4 Season Tyres - Ride quality

[Bazzaa]

Hi All
Am aware the tyres question/ride quality is often asked, we have an Adria Compact arriving sometime in the new year and I believe it to have Continental 4 season CP tyres as standard, are these likely to be better than the dreaded hard as nails ride Michelin Agilis CP's we've put up with previously?
Would Toyo Observe Van 4 season or Falken All Seasons as recommended on these forums improve ride quality further?
Have had rear air assist before and found it to improve stability but not ride quality.
All the very best for the season.

 

[bigtwin]

Not saying van tyres are any better or worse but that's why camper tyres are different with reinforced sidewalls etc.

How are they reinforced? Is it via the number of plies in the construction?

Ian

 

[MichaelT]

How are they reinforced? Is it via the number of plies in the construction?

Ian

I think steel and maybe harder rubber as they are 8 ply and some van are 10. If you read the Michelin blurb it will tell you.

 

[poppycamper]

Only difference is van tyres are designed for vans that are driven for 8 to 10 hours a day with generally a variable weight (delivery van full in morning empty at night) unlike a motorhome that will have a constant load and be sat around most of its life even if you use it regularly.

Not saying van tyres are any better or worse but that's why camper tyres are different with reinforced sidewalls etc.

How naive!!. how do the manufacturers of vans know they will only be used 12 hours any in various load codititions!!
They design, and advertise there vans to carry 100% payload 100% of the time.
So are you saying all vans are not fit for purpose because they have inappropriate tyres !!

 

[MichaelT]

How naive!!. how do the manufacturers of vans know they will only be used 12 hours any in various load codititions!!
They design, and advertise there vans to carry 100% payload 100% of the time.
So are you saying all vans are not fit for purpose because they have inappropriate tyres !!

I never mentioned anything about vans not being fit for purpose . If you read what I said i think it's self explanatory and accurate for white delivery vans (other colours are available) they load up in the morning and empty at night whereas mh are fully laden all the time hence the difference in tyre types.

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[Guigsy]

I never mentioned anything about vans not being fit for purpose . If you read what I said i think it's self explanatory and accurate for white delivery vans (other colours are available) they load up in the morning and empty at night whereas mh are fully laden all the time hence the difference in tyre types.

It doesn't matter that they are half loaded some of the time. The tyre still has to cope with the worst case scenario, which is the maximum loading. That's the critical forces it's got to deal with. And regardless, there are plenty of vans that are fully loaded all the time.

 

[bigtwin]

I think steel and maybe harder rubber as they are 8 ply and some van are 10. If you read the Michelin blurb it will tell you.

I’ve had a read of the Michelin blurb (Michelin - Which Motorhome Tyres Should I Use) and apart from labouring on about the need for Camping tyres on heavy motorhomes they’re not very specific about how they are different from van tyres.

I’ve also used their tyre selector tool to identify the correct tyres (225/75 R16 121) for my van and, guess what, they don’t do a Camper Tyre for my van. They list tyres with a lower load index but not for a 121 loading.

It interesting that they say:

If your motorhome is a "Conventional Coach Built Motorhome", "Low Profile Coach Built Motorhome" or "A Class Motorhome" type, the performance of a C marked tyre may be insufficient. We recommend that you use CP marked tyres instead.

which, I guess, must also mean that they MAY also be suitable for motorhomes.

The stated differences are given as:

Why? Because CP marked tyres have been specifically designed for heavy motorhomes. These motorhome tyres have a higher load index and pressure as well as a reinforced carcass.

Well, it’s a shame that their product line suggests that, in fact, their van tyres are available in higher load ratings than their camper tyres!

Strikes me that this is a marketing ploy and smells a little like bovine effluent.

Ian

 

[Nikwilko]

Neither michelin nor continental specify what is different in the construction of their CP tyres. All that is known is they can take 80psi. Both manufacturers CP tyres of a load rating of 118 are only 8ply same as their 118 rated C tyre.
Worth avoiding CP tyres on the undefined construction info available, but if you must then only continental as they will at least provide pressures based on axle weights.

