Another Tyre question - what do you experts think

[Blaydon]

Hi Folks,
Like many others, our new van was supplied with Camper tyres. They are now getting thin and so I am looking to replace them. I have read about folks going to van tyres rather than camper tyres and so spoke to my local dealer about them. I trust his experience and while he may not run a motorhome, he has a lot of knowledge on van, and car tyres. He said the difference between Camper and Van tyres is the Camper tyre has UV resistance built in to the outer layer to reduce cracking when sitting on one place. Otherwise they are the same. Now he may be right, and the impact of that treatment results in the noise and ride impact that folks have experienced.
However, before I shell out on new boots, I would like to know what you experts out there would recommend. Technology is always moving on so what was put in a thread three years ago may not be accurate now. I am happy to report back on the option I select and let you know what, if any, impact I can detect.
The vehicle is a Fiat Ducato, 16" wheel 4.25t, A class.
So good people, what rubbers would you suggest?
(Please don't get too off the point or this may end up in Smile for the day!)

 

[Lenny HB]

Just out of interest Lenny, what pressures do you run? We have a 4.25T MH

I run at the Toyo recommended pressure for my axle weights.
Front 56 psi (1930kg), Rear 69 psi (2300 kg).

 

[Oldrat]

Hi there. We have self levelling and so the pressure is off the tyres when we are parked up. So the impact of standing in one place is minimal.

So decent van tyres will be fine. Also, consider where you are going for suitable tyres to cope with the Alps etc, In many such places, winter tyres are obligatory, but I’m at the limit of my knowledge in that respect.

 

[VXman]

Regarding camping tyres and UV protection this makes an interesting read and from info provided Michelin recommend protecting tyres from UV which to me means that their tyres are not specifically treated for UV

Which motorhome tyres should I use? | MICHELIN UK

Everything you need to know about the best tyres for your motorhome and their pressure for safe driving.

www.michelin.co.uk

Interesting read that. Makes me think one needs look carefully when choosing non specific motorhome tyres at load and pressures.

 

[FrankNicklin]

Hi there. We have self levelling and so the pressure is off the tyres when we are parked up. So the impact of standing in one place is minimal.

Yes but if you are running close to your weight all of the time don't you still need to 10 ply tyres for stronger sidewall and higher running pressures.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[Rockpool]

Time to get the factor 50 out and apply it to the sidewalls

 

[Lenny HB]

Interesting read that. Makes me think one needs look carefully when choosing non specific motorhome tyres at load and pressures.

Manufacturer blowing their own trumpet and they can't get it right. Quote from that link.
"Adria Twin Supreme. MICHELIN recommended camper van tyres : C marked tyres."

A C marked tyre is a Commercial van tyre not a camper tyre.

Yes but if you are running close to your weight all of the time don't you still need to 10 ply tyres for stronger sidewall and higher running pressures.

OK, then why are Camping tyres 8 ply and the same load rating van tyre 10 ply?

 

[Oldrat]

Thicker steel strands for strength but less flexibilty?

 

[VXman]

Hi there. We have self levelling and so the pressure is off the tyres when we are parked up. So the impact of standing in one place is minimal.

So your self levelling takes weight off all tyres not just the ones that need to be raised to make the van level?

 

[FrankNicklin]

Manufacturer blowing their own trumpet and they can't get it right. Quote from that link.
"Adria Twin Supreme. MICHELIN recommended camper van tyres : C marked tyres."

A C marked tyre is a Commercial van tyre not a camper tyre.

OK, then why are Camping tyres 8 ply and the same load rating van tyre 10 ply?

OK fair point, I'm new to this tyre thing and will need some soon on ours, my mistake as I assumed the C meant more plys, i.e. stronger tyre. Intersting comment online from an insurance company about using CP tyres for Motorhomes and C tyres for PVC's.

Carrying heavy loads​

Compared to standard car or van tyres, campervan and motorhome tyres need to have higher weight carrying properties due to their weight as mobile accommodation. The weight bearing difference you need to look out for on tyres can be distinguished by the C or CP mark difference. C tyres are designed for higher weight loads, making them suitable for commercial vans and smaller campers, whilst CP tyres have been specifically designed for vehicles carrying much heavier loads, ideal for larger campervans and heavy motorhomes.

So, while C marked tyres may do the trick if you’re driving a lighter camper (like a small van conversion), it is vital to check that your tyres are the correct weight-bearing load for your vehicle. You can find the maximum load at maximum pressure, or load index, on the sidewall of each tyre. CP tyres are likely to be the best choice for your camper or motorhome.

