The Ultimate Guide to Caravan Tyre Pressure

Don’t know what tyre pressure your caravan should have? Get essential information and advice with this ultimate guide to caravan tyre pressure.

From ensuring the safety of your caravan on the road to optimising performance, it’s important to have the right tyre pressure for your caravan. In this guide, you’ll get all the information you need about choosing and setting the correct tyre pressure for your caravan.

Lowering Caravan Tyre Pressure Before Travelling The Ivanhoe Menindee Road

What is the Correct Tyre Pressure for a Caravan?

The correct tyre pressure for a caravan will depend on the size of your tyres as well as the load you are hauling. Generally, a good tyre pressure should be slightly higher than the minimum recommended. Check with your tyre manufacturer’s guidelines and adjust accordingly depending on the load and terrain that you are driving through. Ensure that the minimum and maximum limits provided on the sidewall of your tyres are observed; otherwise damage to your tyres may occur.

Use The 4PSI Rule

The 4PSI guideline applies to bitumen road use only. As a general rule the following can be used for road use only.

For passenger tyres, inflate your cold tyres to the recommended tyre pressure on your vehicle’s tyre placard.
Then, to determine if you have the correct pressure for a given load, you must note the cold pressure reading.
Drive for at least 20-30 minutes at normal posted speeds to ensure your tyres have reached operating temperature and then check again. Internal tyre pressure rise is dependent on the cavity of volume of the tyre and the tyres heat build-up.

Ideally, your tyre pressure should be about 4 PSI above the cold pressure. If they are not, adjust the pressure accordingly.

If the pressure is more than 4 PSI above the cold pressure, you should add more air. That is because there is too much friction, which builds up more heat than desirable. Conversely, if they are less than 4 PSI above the cold pressure, the cold pressure is too high and you should release air.

6PSI Rule For Light Truck And 4×4 Tyres

For light truck and 4×4 tyres use 6 PSI as a guide. However rough and corrugated roads cause more flexing and your tyres may rise more than the 4 or 6 PSI guide in which case applying this rule is not recommended.

How Do I Check My Tyre Pressure?

To check your caravan tyre pressure, you’ll need a quality tyre pressure gauge. This should not be confused with the least expensive type of gauge which generally only provide accurate readings up to around 30 PSI. The tyre pressure gauge can be inserted into the valve stem and it will provide an accurate reading after a few seconds. You should always check each tyre individually and adjust the pressures accordingly if needed. Remember to also check your spare tyre separately if you have one fitted.

What are the Benefits of Regularly Checking My Tyre Pressure?

Checking your caravan tyre pressure on a regular basis is beneficial in many ways. Properly inflated tyres enable better vehicle handling, improved fuel efficiency, and safer driving as more of the tyre’s tread comes into contact with the road surface. By keeping your tyres at the correct pressure, you help reduce your chances of damage to both the tyre itself and any other parts of your caravan caused by uneven load distribution due to airflow over an incorrectly inflated tyre.

What Should I do if My Tyres are Under-inflated or Over-inflated?

If you find that your tyres are either under-inflated or over-inflated, you should decrease or increase the air pressure accordingly. This can be done using a tyre pressure gauge and an appropriate pump. If your caravan has vastly different tyre pressures, it is always advisable to start by increasing the pressure on both of these tyres until they reach their optimal inflation level.

Tyre Deflator

What Other Precautions Should I Take When Topping up My Caravan Tyres?

It’s always important to take proper precautions when adjusting the air pressure of your caravan tyres. Before starting, ensure that there are no sharp objects in the area as these can puncture the tyre and allow for a rapid loss of air pressure. When inflating tyres, check that you have a secure connection between the pump and the valve stem and avoid overtightening the valves as this can cause damage to them. Always double-check each tyre after inflation and remember to check that all four tyres have similar pressures!

Tyre Pressure Guide For Different Terrains

Sand 18-26 PSI

A lot depends on the depth and coarseness of the sand. Lower pressure increases the size of your tyre’s footprint increasing its ability to stay on top of the sand instead of digging in. Otherwise known as its flotation characteristics. You also need to have enough momentum to stay on top. Higher pressures will be required when carrying heavy loads. Reduce speed appropriate to the depth and type of sand.

Remember that sand can change and be very different in patches. Sand also builds up heat in your tyres because you are running lower pressures for flotation and because of added friction. Keep a close watch on temperature and if they start to get too high pull over and take a break.

High Speed Smooth Gravel Roads 28-32 PSI

If your tyre pressure is too low on this surface you run the risk of sway and bounce. Higher pressures are generally required when carrying heavy loads. When driving corrugated roads reduce your speed as heat can build up quickly.

