Picture being a few hours into your trip. With the kids finally quiet, you feel a wobble. You pull over and find a flat caravan tyre, a moment that sinks many first-timers' hearts. But don’t be discouraged. Changing caravan tyres is completely manageable when you've packed the right gear and know the steps. If you can change a car tyre, you're already partway there, with just a few caravan-specific differences to know. This guide walks you through exactly how to change a caravan tyre: the tools to carry, a safe step-by-step roadside process, and how to tell when your tyres are due for replacement. Get these basics sorted before you leave the driveway, and you'll confidently head off on any trip.
Quick answer: what you need to know
The non-negotiables
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Keep your caravan hitched to your tow vehicle for stability during the change.
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Chock the wheels on the opposite side before you jack.
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Loosen the wheel nuts with the tyre still on the ground before lifting.
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Use the manufacturer's jacking point, rather than just any spot under the chassis.
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Lift only until the flat tyre just clears the ground.
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Tighten the wheel nuts in a star pattern, rather than in a circle.
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Recheck the nut tightness after driving for several kilometres.
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How is changing a caravan tyre different from changing a car tyre?
The fundamentals are similar, with a few caravan-specific details. Caravans have designated jacking points; you can't slide the jack under the sill like on a car, as guessing risks chassis damage. Keep the caravan hitched to your tow vehicle for stability. Wheel nuts are often over-tightened, so extra leverage is needed. On soft ground or in the bush, use a jacking plate under the jack to prevent sinking.
What tools do you need to change a caravan tyre?
It’s best to have everything packed and accessible before you leave home. A roadside breakdown is the worst time to discover a wheel brace is missing.
The essential kit
• Inflated spare tyre with a matching size and load rating. Check the pressure before you go.
• Bottle or scissor jack that’s rated for your caravan's weight.
• Wheel brace to loosen and tighten nuts.
• At least two wheel chocks to prevent the caravan from rolling while it's lifted.
• A jacking plate or thick plywood to distribute the load weight on soft or uneven ground.
• Gloves and a hi-vis vest for easy grip and roadside visibility.
Award RV stocks caravan jacks, wheel chocks and caravan safety gear suitable for Australian conditions.
Useful extras worth carrying
• A torque wrench for tightening nuts.
• Portable compressor for topping up the spare tyre.
• Tyre pressure gauge for accurate pressure checks.
• Valve key and spare valves.
• Safety triangle or road flares.
How to change a caravan tyre safely: step by step
Safety is your priority at each stage, so work methodically and never rush.
Step 1 – Find a safe place to pull over
Decelerate gradually without harsh braking. Find a flat, firm surface away from traffic. Move the caravan to a safe spot like a rest area, verge or side street. Driving a short distance on a flat tyre is safer than changing it somewhere risky.
Step 2 – Secure your vehicle and caravan
Turn on hazard lights, park your tow vehicle and engage the handbrake. Move passengers away from traffic. Don’t unhitch the caravan — keep it coupled for stability while jacked up.
Step 3 – Chock the wheels and gather your tools
Place two wheel chocks on the side opposite the van you're lifting. For safety, slide the spare tyre under the caravan near the jacking point as backup.
Step 4 – Loosen the wheel nuts before jacking
With the tyre on the ground, loosen all wheel nuts anticlockwise without removing them yet. Doing so before lifting prevents the wheel from spinning. Workshop guns often over-tighten nuts, so use extra leverage on the wheel brace, carefully standing on it to loosen.
Step 5 – Position the jack and lift the caravan
Check your owner's manual for the correct jacking point to avoid chassis damage. If the ground is soft, use a jacking plate. Raise the jack until it contacts the jacking point, then lift enough to clear the tyre. Never crawl beneath a jacked caravan.
Step 6 – Remove the flat and fit the spare
Remove wheel nuts one by one, leaving the bottom last for support. Take the flat off and slide it under the caravan as a safety brace. Lift the spare onto the hub, hand-tighten all nuts starting with the bottom, then tighten in a star pattern with the wheel brace.
