and helps prevent punctures from sharp rocks or edges.
General guidelines:
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Reduce tyre pressure by 10–15% from your normal road pressure
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On sand, drop further — but only if you’re confident and can reinflate later
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Never go below recommended minimums for your tyre type and load
Lower pressure allows tyres to flex more, creating a larger contact patch and cushioning against harsh bumps.
Risks of Over-Inflation on Corrugated Roads
Over-inflated tyres:
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Bounce more on rough terrain
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Are more prone to sidewall cuts and tread separation
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Lead to harsher ride and increased suspension stress
Many RV tyre failures on outback roads are due to drivers leaving in highway pressures on corrugated tracks. Always adjust based on terrain — and reinstate normal pressure before returning to sealed roads.
Reinflating Tyres After Off-Road Sections
Never drive long distances on bitumen with deflated tyres. Use a:
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12V portable air compressor (ARB, Kings, or Ironman make popular models)
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Onboard air tank system if your RV is kitted for overlanding
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Roadside servo (last resort if remote)
Keep a tyre pressure guide in your glovebox for sealed vs unsealed settings.
Choosing the Right Tyres for Off-Road Use
If your travel style regularly includes unsealed roads or beach camping:
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Opt for all-terrain (A/T) tyres with reinforced sidewalls
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Look for brands like BFGoodrich, Cooper, or Toyo Open Country A/T
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Ensure your chosen tyre still meets your RV’s load rating and size specs
A/T tyres offer better puncture resistance, grip, and durability than highway-only tyres — a worthwhile investment if you’re venturing off the beaten track.
With the right pressure, gear, and technique, off-road driving becomes an adventure — not a liability — for your tyres.
Long-Term Tyre Storage Tips for RVers
Whether you’re storing your RV for a few weeks or an entire off-season, tyre care doesn’t stop when the wheels do. In fact, improper storage is a leading cause of premature tyre ageing, cracking, and flat spotting — all of which can lead to dangerous failures when you hit the road again.
Keep Tyres Off the Ground (If Possible)
When an RV sits in one spot for too long:
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Flat spots can develop from weight pressure
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Sidewalls may weaken, especially in extreme temperatures
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Concrete or dirt can leach moisture and chemicals into the rubber
Best practices:
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Use levelling blocks or tyre cradles to distribute weight evenly
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Place timber boards or rubber pads under tyres if parking on hard surfaces
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For long-term storage, consider jacking the van slightly to remove full weight from tyres (only on stable ground and if manufacturer permits)
Use Tyre Covers to Block UV Damage
Australian sun is brutal — and UV rays degrade rubber quickly. If your RV is stored outdoors:
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Use UV-resistant tyre covers (available from RV parts shops and online)
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Avoid using plastic sheeting or tarps directly on the tyre — they trap heat
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If no cover is available, at least park with tyres shaded
UV exposure causes cracks, sidewall drying, and loss of elasticity — even if tread depth remains good.
Inflate and Rotate During Storage
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Inflate tyres to manufacturer’s maximum rated PSI during storage to reduce sidewall flex
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If storing for more than 2–3 months, move the RV a few feet monthly to avoid flat spots
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Visually inspect and top up air pressure every 30–60 days, especially during extreme temperature swings
Tip: Consider leaving a reminder or logbook entry for last pressure check and rotation — especially if multiple people use the RV.
Keep Tyres Clean and Dry
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Wash off any dirt, salt, or road grime before storing
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Avoid tyre dressings with petroleum — they may speed up degradation
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Dry tyres thoroughly before applying covers
Tyres in storage still age — but by keeping them clean, inflated, protected, and occasionally rotated, you’ll dramatically extend their life and reduce the chance of a surprise failure next season.
Conclusion: Tyres That Last the Distance
In the world of RV travel, your tyres are quite literally where the rubber meets the road. They’re tasked with supporting thousands of kilos, navigating rugged terrain, handling unpredictable weather, and carrying you safely across some of the most remote parts of Australia. Yet, they’re often the most overlooked part of RV maintenance.
The good news? With regular attention — checking pressure, monitoring wear, rotating tyres, and replacing them on time — you can dramatically improve both the safety and longevity of your RV tyres. Whether you’re planning a lap of Australia, tackling the Gibb River Road, or simply heading to your favourite coastal campground, proper tyre care gives you peace of mind and saves you money in the long run.
Before your next trip, take a few minutes to inspect your tyres, check your pressure, and make sure your spare is ready. It’s a simple habit that could save your holiday — or your life.