Slow Speed Rough Gravel Roads 24-28 PSI

Actual required tyre pressure varies dependant upon on how slow, how rough and with what load. Remember that the higher the speed the more heat generated in the tyre according to your load and the type of road surface being travelled. High temperature in the belts of the tyre is not something you can always feel by hand. Higher pressures are generally required when carrying heavy loads.

Slow Speed Rocky Gravel Roads 20-26 PSI

Ever noticed how easily a balloon pops at higher pressures when it hits something? And when the balloon has low pressure it’s harder to damage or pop? The same thing applies to tyres on rocks in most slow speed situations. Sidewall damage needs to be reduced by careful wheel placement.

Assuming that the going is very slow and possibly in low range and not generating a lot of heat in the tyre. You are looking to improve flexibility over obstacles without damaging the tyre. Very low pressures getting down around 18 psi and below can create a risk of pushing the tyre off the bead of the rim. 20 psi is generally an acceptable minimum low-pressure limit for most sizes. Higher pressures are generally required when carrying heavy loads.

Flexibility at low speed is what you want to achieve. Lowering tyre pressures will increase the size of your tyre’s footprint spreading lengthwise along the tyre.

Disused Grain Silos Buddigower NSW

Disused grain silos Australia is a really interesting subject and a favourite of mine. I had a look through the now disused grain silo at Buddigower in March 2022.

The now disused grain silos at Buddigower were in almost constant use up until 2002. They are now in a fairly overgrown state having closed over 20 years ago. There isn’t very much left of the once thriving village of Buddigower NSW Riverina except for the grain silos and some footings in the old village precinct.

Disused Grain Silos At Buddigower NSW

Grain Silos Australia – Why Do we have Them?

An Australian Wheat Board was formed under the War Precautions Act 1914. After formation of the Australian Wheat Board (AWB) the federal government began building grain silos across the wheat-producing regions. A concrete silo type S041 [4100 tonnes capacity] was built at Buddigower in 1928 on the Barmedman to Rankins Springs railway line.

Buddigower Grain Silo Weighbridge

The Grain Silo Weighbridge At Buddigower

The grain silo weighbridge at Buddigower appears to be fully intact. With a clean-up and a service I think it would be ready to use. The scale section of the weighbridge is clearly marked as having been made by Asco and it has a label on it with the last calibration date of the 6^th of July 2000.

Weighbridge Scales At Abandoned Buddigower Silos

About Buddigower

The village of Buddigower was first surveyed in 1922 by Councillor Holland and declared before Mr H.R Helyar JP at West Wyalong in 1925. The lease of “Buddigower Run” was first gazetted on September 29, 1862 and was held by William Marshall. The native name means “Smoke in a hollow tree”.

Buddigower Information Board

At it’s peak Buddigower village consisted of the following buildings,

Rail workers cottages
Shop and Post Office
School teachers residence
Boarding house
Public hall
Tennis courts
Public school
Train passenger platform
Train goods platform
Silos and sample stand

Important Events Of Buddigower Village

Rail Siding: Opened January 8, 1923 and closed July 19, 1975
Buddigower School: Opened 1923 and closed 1972
Telephone Exchange: Opened 1925
Buddigower Post Office (un-official): Opened 1926 and closed 1966
Buddigower Silos: Erected 1928 opened December 1929 and closed 2002
Public Hall: Built 1923

Buddigower Nature Reserve

Buddigower Nature Reserve was created in November 1963. It covers an area of 327ha. Grey box, mugga iron bark and white cypress are found growing on lower slopes. Areas of blue mallee, bull mallee, green mallee and congoo mallee are found on low gravelly ridges. The reserve provides typical habitat for the endangered malleefowl, shy heathwren and southern scrub robin. Buddigower Nature Reserve is designed to protect mallee and woodland habitat by minimising disturbance and visitation.

Grain Silos Australia Gallery – Buddigower

Buddigower Abandoned Grain Silos

Disused Grain Silos Buddigower

Buddigower Silos

Buddigower Grain Silos At Buddigower

Buddigower Grain Silo Weighbridge

Buddigower Grain Silo Weighbridge And Tipping Pits

Buddigower Information Board

Buddigower NSW Grain Silos

Buddigower Wheat Silos

Corner Of Beckom Road And Ariah Park aRoad

Corrugated Iron Replacing A Long Gone Door At Buddigower Silos

Disused Grain Silos At Buddigower NSW

Disused Grain Silos Buddigower NSW

Graincorp Grain Pricing Sign At Buddigower Siding

Inside Abandoned Buddigower Silos

Inside Buddigower Silos

Inside Disused Buddigower Silos

Ladder Down To Tipping Pit At Disused Buddigower Grain Silos

Neglected Outbuildings At Buddigower Grain Silos

Power Board Inside Abandoned Buddigower Silos

Rail Siding At Buddigower Grain Silos

Weighbridge Scales At Abandoned Buddigower Silos

Disused Grain Silos Australia – Marinna

Disused grain silos Australia is a really interesting subject and a favourite of mine. I had a look through the now disused grain silo at Marinna in February 2023.