What Camper & Motorhome Tyres Should You Use? | JK Insurance

From the best tyres to choose to its impact on insurance policies, discover our guide to campervan and motorhome tyres from Just Kampers Insurance.

www.justkampersinsurance.com

So does the insurance become an issue if you decide to use C rated tyres as opposed to CP rated for your motorhome.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[VXman]

Manufacturer blowing their own trumpet and they can't get it right. Quote from that link.
"Adria Twin Supreme. MICHELIN recommended camper van tyres : C marked tyres."

A little bit of that for sure. I think many of us can read beyond the sales pitch. (Well I hope!)

I think they have valid comments about weight, weight distribution, height affecting handling etc. I'm not suggesting you have to buy Michelin CP tyres but a little bit of understanding and knowledge is needed if you decide to purchase something not specified as a motorhome tyre or run your tyres a well below manufacturers recommended pressure.

 

[Lenny HB]

A little bit of that for sure. I think many of us can read beyond the sales pitch. (Well I hope!)

I think they have valid comments about weight, weight distribution, height affecting handling etc. I'm not suggesting you have to buy Michelin CP tyres but a little bit of understanding and knowledge is needed if you decide to purchase something not specified as a motorhome tyre or run your tyres a well below manufacturers recommended pressure.

Most of the larger Motorhomes only have van tyres as Camping tyres are only available in very limited sizes.

 

[FrankNicklin]

Most of the larger Motorhomes only have van tyres as Camping tyres are only available in very limited sizes.

Camping tyres or commercial tyres are they not one and the same as you said there are not any camping tyres. Surely larger motorhomes should technically be running CP tyres.

 

[Lenny HB]

Camping tyres or commercial tyres are they not one and the same as you said there are not any camping tyres. Surely larger motorhomes should technically be running CP tyres.

How can they if they don't make them?

 

[TheMachMan]

Apart much the Michelin ones who else makes a 3 peak, M&S CP rated tyre?

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[Lenny HB]

Apart much the Michelin ones who else makes a 3 peak, M&S CP rated tyre?

Continental, they were doing them a year before Michelin.

 

[Speve]

In my view as long as you have a good load rated tyre that will take your vans weight and more the C tyres are good enough the CPs are definitely an uncomfortable ride and I won’t be spending money on them in the future, I have noticed without a doubt my cross climates are a so much better ride although until we have done a few years on them I don’t know how well they will wear but I’m prettty confident they will last

 

[Blaydon]

So your self levelling takes weight off all tyres not just the ones that need to be raised to make the van level?

Yes, four legs or jacks support the vehicle then level by raising one end or side as needed so the load is off the tyres. I have programmed in a setting to ensure we have no ‘bulge’ on the tyres at all.

 

[jezport]

I put Davanti tyres on mine and have been happy with them. They have done around 10K miles in around 18months and still look good. They were higher weight rating than conti camper tyres

 

[DJT]

I put Davanti tyres on mine and have been happy with them. They have done around 10K miles in around 18months and still look good. They were higher weight rating than conti camper tyres

Just been reading the reviews on Google!!
Would not be for me
DJT

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[Bessy765]

We have a 4.5 tonne A class changed to Michelin Cross Climate much improved ride and seem to be wearing well covered over 18,000 so far.

 

[3crispies]

As previously stated change the CP tyres for weight related tyres to your particular axles, we have Michelins manufacturer fitted and 1st time I have had a vehicle with new tyres I cant wait for them to wear down a little so I can justify changing. Either as Lenny says Toyo observe or I like the sound of Falken wildpeak, depends where your travelling for your holidays but the thought of fitting snow chains puts me off normal tyres. Also side note if abroad and you have a blow out so you need a new tyre an obscure brand may mean buying 2 stock items locally ££..

 

[Lenny HB]

As previously stated change the CP tyres for weight related tyres to your particular axles, we have Michelins manufacturer fitted and 1st time I have had a vehicle with new tyres I cant wait for them to wear down a little so I can justify changing. Either as Lenny says Toyo observe or I like the sound of Falken wildpeak, depends where your travelling for your holidays but the thought of fitting snow chains puts me off normal tyres. Also side note if abroad and you have a blow out so you need a new tyre an obscure brand may mean buying 2 stock items locally ££..

The Falken you mention is a 4x4 tyre it's not a van tyre. Load rating is lower than a C rated tyre of the same size.

 

[3crispies]

The Falken you mention is a 4x4 tyre it's not a van tyre. Load rating is lower than a C rated tyre of the same size.

fair point but ones I have seen are 115 load rating which suits us. Like the lifetime warranty probably will be hidden clause but was more concerned of wet grip after they have done some miles.