Step 7 – Lower the caravan and tighten the wheel nuts
Lower the jack fully so the tyre supports the weight. Recheck and tighten all wheel nuts in a star pattern, using a torque wrench if available, to 100–130 Nm, then remove the wheel chocks.
Step 8 – Drive a few kilometres and recheck
After 3–5 km, pull over and recheck the wheel nuts. Vibration can loosen a new wheel. Get the flat repaired or the spare replaced at the next tyre shop. Spare tyres are temporary and not for long-term or high-speed use.
How often should caravan tyres be changed?
So, how often should caravan tyres be changed? Most manufacturers suggest replacing caravan tyres every 5 to 7 years, regardless of the remaining tread. Rubber degrades over time from UV, heat and oxidation, so a tyre may look new but be structurally unsafe, especially on long-parked vans.
Check your tyre's age using the DOT code on the sidewall, which has a four-digit number: the first two digits are the week and the last two are the year, e.g., “3624” is the 36th week of 2024. If over five or six years old, plan a replacement, including the spare, which ages at the same rate.
Is it law to change caravan tyres every 5 years in Australia?
If you’re wondering, is it the law to change caravan tyres every 5 years? The short answer is no. Still, road rules require vehicles to have safe, roadworthy tyres. The five-year guideline comes from manufacturer warranties expiring around 5 to 7 years. Workshops use this timeframe as a practical benchmark. If you’re unsure, have a professional assess your tyres.
Signs your caravan tyre needs replacing now
• Visible sidewall cracking or crazing.
• Bulges or blistering anywhere on the tyre.
• Tread depth at or below 1.5 mm, the Australian legal minimum.
• Uneven wear patterns (indicate alignment or pressure issues).
• Any visible impact damage.
What to do if you don't have a spare tyre
If you're without a spare, consider calling roadside assistance, which is safest and worth the membership. A temporary tyre plug can fix small punctures, but not sidewall damage. Aerosol tyre sealant is a last resort and may cause imbalance. Prevention is key. Always carry a proper, inflated spare. Installing a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) helps detect slow leaks early, preventing roadside emergencies.
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How to reduce your chances of a roadside tyre change
A little prevention routine before each trip cuts your odds of being caught out on the roadside:
• Check tyre pressures cold using the caravan's tyre placard.
• Inspect for cracks and damage.
• Confirm the spare is inflated and roadworthy.
• Don't exceed the caravan's ATM (overloading accelerates tyre wear and heat build-up).
• Use tyre covers during long-term storage to shield from UV degradation.
Browse Award RV's caravan accessories range for tyre pressure gauges, portable compressors, tyre covers and more.
What to do next
The best tyre safety plan is to be prepared. Before setting off on your trips, check your tyre-change kit and spare. Stock up with Award RV's caravan accessories, safety gear and caravan jacks built for Australian conditions.
Frequently asked questions about changing caravan tyres
Can I change a caravan tyre myself?
Yes. Most can do it with the right tools and steps in this guide. Twin-axle caravans are more stable than single-axle during the change. Always check the owner's manual for correct jacking points.
Do I need a special jack for a caravan?
A standard bottle or scissor jack fits most caravans if rated for the weight and placed at the manufacturer's jacking point. Use a jacking plate on soft ground to prevent sinking.
What's the correct torque for caravan wheel nuts?
Torque specs differ by manufacturer, but most Australian caravan hubs are 100–130 Nm. Check your owner's manual for your van. Use a torque wrench to tighten nuts properly, neither too loose nor over-tight.
Can I drive long distances on a caravan spare tyre?
A full-size spare matching your fitted tyres can be used normally. Space-saver or temporary spares aren't suitable for extended or high-speed driving. Get the flat repaired or replaced ASAP.
How do I know if my caravan spare tyre is still safe?
Check the DOT date code, inspect sidewalls for cracks or crazing, ensure proper inflation and match the spare tyre in size and load rating. Spares age and degrade even when unused.
What should I do if my caravan gets a blowout while towing?
Hold the wheel firmly, ease off the accelerator and let the rig slow naturally. Signal and steer to a safe stop. Avoid hard braking during a blowout to prevent sway.