The UK has always loved a staycation, whether it be to a nature reserve, national park, or one of many coastal locations and beaches. With the rise in motorhomes and caravan holidays, more drivers than ever are seeking the right tyres to fit to such a vehicle – which sparked one major question.
What is the difference between a trailer / caravan tyre and a regular car tyre? And what are the differences that drivers need to be aware of to maintain optimum safety?
Main Differences Between Trailer and Car Tyres
There are several major differences between trailer tyres and car tyres that mean that, crucially, the two cannot be interchanged.
Not only are trailer tyres much stiffer and more robust than car tyres, with very little flexibility built into the rubber structure, but they have narrow tread patterns that ensure they drive straight and hold a simple line of movement and have much higher load ratings which impacts the raw material used and the overall structure.
Trailer tyres need to be able to withstand the weight of a caravan or fully loaded trailer, while maintaining maximum stability on the road. This means the tyres are much stronger and have extra-strength, reinforced sidewalls.
In contrast, car tyres are far more flexible and adaptable to different conditions and balance their stability and reliability with comfort.
NB: Most trailer tyres are easily identified via an ‘ST’ marking printed on the sidewall. This stands for ‘Special Trailer’ and lets you know that the tyre is designed for an alternative use to regular driving.
