Tyre pressures for your van
	The correct tyre pressure is essential for both safety and economy
	Below are two methods to help you ensure you have the correct pressures

    The first is from Caravan World Magazine and is a method of calculating your vans tyre pressures.

Inflation pressures                                                         Tyre Load in Kg.     

Example for single axle caravan with 185R14LT tyres.

Caravan weight on two wheels                         =          1200 Kg

20% safety margin                                            =            240 Kg

Total load over two tyres                                 =          1440 Kg

Load on each tyre                                            =            720 Kg

Inflation pressure (see table above)                                   =            325 KPa  (47 PSI)

This second method is an extract from NRMA web site http://www.mynrma.com.au/travel/do/cc4/cara3.shtml,

It  involves conducting a test to ensure correct pressure for your van and its load.

It is impossible to list the correct pressures for every caravan, due to variation in size, load, etc.

This easy check will help you find the best pressure for your caravan/trailer tyres.

1. Inflate the tyres to the pressure recommended by the manufacturer of the van/trailer and the tyres you are using.

2. Measure and record the cold start pressure before you start out.

3. Tow your van/trailer for a distance of approximately 100Km, preferable on a highway.

4. Recheck the tyre pressures immediately after pulling over and compare them with the the cold start pressure you had at the start of your run. If the pressures are right, the hot readings should be 4 psi (28 kPa) higher than the cold start readings.

5. If there is a greater than 4psi (28 kPa) difference between these pressures, the tyre temperature is too high caused by the cold start pressure being too low so the pressure needs to be increased. If there is less than 4 psi (28 kPa) difference, the cold start pressure is too high and needs to be lowered.

6. Large 4WD tyres will have a differential of 6 psi (42 kPa).

7. Be sure to use the same accurate gauge for both readings.

               With Complements from    Leighton & Pauline  Davies       

                                                        Peak Hill Caravan Park               Phone    02 6869 1422                                  

                                                        2 Ween St.  (Nth end of town, close to CLUBS)

                                                        Peak Hill   NSW   2869