On the wall inside the weighbridge hut there was a blackboard that still had writing on it. There were dates marked on the blackboard that indicated the last time grain was received at the Marinna grain silos was in 1998. There was also an old “Yellow Pages” telephone book inside the weighbridge hut with the year 1991 on the cover.

Blackboard Inside Weighbridge Hut At Marinna NSW Grain Silos Australia

Grain Silos Australia – Why Do we have Them?

An Australian Wheat Board was formed under the War Precautions Act 1914. After formation of the Australian Wheat Board (AWB) the federal government began building grain silos across the wheat-producing regions. A concrete silo type S014 Metcalf [1400 tonnes capacity] was built at Marinna in 1925 on the Main South railway line.

Disused Grain Silos Australia Marinna NSW

The Grain Silo Weighbridge At Marinna

The grain silo weighbridge at Marinna appears to be fully intact. I’m no expert on old weighbridges but this one looks as if with a bit of a clean-up and a service it’d be good to go. It has a maximum weight capacity of only 20 tonnes which is low by todays standards but it would have been plenty big enough back in 1925 when I am guessing it was installed at Marinna grain silos. Trucks by the later part of the twentieth century were a lot heavier than in 1925 so I am guessing they must have weighed the individual axle groups for the heavier, more modern trucks then in use.

Grain Silos Australia Weighbridge At Marinna NSW

The platform of the weighbridge is clearly marked as having been made by W&T Avery LD London & Birmingham. The inside part of the grain silo weighbridge scales is similarly marked AVERY B’HAM. I was really tempted to see if I could remove the padlock on the inside part of the weighbridge scales and roll the ute on to the bridge and check it’s accuracy. I didn’t do it but I was really tempted to.

Grain Silo Weighbridge Platform WT Avery LD London Birmingham

About Marinna NSW

Marinna is a locality in Junee Shire in southern New South Wales, Australia on the Olympic Highway. It’s main feature is a grain silo on the Main Southern railway line. A station was opened in the locality between 1897 and 1975. Marinna Post Office opened on 7 December 1925 and closed in 1968.

Main Southern Railway Line Marinna NSW

Grain Silos Australia Gallery – Marinna

Abandoned Grain Silo Marinna NSW

Blackboard Inside Weighbridge Hut At Marinna NSW Grain Silos Australia

Blackboard Inside Weighbridge Hut Marinna NSW Wheat Silos Australia

Concrete Silo Type S014 Metcalf 1400 Tonnes Capacity Built At Marinna In 1925

Corner Of Marinna Road And Olympic Highway NSW Riverina At Marinna

Disused Grain Silos Australia Marinna NSW

Electrical Switchboard Inside Grain Silo At Marinna NSW Riverina

Grain Silo Australia Tipping Grate Marinna NSW Riverina

Grain Silo Australia Tipping Lever Marinna NSW

Grain Silo Australia Weighbridge At Marinna NSW

Grain Silo Type S014 Metcalf 1400 Tonnes At Marinna

Grain Silo Weighbridge Platform WT Avery LD London Birmingham

Inside Abandoned Wheat Silo Marinna NSW

Inside Grain Silos Marinna NSW

Inside Weighbridge Hut Disused Grain Silos Marinna NSW

Main Southern Railway Line Marinna NSW

Main Southern Railway Line Marinna NSW Looking North

Main Southern Railway Line Marinna NSW Looking South

Summer Hill Grains Flyer 1990s

Top 10 Free Bush Camping Locations in Australia

Looking to get away and experience the beauty of the Australian bush, but don’t want to spend a fortune? Look no further – we have found 10 amazing free bush camping locations across Australia where you can enjoy unlimited camping experiences amongst nature with no cost to you.

