TyreSafe warns caravan, motorhome and trailer owners of hidden tyre dangers as vehicles return to the road
As caravan, motorhome and trailer owners prepare to take vehicles out of winter storage, TyreSafe is urging road users to prioritise tyre safety, as new data highlights the growing scale of towing-related incidents on UK roads.
Over the three-year period from 2022 to 2024, there were 16,705 incidents on the Strategic Road Network (SRN) involving towed vehicles, including caravans, horseboxes and trailers. Incidents increased by 16%, rising from 5,088 in 2022 to 5,913 in 2024*, with the majority classed as breakdowns.
Trailers account for the largest share of incidents (45.2%), followed by caravans (32.3%) and horseboxes (21.9%)*, underlining the importance of ensuring all tyres — not just those on the towing vehicle — are roadworthy before travel.
With 79.3%* of towing incidents recorded as breakdowns, many of which are preventable, TyreSafe is warning that tyre condition and air pressure are critical checks for vehicles returning to use after prolonged storage.
Tyres can deteriorate while not in use, even if they appear visually intact. Loss of air pressure during storage is common, and when combined with rubber degradation, can significantly increase the risk of failure once the vehicle is back on the road.
For caravan owners, under-inflated tyres can contribute to instability or “snaking” — particularly in crosswinds or when overtaken by heavy goods vehicles, where changes in air pressure can cause the caravan to sway from side to side. Excessive flexing from low pressure also increases the risk of tread separation or de-lamination, especially when tyres are supporting high loads over long motorway journeys.
Motorhome drivers face additional risks. The heavier, permanently laden structure of a motorhome places sustained stress on tyres, making correct inflation critical. Blowouts can be harder to control due to the vehicle’s higher centre of gravity and weight distribution. Flat spotting — where tyres develop a temporary deformation while stationary — can also occur during long storage periods, potentially leading to internal carcass damage. While not always visible, this may be felt as vibration at speed.
Horseboxes and trailers, often stored for extended periods, are equally vulnerable. Tyres may appear serviceable but can suffer internal structural weakening if left under-inflated for months.
Don’t Forget the Tow Vehicle
Tyre safety does not stop at the trailer or caravan. The towing vehicle plays a critical role in stability and control.
If the rear tyres of a tow vehicle are under-inflated, the additional nose weight on the tow ball can cause the rear of the vehicle to sag and the front end to lift slightly. This shift in weight distribution can reduce steering precision and braking efficiency, particularly in emergency situations.
Correct rear tyre pressures — adjusted for towing loads in line with the manufacturer’s recommendations — are essential to maintaining safe handling characteristics.
CP Tyres and Correct Inflation Pressures
Motorhome owners should also be aware of CP-marked tyres, which are specifically designed for camping vehicles and often require significantly higher inflation pressures than standard car or van tyres.
While a typical car tyre may operate at 32–35 PSI, CP tyres can require pressures of up to 80 PSI, depending on load and axle weight. Inflating to standard car pressures can leave these tyres dangerously under-inflated, increasing heat build-up, sidewall stress and the likelihood of failure.
Checking the correct specification and pressure setting for your vehicle and load is critical before travel.
Under-Inflation and Tyre Cracking – A Dangerous Combination
Tyres that have lost air pressure are more prone to overheating, excessive flexing and rapid wear, particularly when towing heavy loads. Under-inflation also places increased stress on the tyre sidewall, making cracking more likely.
Cracking occurs when the rubber’s polymer bonds degrade. While often associated with older tyres, cracking can also occur in unused or lightly used tyres, particularly where storage conditions are poor.
Cracks most commonly appear on the sidewall, but can also affect the tread. Even minor cracking can deepen over time, compromising the tyre’s structural integrity and increasing the risk of sudden deflation or blowout.
Stuart Lovatt, Chair of TyreSafe, said: “With towing incidents rising, tyre safety has never been more important. Air pressure naturally reduces over time, and tyres that are both under-inflated and degraded are far more likely to fail. When towing or driving a motorhome, tyres operate under higher loads and stresses, so even small weaknesses can have serious consequences.”
Sarah Smithurst MBE, Chief Operating Officer at the NTTA, said “Many caravans, trailers and horseboxes spend months in storage over the winter, and during that time tyres can slowly lose pressure or begin to deteriorate without the owner realising. Because these tyres are often carrying heavy loads when they return to the road, even small issues can quickly become serious safety risks.
Before towing for the first time each season, owners should take the time to check tyre pressures against the manufacturer’s recommendations and carefully inspect the tyres for signs of cracking, damage or excessive wear. It’s also important not to overlook the tyres on the towing vehicle itself, as they play a vital role in maintaining stability and control when towing.
A few simple checks before setting off can make a significant difference to safety and help prevent avoidable breakdowns or incidents on the road.”
Tyre deterioration during storage can be caused by:
- Loss of air pressure while stationary
- Oxidation and ageing of rubber compounds
- UV exposure breaking down rubber
- Temperature extremes causing rubber to harden or become brittle
- Ozone exposure from electric motors or heaters
- Improper storage leading to deformation
Stored vehicles miss out on the benefits of regular use, which helps maintain tyre flexibility and pressure stability.
TyreSafe’s ACT Call to Action
Before towing this season, TyreSafe urges all road users to remember ACT:
A – Air pressure: Check and adjust pressures to the manufacturer’s recommendations, including towing or full-load settings.
C – Condition: Inspect tyres for cracks, bulges, cuts, signs of tread separation or vibration during driving.
T – Tread: Ensure legal tread depth (1.6mm) across at least the central three-quarters of the tyre.
With thousands of towing incidents occurring each year, a few minutes spent checking tyres could prevent a breakdown — or something far worse.
Specific tyre guidance for road users who tow or drive motorhomes is available in the resources section at TyreSafe.org.
*Source: National Highways ControlWorx Data
