How to Choose Tyre Pressures for Your Mars Caravan (On-Road, Gravel and Off-Road)

Correct tyre pressure is critical for safety, tyre life and towing comfort. There is no single “one size fits all” number for every Mars caravan, because pressures depend on the tyres fitted, the load being carried and the type of roads you travel.

This guide will help you understand the factors involved and choose sensible starting pressures for sealed roads, gravel and light off-road use.

1. Where to Find Recommended Pressures

Before adjusting anything, always start with the information specific to your van:

• The tyre placard on the caravan (if fitted).
• The owner documentation supplied with your Mars caravan.
• The markings and load/pressure information on the tyre sidewall.

These will usually provide a recommended pressure for normal on-road use at the maximum load for that tyre.

2. Key Factors That Affect Tyre Pressure

When deciding on tyre pressures, consider:

• Tyre size and construction: Different tyres have different load and pressure ratings.
• Actual load on the axle: A heavily loaded van may require higher pressures than a lightly loaded one.
• Speed: Higher speeds usually require pressures closer to the manufacturer’s recommended maximum for that load.
• Road surface: Rough or loose surfaces may benefit from slightly lower pressures to improve grip and comfort.

If you are unsure, a tyre professional familiar with caravans can help you choose appropriate pressures for your specific combination.

3. On-Road (Sealed Roads) – General Principles

On sealed roads, your goals are stability, safe load carrying and even tyre wear.

• Use the tyre placard or manual as your primary reference for on-road pressures.
• For most caravan applications, this will be a relatively firm pressure to support the load and keep the tyre operating in its correct range.
• Check pressures when tyres are cold (before a long drive), as they will naturally rise with temperature during use.

Warning: Running significantly lower pressures than recommended at highway speeds can cause heat build-up, leading to tyre damage or failure.

4. Gravel Roads – Adjusting for Comfort and Control

On corrugated or loose gravel roads, many people choose to slightly reduce tyre pressures compared to highway settings to improve ride comfort and grip.

• Only make modest reductions, and always within the tyre manufacturer’s safe operating recommendations.
• Keep your speed down on gravel; lower pressures and high speeds do not mix.
• Avoid dropping pressures so low that the tyre looks visibly “bagged out” or feels unstable.

Any pressure changes should be made carefully and ideally guided by advice from a tyre professional familiar with your tyre model and load.

5. Light Off-Road and Tracks

On light off-road tracks (e.g. station tracks, some beach access roads, mild 4WD tracks):

• Some further pressure reduction may be used to increase the footprint and improve ride comfort.
• Again, keep speeds low and avoid sharp turns or sudden manoeuvres at low pressures.
• If conditions are very rough, rocky or soft, reassess whether it is suitable to tow your caravan in at all.

Important: Extreme off-road conditions or very soft sand may not be appropriate for towing a caravan, even if tyre pressures are reduced. Always drive to the conditions and know your limits.

6. After Leaving Dirt or Off-Road Surfaces

Once you return to sealed roads after running reduced pressures:

• Find a safe place to stop and reinflate your tyres back to suitable on-road pressures.
• Do not continue at highway speeds on low off-road pressures.
• Check tyres for any visible damage, cuts or embedded stones picked up off-road.

7. How Often to Check Tyre Pressures

As part of routine use, we recommend:

• Checking pressures before every major trip.
• Rechecking during long journeys at fuel stops or rest breaks.
• Checking again if there is a significant change in:
  • Load (e.g. water tanks now full/empty).
  • Road type (e.g. moving from highway to long gravel sections).

Always use a good quality gauge and ensure the valve caps are secure to help prevent leaks.

8. Signs Your Tyre Pressure May Be Wrong

Keep an eye out for:

• Uneven wear: More wear in the centre can indicate over-inflation; more on the edges can indicate under-inflation.
• Excessive heat: Very hot tyres (compared to the others) after a run may be under-inflated or overloaded.
• Instability or wandering: The van feels unsettled or “bouncy” at speed.

If you notice any of these symptoms, consult a tyre professional as soon as possible.

9. When to Ask for Professional Help

If you are unsure what pressures to use for your specific Mars caravan, tyres and load, or if you have unusual wear patterns:

• Visit a tyre service centre familiar with caravans and towing.
• Provide them with:
  • Your tyre brand, size and load rating.
  • Typical loaded weight of your caravan (ATM or actual weighed figure if available).
  • The types of roads you most often travel.

They can help recommend safe working pressures tailored to your specific setup.

Summary

Choosing tyre pressures for your Mars caravan is about balancing load, speed and road conditions within the tyre manufacturer’s guidelines. By:

• Starting with the recommended on-road pressures from your placard or manual.
• Making only modest adjustments for gravel and light off-road conditions.
• Reinflating to higher pressures before returning to highway speeds.
• Checking pressures regularly and watching for signs of incorrect inflation.

…you’ll help protect your tyres, improve towing comfort and keep your Mars caravan safer on every trip.