Free Bush Camping At Agnes Creek, Northern Territory

Agnes Creek on the Stuart Highway is one of the best free camping sites we have camped at. It’s well back off the road with loads of room and firewood. There is abundant birdlife if that’s your thing. This is a free campground. It is dog friendly. It is accessible to motorbikes, RVs, camper trailers, caravans and big rigs. Free bush camping in tents is allowed. At Agnes Creek, there is a mile of space for camping. It does not have any services, that is, no toilets, no showers, no potable water. The only water is from the creek and it’s not a permanent source. It was dry when we camped there – you’d have to treat it before use. Dogs are allowed. There is no mobile reception. Fires are allowed and there is plenty of firewood around if you don’t mind going for a walk to find it.

Free Camping Alongside Stuart Highway SA Agnes Creek

Free Bush Camping At Coober Pedy, South Australia

Free camping in Coober Pedy is the way to go. We camped for three nights on The Commons at Coober Pedy. The Commons at Coober Pedy is a free camping area just out of town. It is a huge area with enough space to easily fit a couple of hundred vans, motorhomes or camper trailers. There are no services at The Commons Free Camp at Coober Pedy so you must be self sufficient however there were no signs or information saying that you have to be self contained. We had absolutely zero security problems at the Coober Pedy Free Camp despite what we’d been told and had read. This was even with us and one other van being about the only vans there each day and night. We happily left the vans at the commons each day and went out and explored. As always when free camping we take simple security precautions. We put our chairs, table and BBQ away inside the van. We make sure the vans toolboxes and hatches are all closed and locked. Any valuables such as computers and iPads come with us in the car.

Loads Of Room On The Commons At Coober Pedy

Cape Hillsborough National Park, Queensland

Get close to nature, complete with plush rainforest and some awe-inspiring mountains at Cape Hillsborough National Park. There are three unofficial free bush camping campsites here – Blooming Point Beach Campsite, Emu Beach Campsite and the Coconut Beach Campground – where you can set up for a night or two for free. Cape Hillsborough also offers plenty of unforgettable walks that take in breathtaking coastal views and plant-filled verges.

Dorrigo National Park, New South Wales

Dorrigo National Park, located in the northern part of New South Wales, is a popular spot for free bush camping as it offers 35 kilometres of walking tracks. What’s even better? It’s absolutely free to camp here. Enjoy breathtaking views from the top of Rainforest Mountain boardwalk or journey along the Waterfall Way track which runs through verdant valleys and rainforest before mysteriously disappearing into the depths of India pencil pine forest. There’s also Corangamite camping area which slopes down towards the river below.

Warlu Way Bush Camping Grounds, Western Australia

Enjoy the tranquillity of Warlu Way in the stunning regions of Western Australia. The bush camping grounds are great for families or couples looking to connect with nature. There’s nothing quite like watching a blazing sunset from beneath a broad gum tree canopy, and being able to camp here for free is an added bonus! Fishing and swimming are popular activities at nearby Lake Indoon, but if you’re more inclined towards midday strolls, you can take in some lovely bushwalking trails in the area before settling down for another peaceful night under the stars.

Myall Lakes National Park, New South Wales

Enjoy the beautiful views of Myall Lakes National Park for free! This stunning park stretches along the coast in New South Wales and provides plenty of opportunities for leisurely exploring. Get back to basic with a bush camping experience, or find yourself set up by a serene lake. Whether you’re new to bush camping or an experienced camper, there’s something here for everyone. From fishing and swimming to spending time blissfully birdwatching, Myall offers all of these activities without breaking your bank!

Karijini National Park, Western Australia

Karijini National Park is a stunning natural haven located in the rugged Pilbara region of northern Western Australia. Easily one of Australia’s best camping spots, the park is home to ancient landscapes, awe-inspiring gorges and numerous walkways winding through spectacular scenery. With plenty of trails to explore, bush campers can take advantage of the free bush camping throughout the park to set up shop and make more time to appreciate all the sights and sounds this place has to offer. Experience nature in its rawest form with an unforgettable adventure at Karijini National Park – completely cost-free!

Long Waterhole, Winton Queensland

Amazing sunsets over the billabong and surrounding trees offering shade. A peaceful camp with plenty of wildlife only two kilometres from Winton on the Winton-Jundah Road in the middle of the Queensland outback. Only self-sufficient campers as there are no facilities on site. The area can be affected by rain and floodwater so keep an eye on the weather. Long Waterhole makes a great base camp while exloring the Winton leg of Australia’s Dinosaur Trail. It’s also an ideal place to camp when attending the camel races.

