Motorhome Camper tyres versus Van tyres (1 Viewer)

[filopastry]

Mikescuba thank you for taking the time to contact Michelin and post their reply. Much better to research a subject that simply make assumptions. I have always valued the information "from the horses mouth" even if some would say their information is biased as they have a vested interest. I don't see conspiracy at every turn of every page.

 

[KeefieWeefie]

We have Michelin Agilis M & S tyres on our Carthago and last week in Chamonix we had very heavy snow and they gripped very well when manoeuvring. Tyres are a personal choice and telling people not to come on here complaining is against the spirit of forums. Just because you’ve done something for 30 years doesn’t necessarily mean you’re right.
There should be mutual respect for all opinions even if you don’t agree.

So you bought your Michelin Agilis tyres in M&S! Blimey did they fit them as well??

 

[TheBig1]

This is a non scientific reply based on experience, some limited knowledge of the industry. My friend recently retired and sold his tyre business of many years and what he doesn't know about the black rubber round things is not worth knowing. I have discussed the subject of premium tyres over budget and the relative new comers to the market, camper tyres at great length with him. I too thought that it was all snake oil and mirrors till he corrected my thinking

For a global tyre brand to research, develop and produce a specialist tyre costs an absolute fortune and to ignore that is a mistake. When you see a camper tyre cut across it's section, it is obvious that there is a difference to a commercial van tyre. The walls and shoulders are thicker and reinforced to absorb the extra stresses of a heavy vehicle that sits static for long periods. Commercial van tyres will do the job over a shorter life span, as they will wear out much faster than those on a camper or an ambulance. Saying that commercial tyres are not suited is wrong, as they worked very well for many years before anyone saw a potential need for an improvement

Remember that the load stresses on tyres on a heavy vehicle are not all vertically down to the road. The stress of cornering and on twin wheels or tag axles scrubbing sideways in turns tries to tear the sidewalls. The grip pattern of course is broadly similar to other tyres biased towards driving on tarmac so irrelevant unless you need to drive regularly in snow or mud

The cost difference between the types is down to short production runs and an attempt to recoup R&D costs. On any other tyre the cost is recouped on millions of tyres sold globally per year. Try finding camper tyres when they are running short, waiting on the next production run, which the machines need setting for. You will soon realise that these tyres are a very niche market

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[DDJC]

Great reply thanks. Actually I went on the Kwik Fit website and put my registration in to get the recommended tyre for my motorhome and the most expensive tyres were the ones that I chose. They didn't even suggest any camper tyres. Anyhow the camper tyre has the same load index as the van tyre!

Wow. Although my opinion is apparently nonsense, I would never go anywhere near Kwikfit, under any circumstances. It isn't just the 85% markup on bog average tyres. Its the lying chiseller who tells you that you need new shocks as they are 'leaking'. I've actually been there and I was shown the 'leak'. Smelled like WD40 to me. Bloody crooks.

So I wouldn't touch Kwikfit with a 12' bargepole, sellotaped to another 12' bargepole.

 

[DDJC]

For a global tyre brand to research, develop and produce a specialist tyre costs an absolute fortune and to ignore that is a mistake. When you see a camper tyre cut across it's section, it is obvious that there is a difference to a commercial van tyre. The walls and shoulders are thicker and reinforced to absorb the extra stresses of a heavy vehicle that sits static for long periods. Commercial van tyres will do the job over a shorter life span, as they will wear out much faster than those on a camper or an ambulance. Saying that commercial tyres are not suited is wrong, as they worked very well for many years before anyone saw a potential need for an improvement

Remember that the load stresses on tyres on a heavy vehicle are not all vertically down to the road. The stress of cornering and on twin wheels or tag axles scrubbing sideways in turns tries to tear the sidewalls. The grip pattern of course is broadly similar to other tyres biased towards driving on tarmac so irrelevant unless you need to drive regularly in snow or mud

As someone who knows very little about tyres, this is the most helpful bit of info on this thread. And no one got told off either

I will be going for the best camper tyres I can find. Thanks very much.

 

[TheBig1]

Wow. Although my opinion is apparently nonsense, I would never go anywhere near Kwikfit, under any circumstances. It isn't just the 85% markup on bog average tyres. Its the lying chiseller who tells you that you need new shocks as they are 'leaking'. I've actually been there and I was shown the 'leak'. Smelled like WD40 to me. Bloody crooks.

