An Australian repairman got a caravan vehicle in for routine maintenance. Then, they noticed that the tire PSI was up to 100-percent, a concerning figure considering the tires couldn’t physically handle that pressure level. 

The Caravan Repair Guy (@affordablecaravanrepairs), who owns the “largest caravan repair shop in Adelaide, South Australia, proceeded to call the client. Then, they told him that they thought having 100 percent PSI was “normal” and expected with Caravan cars or towed trailers. The owner then explained that they thought PSI had to be “100 percent” for all vehicles. 

Thinking this was a somewhat humorous situation, The Caravan Repair guy posted the story to TikTok. Within a day, the video generated 20,000 views, with viewers asking their own questions about tire PSI and car maintenance. 

So, what PSI should most tires be at? Can you treat all tires on vehicles the same way?

What is PSI?

PSI stands for Pounds per Square Inch. It’s a standard way of measuring pressure. When it comes to car maintenance, PSI measures the amount of pressure inside a vehicle’s individual tires. 

Air pressure within tires, according to Engineer Fix, allows the tires to maintain a standard shape. Too little air pressure can lead to breaking and steering issues. Over inflation can lead to a vehicle’s handling performance reducing, making riding bumpier and less safe. Incorrect pressure can lead to unnecessary wear on tires, which can shorten their lifespan. It can also reduce a vehicle’s overall fuel efficiency. 

Should You Fill Your Tires Up To 100-Percent PSI?

You should never fill your tires up to 100-percent PSI.

Generally, ideal PSI for tires is between 32 to 35 PSI, at least for regular passenger vehicles.

For Caravans, tires need a bit more pressure, with ideal ranges being between 50 to 65 PSI depending on weather conditions. 

Are Caravan Tires the Same As Regular Tires?

Caravan tires are not the same as regular tires. Caravan tires are designed to carry significantly heavier loads than car tires, with lower speed ratings, and completely different construction. Most Caravan tires have reinforced walls and specific sizing and filaments.

Caravan tires require higher inflation pressures due to how much heavier of a load they carry. Caravans are usually over 4409.245 pounds (2,000 kilograms). To hold steady, they need more reinforcement and support than other tires. 

For Caravans, checking and maintaining tire pressure is essential. Considering the amount of weight these tires hold at any given time, too little or too much pressure can be costly and create safety and maneuverability problems.

This is especially true in places like Australia, where weather conditions can dramatically affect PSI. Within a day, tire pressures can change by eight PSI. Overinflated Caravan tires are more likely to blowout and wear their tread faster, just like regular tires. Similarly, underinflated Caravan tires can cause critical failures. 

We’ve reached out to The Caravan Repair Guy via TikTok direct message. 

@affordablecaravanrepairs Crazy story time, should you fill your tyres to 100% ??? #caravan #repair #service #workshop #travel ♬ original sound – The Caravan Repair Guy