Tyre Pressures

Colin Dav replied on 31/08/2019 18:53

Posted on 31/08/2019 18:53

Hi everybody. New to caravanning here. Just a basic question really. My Mk2 S-Max has normal everyday running tyre pressures of 35 psi all round.

When towing the indiscated  tyre pressure should be 41 psi front and 45 psi rear.  I plan to do a number of long weekend trips with the van.

The question is, How does everybody manage tyre pressures, Do you pump thgem up and then klet them back down when you reach your chosen site.

Does anybody have their own tyre inflator and if so can anyone recommend a good accurate reliable one.

Thanks all

Colin

Tinwheeler replied on 31/08/2019 18:59

Posted on 31/08/2019 18:59

Nah, we used to leave them at the higher pressure for the duration of the stay and I don’t ever recall seeing anyone on site inflating/deflating their tyres. Tbh, the difference in the pressures isn’t that great and tyre pressures will fluctuate naturally depending on temperature.

replied on 31/08/2019 19:49

Posted on 31/08/2019 19:49

I don't but then our tow car is used predominately for caravan holidays through the year and so always runs at towing pressure. 

EmilysDad replied on 31/08/2019 21:39

Posted on 31/08/2019 21:39

I'd not drive solo with higher tyre pressures .... your car will be all over the place. I leave tyre pressures at the lower pressures for towing, after all you should only be adding 75 to 100kg (ish) to the back of the car.

replied on 31/08/2019 21:49

Posted on 31/08/2019 21:49

After 14 years with present vehicle no handling problems; about 10% pressure increase

EmilysDad replied on 31/08/2019 22:06

Posted on 31/08/2019 21:49 by

After 14 years with present vehicle no handling problems; about 10% pressure increase

Posted on 31/08/2019 22:06

It was most noticeable to me with my Omega. IIRC 'normal' tyre pressures were 32 front 32 rear or increase to 30 something front 45rear. I made the error in leaving them at the higher pressures leaving Nunnykirk to the local town (can't remember off hand) along fast B roads .... the car was all over the place as it bounced down the road. Though now in different types of cars I now leave tyres at the normal lower pressures when towing too with no ill effects.

replied on 31/08/2019 22:10

Posted on 31/08/2019 22:10

Quite a large % increase on your car rears. Mine up from 32 to 35 so very different scenario. Front 28 to 31. Car always loaded for holiday as well.

richardandros replied on 01/09/2019 06:24

Posted on 01/09/2019 06:24

I am quite fastidious about the tyre pressures on my Touareg. Unladen they're at 33psi all round, but full load is 44(rear) and 36 (front) which is quite a difference. 

Because we tend to stay on site for 7 - 14 days at a time, I always deflate the tyres to their 'normal' pressure when we arrive and re-inflate to the towing pressure before we leave. Over-inflated tyres will not only increase wear in the centre of the tyre but also reduce grip, and increase stopping distance.  Similarly towing with under-inflated tyres will put additional stress on the side walls.

replied on 01/09/2019 07:43

Posted on 01/09/2019 07:43

We move every 5 nights but if there was such a variance as some I would have to reconsider my actions

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