So I wouldn't touch Kwikfit with a 12' bargepole, sellotaped to another 12' bargepole.

a mechanic friend of mine, who was between jobs (sacked for knocking off the boss's wife) struggled to get a garage locally to take him on. In desperation he took a job with kwikfit and within weeks was the manager of the branch, turnover of staff was so bad. The months rolled by and every month he had targets to hit with sales that increased each time. He never hit the targets so senior managers visited and observed what was going on. He then got hauled over the coals and although they avoided saying it directly, he was told to lie to customers and invent faults to up-sell further products and services. Basically ordered to defraud customers in order to make better profits.

He left and set up his own business with a friend and has never looked back, but doesn't have a good word to say about his time at kwikfit

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[ambulancekidd]

This has been an interesting post.

Always remember opinions are like bottoms, everyone has one some of them stink, describes me perfectly apparently.

 

[Chris Sykes]

Suggest you speak to SvTech Tel 01772 621800 they will be able to give you definitive BEST advice on what you can & cannot do legally with regard to choice of Tyres’s recommended tyre pressures etc. Including what you need to do if you want to increase or reduce your plated weights - They helped me to increase the payload on my Swift Bolero 714SB from 4,250kg to 4,800kg a very useful increase of 550kg

 

[tacr2man]

Just working on logic rather than needing any technical knowledge about tyres . Camper tyre compared with commercial vehicle tyre of same load and speed rating in same size . If there was any safety difference in risk of failure 1. why are not all camper vehicles not prohibited from using commercial vehicle tyres .
2. Why would any manufacturer sell a tyre that would be used on a camper vehicle that would open them up to the risk of being sued due to its failure .
Is it not more likely that the makers can charge a premium price and get a bigger slice of the camper market due to there being limited choice as not all makers can justify the R&D budget .
Just as an aside My RV (12 tonne) ran on normal commercial tyres there are no camper tyres available for that type of vehicle made by any manufacturer . The only vehicle (other than hypercars) that had a specific tyre fitment that I have ever encountered was a tyre made for American style ambulances , single wheels on both axles no other tyre model or make was allowed and tyre pressure was very high (cant remember what it was atm) BTW 15 years as a tyre dealer .

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[tonyidle]

I'm occasionally more than surprised by some of the discussions on this site. There is an entire, massive, industry that revolves around car modifications. Some of the companies involved in this market have been doing so since the '60s. Modification can be simple or more often utterly dramatic. Engines never intended for a particular car are installed often more than doubling the power output. Turbo- or super-chargers are installed. Suspension and brake parts from one car are installed on an entirely different model - or make. Cars are lowered (and sometimes raised) by substantial amounts. The very last thing that anyone involved in this scene frets about is tyres, tyre widths, wheel sizes. If it will fit under the wings it goes on. If it doesn't the wheel arch is enlarged so it does. Widths are often doubled: diameters are increased from 16" to 20". All the information about what fits and is safe in terms of rim widths and tyre sizes is well documented on various internet sites. Insurers are informed and non care. They're more concerned with your driving record and postcode. The drivers of these vehicles are well-versed in general about what is effective and safe and what isn't. I cannot remember many (if any) cases of insurance companies refusing a payout because the wrong engine / suspension / braking system / tyres were installed. What I do see every week is insurers refusing payment or drivers being prosecuted for unroadworthy vehicles - normally ill-maintained with bald tyres or ineffective lights or brakes. Why on earth do we worry?

 

[CamperManLez]

Ambulancekidd, well said and right to the point

 

[filopastry]

To all who hold different or opposing views to mine, and 'er indoors tells me I am very opinionated, I mean no ill. I do enjoy debating a subject and try very hard not to debate the person, not always easy. I try to support my debates with data.

I don't live in cloud cuckoo land, not always anyway, and do know that "opportunistic pricing" for the leisure/luxury markets do exist.

Not motorhome related but proves the point that many on motorhome forum debate re -unfair pricing.

I fly a microlight aircraft, seen as a luxury hobby pastime and many many of the parts for my craft are inflated in price simply for that reason. Many of the parts are not produced by the manufacturer of the craft but sourced elsewhere and then a huge surcharge is added as many fear buying the part from other than the machine manufacturer.

A radiator cap to fit a Rotax 582 blue top two stroke engine as powers my craft will cost from the microlight manufacturer near £40. The very same cap, made in the same factory, with the same part number as fitted on a Triumph motorbike £7.

So I know dear motorhomers, that we are frequently being ripped off by those who would have us believe that only they, the manufacturer, can provide the parts we need.

