I'm looking at getting some new tyres for the van but was thinking of all-season for those occasional drives in awful wintry weather both here and abroad. I don't want those off-road style tyres that seem very popular nowadays.
What do you have on your van?
I just put a set of Bridgestone Turanza all season 6 on my VW California a couple of months ago replacing Continental 4x4 contact. Happy with them so far. They have a good feel and are reportedly to be very quiet tyres but not easy to tell under a rattley old diesel with 160,000 miles.
They were on special from kwikfit with discount for getting all 4 at once.
On my VW California Beach I have Continental Cross Climate 2's in SUV load rated version. 235 width on 17" which are a better ride than 215 on 16" I had before (also Conti CC). No real experience of other all season tyres but when I changed from OEM Hankook van tyres to the Cross Climates there was a noticeable improvement. (comfort, grip, handling)
Was very glad of them when got caught out by fresh snow on an early morning kayak trip to Lulworth cove. Maintained traction on a hill where other vehicles were spinning out.
We had Pirelli Carrier all-seasons on our Transit Custom in the standard 215/65R16C size. Lasted almost 30k miles over 6 years, only replaced due to cracking rather than low tread (although it was starting to get low). Decently effective in snow conditions and great all-round.
Depends on OEM fitment. Can be an insurance PITA
Mine has C-rated on the tyre pressure plate (inside door pillar, fuel flap, etc)
Maxxis Vansmart AL2 commercial AS fitted. Not too pricey and the insurer is happy
Be wary of putting standard, SUV rated, cross climates on a van. They have a high enough load rating, but aren't rated for the recommended pressures of a transporter. Mine deformed about half way through their tread. They are now languishing in the garage, just in case.
we've got a Movano/Boxer L3 conversion but can use "C" tyres, don't have to use "CP" tyres
My Vivaro Life came with car tyres from factory, as do the Pug/Citroen versions as it's classed as a car. So, be wary. Is your camper a van or a camper - I would have thought the extra weight means van tyres anyway.
I had Goodrich Activan winter tyres on my old van and they were excellent, and also surprisingly ok in the summer (seemed grippy, quiet and didn't seem to mess up the fuel consumption as i expected) I once drove them to Italy where it was high 30s temperature wise, totally outside their design parameters and they were fine, but I had some snowy alpine passes on the way there and back and i was very pleased I had them on then! Usually swapped for summers though, less summer snow here.
Anyway, new van has Michelin Cross Climates, they do van specific ones, Agilis I think they're called. They've been good, but obviously not as good in the snow, ice or indeed mud as the Goodrich ones were, but I don't know if that's tyre or the change to a heavier rear wheel drive vehicle. Seem fine in the summer and have lasted loads longer than the Maxxis all seasons which were on it before, more expensive to buy but cheaper overall due to longer life.
I’ve got Agilis Cross Climates on our L2H3 Boxer conversion. Seem to be wearing well and I’ve not crashed in the cold or rain yet, so they must be working!
Cross Climates. If they can make fiat Ducato ambulances move in all weathers that’s all you need to know!
I still run Michelin winters and summers (two wheelsets) and my T6. Just personal preference. I question my sanity twice a year when I change them
Not Maxxis van smart. Mine were defeated several times by slightly damp, level grass.
Thanks Agilis X climate are on the list to look at
I've got van rated Falken Wildpeak. The tread is pretty standard m&s winter rated, they look a little offroady as the tread extends up the sidewall a bit. They do well in crap conditions and driving over damp grass and slop.
Thanks @spooky_b329. Did you consider the Falken EuroAllSeason tyres?
No, not sure if that tyre was out when I was looking but I sometimes tow a horsebox over wet grass so was looking for something that was a bit more capable in slop.
I ended up choosing Uniroyal AllSeason Max - getting them fitted next week.