Tyres (1 Viewer)

[maison]

I have always run my motorhomes on "proper" Camper tyres in the past.

The tyres on my present one are about ready for replacing, (wear, not age), as we cover quite a few miles.

NOW........

Our m/h is on a 2015 Fiat Ducato chassis. It is great to drive but the suspension, particularly the rear axle, is harsh to say the least.

In my understanding "Camper" tyres have stiffer sidewalls than conventional van tyres so, if I replace with commercial van tyres this time am I likely to "soften" the ride a bit due to the softer sidewalls?

Worries regarding the tyre "taking a flat" if parked up for long periods do not apply in our case. The m/h is used a lot.

I would be grateful for comments from anyone who has experience of running on both?

 

[ambulancekidd]

I removed the "Camper" tyres on our Autosleeper a few weeks ago & replaced them with normal commercial tyres & the difference is truly remarkable. I like you are more likely to wear tyres out by use not standing for months at a time.
The ride now is very compliant & a real revelation.

 

[EX51SSS]

Used to have camper tyres but changed to commercial tyres and as @ambulancekidd said, nice ride (now, now).
However, bear in mind that in France (apparently), you need the same tyre replaced so I'd originally got 4 tyres and as I couldn't guarantee that they'd have my tyre, I changed to all 5 replaced. The spare camper had never been used.

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[maison]

I removed the "Camper" tyres on our Autosleeper a few weeks ago & replaced them with normal commercial tyres & the difference is truly remarkable. I like you are more likely to wear tyres out by use not standing for months at a time.
The ride now is very compliant & a real revelation.

What tyre did you buy?

 

[maison]

Used to have camper tyres but changed to commercial tyres and as @ambulancekidd said, nice ride (now, now).
However, bear in mind that in France (apparently), you need the same tyre replaced so I'd originally got 4 tyres and as I couldn't guarantee that they'd have my tyre, I changed to all 5 replaced. The spare camper had never been used.

What tyre did you buy?

 

[tacr2man]

You need to be sure that the tyres you are substituting are capable of carrying the max axle loads at their design pressure and suitable speed rating as camper tyres generally have very high inflation pressures to carry the load and therefore need the stiffer sidewalls .

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[StitchesnFluff]

I removed the "Camper" tyres on our Autosleeper a few weeks ago & replaced them with normal commercial tyres & the difference is truly remarkable. I like you are more likely to wear tyres out by use not standing for months at a time.
The ride now is very compliant & a real revelation.

I’m surprised, you’d thought that the original tyres would provide a smoother ride

 

[EX51SSS]

What tyre did you buy?

Davanti tyres.

 

[pappajohn]

I’m surprised, you’d thought that the original tyres would provide a smoother ride

The chassis and suspension was designed for commercial use, not recreational use, and as such designed to use commercial tyres.
Motorhomes have been around for decades.....'camping' tyres haven't.

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[maison]

You need to be sure that the tyres you are substituting are capable of carrying the max axle loads at their design pressure and suitable speed rating as camper tyres generally have very high inflation pressures to carry the load and therefore need the stiffer sidewalls .

Yes, understood.

Like for like rating is required. However, vans also do high speeds when loaded. I was informed by our local independent tyre supplier that the only problem for motorhomes, on commercial tyres, is the less stiff walls bowing when stood for prolonged periods.

Ours doesn't stand around.

 

[Gorse Hill]

The chassis and suspension was designed for commercial use, not recreational use, and as such designed to use commercial tyres.
Motorhomes have been around for decades.....'camping' tyres haven't.

Yes but the chassis and suspension wasn't designed to have a large wooden box attached to it either, therefore can't be classed as commercial PJ

 

[maison]

Yes but the chassis and suspension wasn't designed to have a large wooden box attached to it either, therefore can't be classed as commercial PJ

There are plenty of Luton vans running around. Wooden boxes on wheels, surely.

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[sonny]

Camping tyres can also develop flat spots when parked for long periods that's why they are pumped up to 80psi until they are sold ,then you have to investigate to get the correct pressures because the dealer won't known.

 

[Gorse Hill]

There are plenty of Luton vans running around. Wooden boxes on wheels, surely.

Fair comment, not considered that one
Still think I would stick to camper tyres, if only to ensure the insurance company didn't have a get out if involved in an accident

 

[maison]

Camping tyres can also develop flat spots when parked for long periods that's why they are pumped up to 80psi until they are sold ,then you have to investigate to get the correct pressures because the dealer won't known.

Yes, we had that problem with our present m/h. Lost about three fillings before realising the problem.

Even with pressures adjusted to axle weights the ride is still harsher than I would like. Hence the question.

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[maison]

Fair comment, not considered that one
Still think I would stick to camper tyres, if only to ensure the insurance company didn't have a get out if involved in an accident

Now that is yet another thing to consider.

As one of my old bosses used to say ..... " For every solution there is a new problem".

 

[maison]

So I have two posts reporting improved ride on commercial tyres. Does anyone else have experience of both?

 

[pappajohn]

Yes but the chassis and suspension wasn't designed to have a large wooden box attached to it either, therefore can't be classed as commercial PJ

So, Lutons and refrigerated Tesco delivery vans must be built on tractors.
No offense but that statement is utter nonsense.
It's still a commercial chassis whether it has a M/H body, a Luton/fridge body or a flatbed.
They are designed to run at maximum weight, whether they do or not, on commercial tyres

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[joka250]

I really can't understand the regular debate regarding tyres. They are one of the most important safety features and yet people are prepared to compromise on their purchase. Camper tyres are technically different for a good reason and whether you cover high or low mileage it is crucial to follow manufacturers guidance. Many tyre dealers have been telling their customers for years that this tyre or that tyre is suitable and often they are talking through their proverbial. I would never consider fitting any thing but genuine camper tyres. Rightly or wrongly vehicle and tyre manufacturers assume a proportion of a vehicles running will unladen or lightly laden whereas motorho mes will be close to max weight all or most of time.

 

[funflair]

If you want the highest load rated tyre you can forget camper tyres, check the sidewalls on Michelin camper at 116 rating vs Continental fourseasons at 121 rating and you will find the Continentals are much stiffer and heavier and snowflake and mountain marked for the winter, thats why the likes of Niesmann+Bischoff and Morelo fit them as standard on their top vans

I believe I fitted the best tyre, and its not a camper and doesn't need to be.

Martin

 

[Hettie's Crew]

In the latest Continental Technical Databook four of their tyres are listed as being suitable for 'mobile homes' and it's the 'camper' that isn't M&S or Snowflake.
I'm having the 4season fitted.
http://blobs.continental-tires.com/...998ef8b3/download-technical-databook-data.pdf

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