When you search for a replacement part, if there is a part number on it, before contacting the manufacturer, make an indepth research on the "tinternet" use many search engines as some are better than others at seeking out what we search.

phil

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[leggings]

Hi everyone. Just took motorhome in for service and repair. The repair shop just called to tell me that my newly installed Michelin Agilis Cross Climate tyres are illegal because they are not dedicated Camper tyres! They are 215/70 R15 with 190 load rating. This equates to 1030 kg per tyre or 1.030 Metric Tons. My Bessacarr is max 3.5 MT. Are the repair peeps mistaken? Obviously I've done loads of googling on the subject but you always get mixed feelings. Any thoughts would be gratefully appreciated folks!

Took my van for puncture repair two years ago and was told that the cords were broken and I needed a new tyre. Got it repaired at another garage and driven to Scandinavia three times and Spain twice and it’s still going. These guys are getting folk to discard perfectly good tyres purely for profit. I’d seek advice from a motoring organisation such as RAC.

 

[leggings]

To all who hold different or opposing views to mine, and 'er indoors tells me I am very opinionated, I mean no ill. I do enjoy debating a subject and try very hard not to debate the person, not always easy. I try to support my debates with data.

I don't live in cloud cuckoo land, not always anyway, and do know that "opportunistic pricing" for the leisure/luxury markets do exist.

Not motorhome related but proves the point that many on motorhome forum debate re -unfair pricing.

I fly a microlight aircraft, seen as a luxury hobby pastime and many many of the parts for my craft are inflated in price simply for that reason. Many of the parts are not produced by the manufacturer of the craft but sourced elsewhere and then a huge surcharge is added as many fear buying the part from other than the machine manufacturer.

A radiator cap to fit a Rotax 582 blue top two stroke engine as powers my craft will cost from the microlight manufacturer near £40. The very same cap, made in the same factory, with the same part number as fitted on a Triumph motorbike £7.

So I know dear motorhomers, that we are frequently being ripped off by those who would have us believe that only they, the manufacturer, can provide the parts we need.

When you search for a replacement part, if there is a part number on it, before contacting the manufacturer, make an indepth research on the "tinternet" use many search engines as some are better than others at seeking out what we search.

phil

People would benefit from reading Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance.

 

[Mrsambulancekidd]

Ambulancekidd, well said and right to the point

That's a nice thing too say.
The thing is if people met him face to face they would find a big gentle bear of a man who would help if he could.
The written word can come over very differently to the way it would if you were stood there saying it.
Robert likes to share his knowledge and if that makes him come across as a 'know it all' so be it, nobody has to read what any of us write.

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[ambulancekidd]

Duplicate post

 

[filopastry]

Mrsambulancekidd ambulancekidd Never surround yourselves with those who hold the same views and opinions as yourselves, there lies the disasters of yesteryear. It is healthy to debate, sometimes strongly, if there is respect for each other, then there is never damage done. I have no doubt that all on here are generally good people and I would, without a second thought, accept numerous beers from you should we have the good fortune to meet one day.

phil

 

[andyman]

Don't understand this thread!

The alternative to not fitting appropriate tyres is at the very least, an increased chance of a tyre failure, when you are trying to get somewhere. The very worst is an increased chance or wiping out your van and the occupants. If my handbook says I need a minimum of 800 kg per wheel, my paranoia orders me to go for 1200kg or higher!!

A cheap van tyre is a bit less than 100 quid. A tyre designed for a motorhome can be north of 150 quid. Total difference for four tyres is therefore about £200. My family is worth more than that!!

My question isn't whether, on balance, a moho or van tyre is a better idea - to me, it's bloody obvious. I would like to know funsters opinion on which motorhome tyre, best balances value with overall safety on the road.

I'm 225 75 16" Ducato Maxi 3800mm, 3500kg.

so I have a question, how do you know the higher rated tyres do not have an adverse effect on anything.

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[KeefieWeefie]

Took my van for puncture repair two years ago and was told that the cords were broken and I needed a new tyre. Got it repaired at another garage and driven to Scandinavia three times and Spain twice and it’s still going. These guys are getting folk to discard perfectly good tyres purely for profit. I’d seek advice from a motoring organisation such as RAC.

Hmmm do you know, I never thought of that! Good suggestion and I will do that!

 

[ambulancekidd]

Never surround yourselves with those who hold the same views and opinions as yourselves

I couldn't agree more, I enjoy a healthy debate, even if its an agree to disagree point which is being debated.
I'm flexible enough to apologise or have my mind changed if I think I'm wrong & I am often wrong lol.

