Introduction
It is a much discussed topic. Which tires do I choose to put under my bus? However, the answer to this question is not so easy. Everyone travels in their own way, and because of this everyone has different wishes and needs. It makes sense that you don't need an all-terrain tire if you only go out with your motorhome in the summer and only stay at campsites.
This article is not intended for people who are looking for a new set of summer tires under the motorhome. But for those looking for a tire that can help them a little more in more difficult terrain, thanks to wet grass, mud, loose sand,….
Michelin Agilis Cross Climate
85% road / 15% off road
This tire is available in all standard van sizes and has excellent grip on wet and slippery surfaces. This tire also behaves well in wet grass. This tire can certainly take a little mud now and then. It is the best standard all-season tire and is perfect for people who occasionally leave the asphalt, but where road noise and consumption are important.
Because this tire is available in all van sizes with the correct speed and load index, you can be sure that it is also available for your van.
| Advantages | Cons |
| relatively economical | least rough tire profile |
| excellent behavior on the road | quite expensive to buy |
| available in all van sizes | not a real all-terrain tire |
| available ùcorrect loading and speed index | |
| no or little extra sound |
General Grabber AT3
75% road / 25% off road
This tire is the only all-terrain tire available in a standard van size with the correct load and speed index. Because of this, I quickly recommend this band to others. Debie has these tires too!
The tire is not as aggressive as the popular BF goodrich KO2 but is much better in more difficult terrain than a standard road tyre. Due to the rough profile, this tire is a bit louder than a standard tire.
| Advantages | Cons |
| perfect middle size | depending on tire size duration |
| available in standard mercedes sprinter (and other) tire size | little extra noise |
| available with correct load and speed index | little extra consumption compared to normal tire |
| better consumption on the asphalt than the BF goodrich KO2 |
BF Goodrich KO2
50% road / 50% off road
Many choose this band. It has by far the most aggressive pattern and is also available in 'LT' versions that meet the load and speed index required for vans.
What is important is to know that not all sizes have this correct loading and speed index. there is a good chance that to achieve the correct load and speed index you will have to choose a larger tire than standard. This has consequences with regard to speedometer, extra stress on the drivetrain,….
| Advantages | Cons |
| best on/off road ratio | Finding the right tire size with the correct speed and load index can be difficult. |
| most popular tire with greatest 'off-road' looks. | noticeably louder than a normal road tire |
| white lettering possible in some tire sizes | wear and tear with many highway kilometers is high |
| consumption is noticeably more than with a road tyre |
The law
Putting other tires on your DIY camper is unfortunately not allowed. As with everything else, the rules are a bit different for Belgium and the Netherlands. hence a distinction:
Belgium
Unfortunately, the rules in Belgium are somewhat stranger than in the Netherlands. In Belgium, a camping vehicle (category M1) may deviate a maximum of – 2 % to + 1 from the original size (or other size approved by the manufacturer). In addition, the loading and speed index must be at least what the original size has. there is a handy tool to check if your new size is legal on the Goca .'s website.
The circumference rule does not apply to light trucks (category N1). However, the loading and speed index must still be at least what the original size has.
The Netherlands
Unfortunately I am not that familiar with Dutch legislation. so if there are errors here, you can always let us know!
In the Netherlands you only have to meet the minimum loading and speed index. there are no rules as far as I know about circumference deviations.
Overview
Below is a handy overview of all possible sizes in the 3 types of tires discussed above.
| Michelin Agilis Cross Climate | General Grabber AT3 | BF Goodrich KO2 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mercedes Sprinter 2006–2018 Volkswagen Crafter 2006-2017 235/65r16 115R |
235/65R16 121/119R³ 225/75R16 115/112R³ |
235/65 R16 121/119R 225/75 R16 115/112S |
LT245/75R16 120/116S¹ LT225/75R16 115/112S |
| Mercedes Sprinter 2019+ 235/65r16 115R |
235/65R16 121/119R³ 225/75R16 115/112R³ |
235/65 R16 121/119R 225/75 R16 115/112S |
LT245/75R16 120/116S² LT225/75R16 115/112S |
| Volkswagen Crafter 2018+ Male TGE 205/75R16 113/111R 235/65R16 115/113R |
205/75R16 113/111R 235/65R16 121/119R³ 225/75R16 115/112R³ |
235/65 R16 121/119R 225/75 R16 115/112S |
LT225/75R16 115/112S LT245/70R16 113/110S |
| Fiat Ducato 2006+ Citroen Boxer 2006+ Peugeot Boxer 2006+ Opel Movano 2021+ LT215/75R16 112R |
215/75 R16 116/114R 225/75R16 115/112R³ |
225/75 R16 115/112S | LT225/75R16 115/112S |
| Ford Transit 2000-2013 205/75R16 110R |
205/75R16 113/111R 195/75R16 107/105R 205/75R16 113/111R |
225/75 R16 115/112S | LT225/75R16 115/112S |
| Ford Transit 2013+ 235/65 R16 113/115 R |
235/65R16 121/119R³ 225/75R16 115/112R³ |
235/65 R16 121/119R 225/75 R16 115/112S |
LT225/75R16 115/112S LT255/70R16 120S |
| Renault Master Opel Movano 1997–2010 225/65R16 112R |
225/65R16 112/110R 225/75R16 115/112R³ |
225/75 R16 115/112S | LT225/75R16 115/112S |
| Renault Master 2010+ Opel Movano 2010-2021 225/65R16 112R |
225/65R16 112/110R 225/75R16 115/112R³ |
225/75 R16 115/112S | LT225/75R16 115/112S |
