AutoBild puts campervan tyres to the test

Not many tyre testing niches exist within AutoBild Group publications, and another one has now been filled: Testers have added a one-tonne load to a VW Crafter and tested seven size 235/65 R16C tyres on the laden vehicle. Two tyres – the Hankook Valtra LT and Pirelli’s new Carrier Camper – were voted test winners – and were rated “exemplary” along with Michelin’s Agilis+. Continental’s VancoCamper and Dunlop’s Econodrive occupied the mid-field with “satisfactory” ratings. Two tyres, the Firestone Vanhawk and the Nankang Passion CW-20, were rated “not recommended”.

AutoBild Reisemobil 1/2014
4.4.2014
VW Crafter
235/65 R16C R

Hankook Valtra LT
Rating: “exemplary” – Strengths: A good all-rounder, wet braking, on wet circular circuit, aquaplaning in curves, pass-by noise, value for money – Weaknesses: Not on par with the best in dry handling and rolling resistance
Co-winner

Pirelli Carrier Camper
Rating: “exemplary” – Strengths: A good all-rounder, wet braking, on wet circular circuit – Weaknesses: Slightly below the best in rolling comfort
Co-winner

Michelin Agilis +
Rating: “exemplary” – Strengths: A good all-rounder, pass-by noise, rolling resistance – Weaknesses: Slightly below the best in rolling comfort

Continental VancoCamper
Rating: “satisfactory” – Strengths: Pass-by noise, dry braking – Weaknesses: Aquaplaning, dry handling, rolling comfort

Dunlop Econodrive
Rating: “satisfactory” – Strengths: An overall all-rounder – Weaknesses: Wet braking, slightly below the best in aquaplaning, wet and dry handling plus rolling comfort

Firestone Vanhawk
Rating: “not recommended” – Strengths: Rolling comfort, particularly on dry road surfaces – Weaknesses: Wet braking and handling, of wet circular circuit

Nankang Passion CW-20
Rating: “not recommended” – Strengths: Affordable price – Weaknesses: Primarily in wet criteria, but also rolling comfort