When you move into a van, you aren’t just driving a vehicle anymore; you are piloting a GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) powerhouse. Unlike a standard car that spends most of its life empty, a vanlife rig is always under load. Your tires are under constant pressure to support your kitchen, water, batteries, and bed.

Understanding how to properly pump and manage your tire pressure is the difference between a stressful drive and a smooth, wholesome journey. 

Where do I find the correct tire pressure for my built-out van?

The most common mistake in vanlife is looking at the tire itself for the pressure number. If you look at the sidewall of a tire, you will see a number like "80 PSI MAX COLD." Do not use this number. This is the maximum pressure the tire can physically hold before it is at risk of failure. To find the golden number for your specific van, look at the tire information placard located on the driver-side door jamb.

• Why it matters: Manufacturers calculate this number based on the weight of the vehicle to ensure the contact patch (the part of the tire touching the road) is perfectly flat.

• The Vanlife Adjustment: Because vans are heavy, you should almost always pump to the full load specifications found on that sticker.

What does Cold Tire Pressure actually mean and why does it matter?

You will often see the term "PSI Cold." This doesn’t mean you have to check them in the winter. It means you must check them before the van has been driven.

As you drive, the friction between the rubber and the road creates heat. This heat causes the air molecules inside to expand, raising the pressure. If you check your tires at a gas station after an hour on the highway, they might read 75 PSI, leading you to think they are fine. However, once they cool down, they might drop to 65 PSI and leaving you dangerously under-inflated.

Pro Tip: If you must pump your tires while they are hot, add 4 PSI above the recommended placard number to compensate for the heat expansion.

How do I properly pump my van tires to ensure an accurate reading?

To do this right, you need two tools: a high-quality digital gauge and a reliable air source.

1. Clear the Valve: Remove the cap and use your fingernail to quickly tap the center pin. This blows out any dust or grit that could get stuck in the seal.

2. The Square Connection: Press your air chuck straight onto the valve. If you hear hissing, you are tilted. A straight connection ensures all the air goes in.

3. The Over-Fill Method: It is often easier to pump the tire 2–3 PSI above your target, then use the small bleeder valve on your gauge to precisely let air out until you hit the exact number.

4. Don't Forget the Spare: Most Sprinters have a full-size spare tucked under the chassis. It is often neglected for years. Check it every time you check your mains!
   
   

Should I lower my tire pressure when driving on gravel or dirt roads?

This is where vanlife gets deep.  When you leave the pavement for a washboard forest road, your tires act as your first line of suspension.

• Airing Down: Dropping your pressure to 35–40 PSI (depending on your weight) increases the tire's footprint, providing more traction in sand and a much softer ride over rocks. It prevents your cabinetry from vibrating loose.

• Airing Up: You must pump back to highway pressure as soon as you return to asphalt. Driving at high speeds on soft tires causes the sidewalls to flex excessively, creating heat that can lead to a catastrophic blowout.
  
  

How often should I be checking and pumping my van tires?

As often as it takes to ensure you keep your van running. Pumping your tires is a small act of stewardship. It’s a ten-minute ritual that saves you money on fuel, extends the life of your expensive tires, and keeps your home stable in the wind. Treat your tires well, and they will carry you to the ends of the earth.