I just base my opinions on experience & anyone who doesn't want to read what I write can simply pass on to the next post, easy.
Just why some folks get incandescent of something on here baffles me, especially when a post isn't aimed at them specifically.

Even when I disagree strongly with a mate, the minute the debate is over, put it behind you & enjoy each others company, that's always worked for me.

Kind regards....Robert.

 

[DDJC]

so I have a question, how do you know the higher rated tyres do not have an adverse effect on anything.

OMG! I don't!

I can barely spell tires tyers tyres? I know nothing about them., except that they are usually black and round.

I am an ex-tugger who has been engined now for three years - and loving it. I have never had bad advice from anyone on here - although occasionally it is differed completely

What is good about Motorhomefun is exactly that. "Cut the red wire", "No, cut the blue", "NO, cut them both... and use an angle grinder." People don't give bad advice, they just advise on the basis of the best of their experience. So it gets a tad passionate.

Anyhoo. This thread has solidified what I am going to do when I need new boots. They will have side walls made of tungsten, a weight index of 85 tonnes and tread so deep you can hide in it.

Any recommendations? Or is the sensible thing to wait and see what new camper-appropriate tyre has been developed?

D

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[funflair]

I think the best option is when your motorhome needs new tyres just buy a new one and you know the tyres will be the right ones?

Martin

 

[Mrsambulancekidd]

I have never had bad advice from anyone on here - although occasionally it is differed completely

Many moons ago a rather confused Grandad lamented that he and his G.daughter were just getting confused as first time horse owners with all the seemingly conflicting advice they were being given.
I just suggested that he listened to it all, thank them all, but choose just one person's advice to follow.
He did that and it worked a treat, I ended up teaching the little girl.

 

[Louis]

OMG! I don't!

I can barely spell tires tyers tyres? I know nothing about them., except that they are usually black and round.

I am an ex-tugger who has been engined now for three years - and loving it. I have never had bad advice from anyone on here - although occasionally it is differed completely

What is good about Motorhomefun is exactly that. "Cut the red wire", "No, cut the blue", "NO, cut them both... and use an angle grinder." People don't give bad advice, they just advise on the basis of the best of their experience. So it gets a tad passionate.

Anyhoo. This thread has solidified what I am going to do when I need new boots. They will have side walls made of tungsten, a weight index of 85 tonnes and tread so deep you can hide in it.

Any recommendations? Or is the sensible thing to wait and see what new camper-appropriate tyre has been developed?

D

Make sure you have the correct air pressure ?

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[DDJC]

Make sure you have the correct air pressure ?

Air? The invisible stuff you breathe?
How much do you need?

 

[WESTY66]

I think the best option is when your motorhome needs new tyres just buy a new one and you know the tyres will be the right ones?

Martin

Martin, I’m sure I read on here that chausson fits van tyres from the factory, so that will further muddy the waters.

 

[Louis]

Air? The invisible stuff you breathe?
How much do you need?

Oh just a puff or two I think (&not the silver haired chap) ?

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[2657]

Not getting involved in the benefits or otherwise of camper tyres but 2 questions.

Is a PVC a motorhome?

Has anybody bought a new PVC where the original commercial tyres have been changed to camper tyres?

Mine certainly had commercial tyres fitted.

 

[ambulancekidd]

Not getting involved in the benefits or otherwise of camper tyres but 2 questions.

Is a PVC a motorhome?

Has anybody bought a new PVC where the original commercial tyres have been changed to camper tyres?

Mine certainly had commercial tyres fitted.

Yes a PVC is a motorhome although some folks call them campers or campervans.
The tyres fitted by the manufacturer makes sense to me.

 

[KeefieWeefie]

OMG! I don't!

I can barely spell tires tyers tyres? I know nothing about them., except that they are usually black and round.

I am an ex-tugger who has been engined now for three years - and loving it. I have never had bad advice from anyone on here - although occasionally it is differed completely

What is good about Motorhomefun is exactly that. "Cut the red wire", "No, cut the blue", "NO, cut them both... and use an angle grinder." People don't give bad advice, they just advise on the basis of the best of their experience. So it gets a tad passionate.

Anyhoo. This thread has solidified what I am going to do when I need new boots. They will have side walls made of tungsten, a weight index of 85 tonnes and tread so deep you can hide in it.

Any recommendations? Or is the sensible thing to wait and see what new camper-appropriate tyre has been developed?

D

I love this answer! That's the way to do it!?

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