Summer Camping Tyres: Which Type Do You Need & What PSI Should You Run?
Summer Camping Tyres: Which Type Do You Need & What PSI Should You Run?
With summer here and DOC campsites calling, we're getting two questions over and over: "Do I need all-terrain tyres?" and "What pressure should I run when fully loaded?"
The answers depend on where you're heading and what you're driving. A holiday park with sealed access is very different from a remote DOC site at the end of 30km of gravel. And a fully loaded Prado needs different pressure than an empty RAV4.
We've put together a complete camping tyre guide covering tyre types, loaded pressures, and 30+ NZ locations rated by access difficulty. Here's the quick version.
🏕️ NZ Camping Tyre Facts
Which Tyre Type Do You Actually Need?
Not all camping requires all-terrain tyres. But not all camping can be done on highway tyres either. Here's the quick breakdown:
- Highway Terrain (H/T) – Holiday parks, sealed roads, light gravel. Quiet and fuel-efficient. Try our Anchee AC828 or Predator Comptrax H/T.
- All-Terrain (A/T) – DOC sites, gravel roads, beach approaches. Best all-rounder for camping. The Anchee AC858 offers great value; the Predator X-AT is premium.
- Rugged Terrain (R/T) – Rocky tracks, river crossings. Between A/T comfort and M/T capability. See our Predator RT Trail.
- Mud-Terrain (M/T) – 4WD-only sites, extreme conditions. Maximum grip, highway noise. Predator X-MT or Anchee Grandtrac.
Our recommendation for most NZ campers? All-terrain tyres. They handle everything from highway driving to gravel DOC access roads, with enough tread for beach approaches and puncture resistance for remote areas.
Loaded PSI: The Other Half of the Equation
Even the best tyres fail if you run them at the wrong pressure. When you load 200-400kg of camping gear into your vehicle, your tyres need higher pressure to handle it safely.
| Vehicle Type | Examples | Loaded PSI |
|---|---|---|
| Compact SUV | RAV4, CX-5, X-Trail | 38-44 PSI |
| Large SUV | Prado, Everest, MU-X | 42-50 PSI |
| Ute / Pickup | Ranger, Hilux, Triton | 44-55 PSI |
| Full-Size 4x4 | LandCruiser, Patrol, Ram | 50-60 PSI |
| Campervan | Hiace, Transit, Sprinter | 55-65 PSI |
The simple formula: Add 4 PSI per 100kg of extra weight to your rear tyres. A Ranger normally at 42 PSI with 300kg of camping gear becomes ~54 PSI on the rears.
Peak Season: Book Early or Explore Alternatives
Planning a New Year's camping trip? Note that popular DOC sites like Waikawau Bay and Port Jackson book out months in advance over the summer holidays.
Less crowded alternatives worth considering:
- West Coast (South Island) – Stunning bush sites, fewer crowds, more challenging gravel access
- Catlins – Remote coastal camping, wildlife, unsealed roads requiring A/T tyres
- East Cape – Off the beaten track, beautiful but demanding on tyres
Our complete guide covers 30+ camping locations with access ratings, terrain types, and tyre recommendations for each.
5 Things That Ruin Camping Trips
After years of selling tyres to campers (and hearing the stories), here are the top mistakes:
- Not adjusting pressure for load – Running empty-vehicle PSI with 300kg of gear is asking for trouble
- Worn tyres on gravel – Under 4mm tread depth means poor grip and high puncture risk
- Old tyres that look fine – Rubber degrades with age; tyres over 6 years old are risky regardless of tread
- No spare or flat spare – Space-savers can't handle gravel; check your full-size spare is inflated
- No compressor – If you deflate for beach access or soft ground, you need a way to re-inflate
Read the Full Camping Tyre Guide
Tyre type comparisons • Vehicle PSI charts • 30+ locations rated • Gravel tips • RV section
View Complete Guide →Need New Tyres Before Your Trip?
Our all-terrain range covers everything from budget-friendly Anchee to premium Predator patterns. For campervans and heavy loads, check our commercial/light truck range — the Anchee AC838 covers most sizes.
Not sure what fits your vehicle? Use our quick quote tool or get a free quote.