 

[poppycamper]

never mentioned anything about vans not being fit for purpose

No you did not.... but you did say delivery vans only have full load at start of shift and then the load is reduced over the day...
My point was .... a manufacturer builds and designs a vehicle which is designed to be 3500kg ( for example ) and the manufacturer does not know how that vehicle will be used... fully loaded at start of shift and then slowly decrease through the day ie white van van ... or a builders van.. loaded to the hilt every single day, all day, everyday... indeed like us motorhomers??
So MichaelT I really do not understand your objection to my post..

 

[MichaelT]

No you did not.... but you did say delivery vans only have full load at start of shift and then the load is reduced over the day...
My point was .... a manufacturer builds and designs a vehicle which is designed to be 3500kg ( for example ) and the manufacturer does not know how that vehicle will be used... fully loaded at start of shift and then slowly decrease through the day ie white van van ... or a builders van.. loaded to the hilt every single day, all day, everyday... indeed like us motorhomers??
So MichaelT I really do not understand your objection to my post..

Cos you said I thought the vans not fit for purpose.l which I did not!

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[Bazzaa]

The continentals are likely to give a good ride because they’ll be new, so get you money’s worth out of them first, could be a few years before they harden up and start to give a harsh ride if at all…

I had 5yr continentals on my pvc with good tread on them but the ride was harsh and changed to Maxxis vansmart all season 3 peak 121 load tyres… the ride changed like night and day and so far no problems at all…

Edit: pressure has a lot to do with it too…

Hi All
Am aware the tyres question/ride quality is often asked, we have an Adria Compact arriving sometime in the new year and I believe it to have Continental 4 season CP tyres as standard, are these likely to be better than the dreaded hard as nails ride Michelin Agilis CP's we've put up with previously?
Would Toyo Observe Van 4 season or Falken All Seasons as recommended on these forums improve ride quality further?
Have had rear air assist before and found it to improve stability but not ride quality.
All the very best for the season.

As I posted we put up with Michelin Agilis CP's previously and want to improve ride quality.
The Continental 4 season M/S is still CP rated.
We use the MH all year so M/S and van tyres will be fine.
Thanks for advice as seriously thinking of getting either Toyo, Falken or Michelin Van 4 season tyres fitted at the outset on new Adria

Hi All
Am aware the tyres question/ride quality is often asked, we have an Adria Compact arriving sometime in the new year and I believe it to have Continental 4 season CP tyres as standard, are these likely to be better than the dreaded hard as nails ride Michelin Agilis CP's we've put up with previously?
Would Toyo Observe Van 4 season or Falken All Seasons as recommended on these forums improve ride quality further?
Have had rear air assist before and found it to improve stability but not ride quality.
All the very best for the season.

 

[SpeedyDux]

Does anyone know what the MH Insurance companies' stance is on the Van vs Camping tyres debate?

When the OEM is Camping tyres, is fitting Van tyres a modification to the MH that needs to be notified to the insurance company?

 

[CAB96]

Does anyone know what the MH Insurance companies' stance is on the Van vs Camping tyres debate?

When the OEM is Camping tyres, is fitting Van tyres a modification to the MH that needs to be notified to the insurance company?

And also vice-versa?

If you have a Morelo with van tyres (as has often been stated) would you be required to notify them if you put on CP tyres?

 

[Cliffyboy16]

The camper has tougher side walls to accommodate those who leave their motorhomes parked for long periods of time and therefore less prone to sidewall deformation and flat spotting the other is designed to be used and therefore has more flexible side walls giving a much more comfortable ride and handling..

Funny thing is that my hard as nail Michelin Camper tyres apparently have a little bald spot on the rear tyres - front tyres need replacing soon as near tyre wear - only 5 years old 17,500 miles? I was told 5 and 5.5 psi but now know that’s too much. Previously I had an Adria 6m LWB fiat Ducato van on Bridgestone (still have the spare wheel ) and never had a problem with ride/rattles so having a hard rattling ride on my was new Adria 6m fiat ducato SWB motor home thought it was because it wasn’t a van never thought about the tyre pressures as I went with Fiat garage & dealer.