Falken Wildpeak A/T AT3WA All Terrain​

225/75R16 115/112S​

Find a different size

E

C

73

 

[Lenny HB]

fair point but ones I have seen are 115 load rating which suits us. Like the lifetime warranty probably will be hidden clause but was more concerned of wet grip after they have done some miles.

Falken Wildpeak A/T AT3WA All Terrain​

225/75R16 115/112S​

Find a different size

E

C

73

That is the one I looked at a C tyre would be 121 also most C tyres have rib around the sidewall to prevent kerb damage.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[EuroTrotters]

Camper Tyres !

Stiffer sidewalls. Just try to find 10 ply tyres is thats what you want.

Toyo Observe are what my work van is on. I now run my Caravan on these. But our motorhome is still on Michelin Alpin.

TOYO H09's Now "Observe" Switching From Michelin Agilis Alpin

As you may know from many of my numerous tyre posts and replies, I have always fitted Winter Tyres to all of our Motorhomes and vans. The last 3 Motorhomes, including the current one, have had Michelin Agilis Winter Tyres, as do my Sprinters. However, the prices of Michelin have rocketed (Paid...

www.motorhomefun.co.uk

 

[Dazzola]

As far as I'm aware you can fit any tyre that has a correct load rating, just for example my van was weighed with 2 people onboard, all the kit and a half tank of diesel and came out at 2300kg, I have porsche cayenne wheels fitted with xl rated tyres that can run higher weights than the van is, as it can no longer be used as a commercial vehicle due to being fitted out with a permanent bed etc I don't need C rated tyres, I would presume a motorhome would be the same? I:e run any tyre that has the required axle rating?

 

[Blaydon]

So….it seems like many other aspects of Motorhome life, it all depends

Thanks to everyone who contributed as it has given me lots to think about.
Given that, we don’t go off skiing so we won’t need winter tyres, and we keep the van supported so the pressure is off the sidewalls when parked up, we need van tyres that can cope with 4.5 t, probably with CP or C rating.
I’ll see what I can find and let you know what I fit.
Is there any issue with changing the fronts only as the rears still have meat on them.?

 

[Daffy64]

Manufacturer blowing their own trumpet and they can't get it right. Quote from that link.
"Adria Twin Supreme. MICHELIN recommended camper van tyres : C marked tyres."

A C marked tyre is a Commercial van tyre not a camper tyre.

OK, then why are Camping tyres 8 ply and the same load rating van tyre 10 ply?

An Adria Twin is a converted panel van so van rules will apply.

The 8 ~v~ 10 ply discussion is a red herring as it’s the load index that’s important, the number of ply’s are largely irrelevant in a modern tyre as these can be made of different materials so have different load bearing/handling characteristics.

We’ve an Adria Twin and the Camper rated tyres will be replaced with a more comfortable van tyre when the remaining life/horrid ride equation stacks up.

 

[Gunnster]

These could help with uv resistance

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[slowdriver]

I have a 4-ton La Strada Avanti EB Ducato-based van. When I changed from Michelin Agilis last year I spent some time investigating options and ended up with a new set of Toyo Celcius Cargo Tyres after useful input from the Toyo UK Technical Director and Lenny. They had a higher load and speed rating (121/120 T) than the Michelin's. The speed rating is irrelevant since I rarely break 70mph and then only in France. The increased load capacity is a bonus.

https://www.toyo.co.uk/tire/pattern/celsius-cargo

https://eprel.ec.europa.eu/screen/product/tyres/716716?navigatingfrom=qr

The main advantage of the Toyo Cargo over Toyo Observe is that they are an all-year-round tyre (mountain snowflaked) and suitable according to the European Product Registry as a tyre for use in severe snow conditions. My original Michelins were not suitable for winter conditions. So technically I no longer need to carry snow chains for winter trips.
My weight is 1740kg Front, and 1810kg rear and I run them at 64 psi front and 73 higher psi rear which is more than the Tyre Safe specification for my weight which was an implausible 52 front 59 rear.

Motorhome Tyre Pressure Calculator | TyreSafe

Our motorhome tyre pressure calculator gives you the correct pressures for your motorhome. Check your tyres regularly for your safety.

www.tyresafe.org

and more than the 60psi/73psi recommended by the Toyo Technical Director (although that was a general recommendation without being given the specific axle weights.)

The Michelins are generally recommended to run at 79psi - many people think that gives an excessively hard ride at that pressure. Also when they get hot in summer the pressure can rise to north of 90psi (the technical limit is 99 psi) so it was necessary last summer. at least, to adjust the pressures during exceptionally hot spells.