Traction... Wheels and Tyres

[Beer O'clock]

Good evening all..

Continuing our search for a suitable motorhome we recently hired a Carthargo 7 mt from a small operation just outside Malaga for 7 days. Really impressed with layout and overall feel.
This trip did however throw up some obstacles which l was not expecting but managed without issue fortunately for us and the vehicle's owner.
So as l am sure many of you have experienced those steep assents and desents on entry and exit to sites on poorly maintained gravel tracks with potholes l would seek your advice regarding upgrading wheels and tyres without invalidating manufacturer warranty and possibly Chassis warranty. I am aware of possible increase in weight etc, lower mpg, and road noise. I would be prepared to sacrifice these so that when push comes to shove the boots on the ground help the pilot navigate his way out of trouble. We are currently looking at two manufacturers products. I will ask the dealers but would appreciate your take on this subject to get a more balanced view.

Many thanks, happy travels....

 

[Mikeco]

Personally I’ve never felt the need to change either wheels or type of tyres on any of the six vans that we have had, my view is that if they are suitable for the base vehicle then they are good enough.

 

[Lenny HB]

As long as it hasn't got Michelin Camping tyres on you should be OK, Michelins have virtually no grip on gravel, hopeless tyres. Conti CP's are better but still not as good as standard 4 season van tyres.

 

[68c]

Had Michelin Agilis Camper tyres on a 3.5t front wheel drive van for the last three years. Never been a problem other than on totally sodden grass when even 4x4's towing caravans had trouble. We regularly sit at 70mph on motorways and keep up with most traffic on A roads even in the pouring rain. Run at 65psi front and rear with acceptable ride comfort. We have noticed some front wheel drive vans with long rear overhang having trouble on steep slow turns which I think is down to rear weight bias being too high. Balance your van and all will be well.

 

[Beer O'clock]

Had Michelin Agilis Camper tyres on a 3.5t front wheel drive van for the last three years. Never been a problem other than on totally sodden grass when even 4x4's towing caravans had trouble. We regularly sit at 70mph on motorways and keep up with most traffic on A roads even in the pouring rain. Run at 65psi front and rear with acceptable ride comfort. We have noticed some front wheel drive vans with long rear overhang having trouble on steep slow turns which I think is down to rear weight bias being too high. Balance your van and all will be well.

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[Lenny HB]

Had Michelin Agilis Camper tyres on a 3.5t front wheel drive van for the last three years. Never been a problem

I found them totally useless changed them well before they were worn out we are 4.5t and the front axle runs at 1930kg, 300 kg heavier than the last van we had wasn't as bad that had Conti's and only 1630kg on the front axle.

 

[bigtree]

I’am uprating our wheels and tyres to improve our payload, have bought the wheels but considering all season tyres instead of my favourite Nexen Roadian CT8’s. I won’t get the alloys till possibly July so plenty time to decide what to get. My last van was RWD but this is FWD and have read all the horror stories when it’s on wet ground.

 

[VXman]

Had Michelin Agilis Camper tyres on a 3.5t front wheel drive van for the last three years. Never been a problem other than on totally sodden grass when even 4x4's towing caravans had trouble. We regularly sit at 70mph on motorways and keep up with most traffic on A roads even in the pouring rain. Run at 65psi front and rear with acceptable ride comfort. We have noticed some front wheel drive vans with long rear overhang having trouble on steep slow turns which I think is down to rear weight bias being too high. Balance your van and all will be well.

I found them totally useless changed them well before they were worn out we are 4.5t and the front axle runs at 1930kg, 300 kg heavier than the last van we had wasn't as bad that had Conti's and only 1630kg on the front axle.fi

I must admit I find the Michelins pretty rubbish in low grip situations. Gravel, dusty surfaces, damp grass, steep hills. Sure, normal running their fine but extreme situations not. Also they seem to be wearing quickly at the front.

I spoke to my friendly tyre manager of 30 years and when I mentioned BDF Goodrich all terrain which seem to be popular with motorhomers he looked at me horrified!!! He said they were applalling tyres. Maybe it's just the cool looks people like?

Once I have worn these Michelin's down I will certainly be looking for an alternative. I'm doing a front/rear tyre swap this week so that I can wear the rears down to the same as the fronts and then I will be looking at a new set but that will be another 1-2 years based on current wear.

 

[VXman]

We have noticed some front wheel drive vans with long rear overhang having trouble on steep slow turns which I think is down to rear weight bias being too high. Balance your van and all will be well.

This is certainly true. We have a motorcycle, 2 bikes, 100 litres water, tables, chairs, BBQ etc etc in the rear garage. There's not a lot we can do the balance that.