So following tyres with interest for the January sales

 

[SpeedyDux]

I have these, they’re awesome and far better than the previous Michelin I had fitted

View attachment 990173

Earlier this year, I replaced the awful rock hard Michelin Agilis tyres with 4 of these ^^^^

My take is that they are slightly better in terms of road noise and ride characteristics, using the same tyre pressures as before. Not a huge difference though an improvement.

They are far superior when grip on wet grass or mud is concerned. No worries at all. That alone is worth the cost.

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[Lenny HB]

I hate CP tyres rock hard ride even at lower pressures and poor grip. If I hadn't spent so much on the new van & just about to spend another 9k I would have got rid of the CP tyres.
They should be nearly worn out within two years but will probably change them before then.

 

[MisterB]

I'm looking at Nankang all season, Inc snowflake,/mountain markings. They are also 10 ply according to the info on them.
Hoping to bag a discount during Christmas sales ....

 

[Lenny HB]

I'm looking at Nankang all season, Inc snowflake,/mountain markings. They are also 10 ply according to the info on them.
Hoping to bag a discount during Christmas sales ....

Trev bigtree has just had a bad experance with Nankang, I think it was side walks cracking in under 2 years.

 

[MisterB]

Trev bigtree has just had a bad experance with Nankang, I think it was side walks cracking in under 2 years.

Thanks, i noticed you had included him on a previous posting, but he hasnt responded yet. Other funsters seem to be happy with theirs? There appears to be two types, one rated for vans and one rated for motorhomes, it would be interesting to see which ones he had......

ive just been quoted locally for £575 inc fitting etc for five tyres at a local tyre fitters, which seems to be a pretty good price. That is for the van tyres and have a higher load rating of 120/121R rather than the camper tyres which have 118/116R

bigtree

 

[Lenny HB]

Thanks, i noticed you had included him on a previous posting, but he hasnt responded yet. Other funsters seem to be happy with theirs? There appears to be two types, one rated for vans and one rated for motorhomes, it would be interesting to see which ones he had......

ive just been quoted locally for £575 inc fitting etc for five tyres at a local tyre fitters, which seems to be a pretty good price. That is for the van tyres and have a higher load rating of 120/121R rather than the camper tyres which have 118/116R

bigtree

I'll ring him and give him a kick up the arse.

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[Lenny HB]

I've spoken to Trev he is having a break from the forum.
He said don't buy them, his are cracked between the tread and getting odd wear on the tread blocks .

 

[Guigsy]

My slightly controversial opinion is buying tyres that are a much higher load rating than you need isn't necessarily good. They'll be heavier, so less fuel efficient, and have worse comfort because they're stiffer (even though you can run lower pressures).

Of course you're often limited by choice anyway. I ended up with 120/121 even though I don't need it because that was all I could find with the brand, model and size I wanted.

 

[johnandi]

I went from Michelin Agilis Campers to Continental Vanco 4Seasons. They are significantly more comfortable and grippier. Although most of the comfort is probably because I used the continental handbook which says for my axle load, tyre rating, size and model, I can run 50psi instead of the 80psi the Campers said they needed.

Could I ask where I can find the Continental handbook for tyre pressures/acle load etc. I’ll see if I can make some sense of all this useful but confusing information.
Thanks

 

[Guigsy]

Could I ask where I can find the Continental handbook for tyre pressures/acle load etc. I’ll see if I can make some sense of all this useful but confusing information.
Thanks

https://www.continental-tires.com/content/dam/conti-tires-cms/continental/market-content/be/truck/fr---nl/Continental__TechnicalDataBook_03_24__Screen_EN.pdf.coredownload.pdf

 

[Bill-H]

Michelin Agilis Cross climates give us a super comfortable ride and are very grippy too.

That's our choice too...had a few sets of those..