Winton Queensland We Want To Check Out The Pubs

Lake Eildon National Park, Victoria

Lake Eildon National Park is located in the northern foothills of the Central Highlands of Victoria Australia. About 150 km north-east of Melbourne. Lake Eildon is huge, about 27,750 hectares in size consisting of rugged hills, open woodlands and and lots of forest. Bushwalking, boating, mountain biking and fishing are all popular things to do at Lake eildon National Park. Campers at Lake Eildon and day visitors can enjoy a range of bushwalks ranging from gentle lakeside walks from the camping areas to longer hikes where you can explore some of the more remote and picturesque areas of this popular National Park. Most longer walks are of moderate to steep grade and generally better suited to the cooler months.

Lake Eildon Free Bush Camping

Diggers Rest, Northern Territory

The Tanami Road is a familiar track well known to Aussie adventurers. Crossing from the middle of the Northern Territory across the border into Western Australia. it is a stern test of you driving skills and your vehicle’s capabilities. The Diggers Rest campground is found near Anmatjere. It is frequented by wild camels and varied birdlife. 4WD and off-road set-ups are a necessity. And you need to bring everything you need to live off-grid as there are no facilities here. With hardly anyone else within cooee enjoy the view of incredible sunsets behind the old windmill.

Understanding Your Caravan Compliance Plate

What is a caravan compliance plate and what do the numbers and other things listed on it mean? They all mean something and can often be confusing if you don’t know what you are looking at.

Locating Your Caravan Compliance Plate

The first thing you need to do is find where it is. Common locations are on the drawbar, in the tunnel boot, in the front boot or just inside the entry door. Once you find yours take a photo of it and have a read.

It became law in 1989 for ALL vehicles including home built trailers to have a compliance plate fitted. If your caravan was built before 1989 then chances are it may not have one fitted.

If your caravan doesn’t have a compliance plate fitted and it was built after 1989 the first thing you should do is contact the manufacturer and talk to them. Possibilities are it was overlooked and not fitted or it has been removed by a previous owner. Personally if I was looking to purchase a used caravan and I couldn’t find the compliance plate I would save myself a potential headache move on to looking at something else. Not having a compliance plate fitted will make it difficult to prove that the caravan is the one listed on the registration papers.

Caravan Compliance Plate

Things Commonly Listed On a Caravan Compliance Plate

Manufacturer

The name of the manufacturer of the caravan

Make/Model

The model of the caravan as built by the manufacturer.

VIN Number

This is a unique number belonging to this vehicle used by RMS and/or police to identify the caravan – check registration is current etc. Your caravan insurance company will also want to know the VIN Number. The VIN number will often also be welded on to or etched in to the chassis usually on the drawbar as confirmation.

Date of Manufacture

The date the caravan was made

Tare Mass

The weight of the caravan as manufactured. It doesn’t include extras ordered after manufacture or added to the caravan by the dealership. It won’t include include gas (sometimes even the bottles) or water in your caravans water tanks. A lot of caravans being made by major manufacturers are weighed when manufactured. It doesn’t appear that there is any legal obligation for them to do so as they can calculate it based on build specifications. If a manufacturer hasn’t weighed your caravan when applying the compliance plate then there is a possibility that your caravan may be heavier when empty than you thought. It’s probably a good idea to call in at a public weighbridge on your way home from picking up your caravan and checking it out.

ATM Rating

Maximum allowable weight of the caravan when not hitched to a vehicle

GTM Rating

Maximum allowable weight of the caravan whilst hitched to the tow vehicle. For more information on GTM, ATM read Caravan Weights Explained.

Axle Group Rating

Maximum allowable weight specified by the axle manufacturer. this is often higher than the GTM or ATM Rating (but should never be lower).

Ball Loading at TARE

Ball loading at TARE can be mistaken as a ball weight recommendation however this is not the case. Ball Loading at TARE is meant to be the ball weight of the caravan as manufactured. Taken when empty it is often misleading as the ball weight will change as soon as you load anything in to the caravan.

Maximum Permissible Ball Loading

The maximum allowable weight the tow ball weight can be when the caravan is fully loaded.

Tyres

Instead of asking your question about what is the recommended tyre pressure, size or type for caravan maybe a look at your caravan compliance plate would be a better starting point.

Rim Size and Profile
Tyre Size
Tyre Pressure cold at TARE
Tyre Pressure cold at GTM
Tyre Speed Rating

If you have any questions about tyre pressures don’t take my recommendation or the internets recommendation. Instead go to your your local tyre dealer.

Chassis Plate

The chassis plate is NOT the caravan compliance plate. Often a caravans chassis will have been built by a third party and they supply caravan chassis to many different caravan manufacturers. The chassis builder will often rate the chassis to a certain weight. This can be more than the GTM or ATM. Under no circumstances does it mean you can legally load your caravan to this weight.