This has been our experience too. They replaced Michelin Campers which gave a hard, not reassuring grip.

Yes, I specified Croaaclimates when I bought my (used) motorhome, have had them on prevous motorhomes and several cars- just put a set on my Suziki Ignis.
Had Michelin caming tyres before and they shook my fillings out.
Michelin will send you an email to tell you the ideal pressure to run your tyres at id you tell them the axle load and madel of tyre.
Interestingly, Michelin quoted F 72 psi and R 76 psi for the camping tyres and F 60 and R 62 psi for the Crossclimates on the sme motothome and axle load. The Crossclimates have a maximum inflation pressure of 65 psi whereas the Camping tyres have an 80 psi maximum.
The Crossclimates do give a much smoother ride - much to my dentists dismay
The Crossclimates are 3 peaks winter rated and many areas of Europe require this for winter driving.

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[poppycamper]

Yes, I specified Croaaclimates when I bought my (used) motorhome, have had them on prevous motorhomes and several cars- just put a set on my Suziki Ignis.
Had Michelin caming tyres before and they shook my fillings out.
Michelin will send you an email to tell you the ideal pressure to run your tyres at id you tell them the axle load and madel of tyre.
Interestingly, Michelin quoted F 72 psi and R 76 psi for the camping tyres and F 60 and R 62 psi for the Crossclimates on the sme motothome and axle load. The Crossclimates have a maximum inflation pressure of 65 psi whereas the Camping tyres have an 80 psi maximum.
The Crossclimates do give a much smoother ride - much to my dentists dismay
The Crossclimates are 3 peaks winter rated and many areas of Europe require this for winter driving.

When you say michelin camping tyres are you refering to the old Agilis camping tyres..
The new Michelin Cross Climate Camping tyres are a totally differant tyre with tread patterns the same as the Agilis Cross Climate (van based tyre, not camper) and are also 3peaks winter rated..

 

[sylvester1954]

I am looking at replacing my worn ContinentalVanCo All Season tyres especially the tyre wall difference between (white) van and motorhome tyres and whilst I found this to be a very informative and interesting thread, I confess I am even more confused.

Can I ask any if A/S Kingham owners have a particular preference for the Continental tyres or a.n.other tyre manufacturer?

 

[Bill-H]

When you say michelin camping tyres are you refering to the old Agilis camping tyres..
The new Michelin Cross Climate Camping tyres are a totally differant tyre with tread patterns the same as the Agilis Cross Climate (van based tyre, not camper) and are also 3peaks winter rated..

yes, my experience was of the old Agilis camping tyres
What are the maximum inflation pressures on the new Agilis Cross Climates? if it's the 'old' 80psi, can I assume that although they have the original cross Climate thread pattern and 3 peaks rating, the recomended pressure for my setup will be back up near the 80psi maximum and I'll be back at my dentist quite quickly

 

[buzz1]

I've spoken to Trev he is having a break from the forum.
He said don't buy them, his are cracked between the tread and getting odd wear on the tread blocks .

I have these so will be keeping an eye on them,
had them while But thanks for heads up mr Lenny.

 

[MisterB]

I have these so will be keeping an eye on them,
had them while But thanks for heads up mr Lenny.

how long have you had them and how much use? i assume these are the ones you got with your new wheels? my wheels are the 130mm stud pattern alloys and ive been told they are ok up to 1250kgs. so i just need to make sure i get some decent tyres - the Nankangs were my choice, but now im reconsidering BFG or something similar

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[buzz1]

Hi
I got two in may 23 then did roughly 10000 miles with those + mileage in year 24 , then had van up plated weight in may 24 so got 3 more tyres, did a trip in June to Switzerland / france was ok in snow but wasn’t that heavy , but drove well and felt confident with tyres. Done quite a few miles in uk since but not sure how many miles I’ve done this year ,
I normally take a note when mot / insurance is due in June time, I’m happy with them still early days thou .
My new alloys also rated to 1250kg but I’m only on light chassis 5x118 stud pattern