Motorhome holidays are no longer just a summer thing. The industry association BVCD found out that around 65 percent of campers have already tried out winter camping or are at least interested in it.
For the tire test we used, among other things, a Chausson on a Ford Transit.
Extensive test drive through the Auvergne
But the most important question is of course: how well does the new all-season candidate drive? AUTO BILD REISEMOBIL tries it out. At the in-house Michelin test site in Ladoux in central France and on an extensive test drive through the Auvergne.
Good response, short braking distances and safe handling are key disciplines.
Two camper vans based on a Fiat Ducato and Ford Transit serve as vehicles and are equipped with the new tyres. What is immediately noticeable: it has a special tread. This has a V-shaped profile with large blocks and accentuated wide grooves. The rubber almost looks like all-terrain tires with deep tread (AT). Fortunately, the high rolling noise that the AT colleagues are known for is missing in this case.
Good job in all situations
The aim of the unusual Michelin profile: It should offer good driving characteristics on snow and a high level of traction in the wet, but also ensure safe progress on mud, grass and gravel. Can this work? We leave the road, turn onto dirt roads, ride on gravel roads and even on wet meadows. In fact, the new tire does a good job in all situations – and always ensures a well-controlled driving experience.
The special profile structure enables easier starting and more directional stability on muddy ground.
The model will be available in eight tire sizes, which Michelin says covers 99 percent of the market. The first four dimensions have been available since March, and the second half will follow in the summer.
For the time being, the new Michelin CrossClimate CP will not be available on new vehicles, only for retrofitting in tire shops. The fun is not cheap: in the 225/75 R 16 118/116 R format, the tire starts at around 225 euros online. Apiece!
According to Michelin, the tire is designed for a maximum of ten years of use.
Tire tips for campers
AUTHORIZED
The permitted tire sizes can be found in the registration certificate in fields 15.1 and 15.2. Other sizes can be found in the CoC papers for the motorhome.
TIRE AGE
The date of manufacture is noted in four digits. The first two digits indicate the calendar week, the last two digits the year of manufacture.
PAYLOAD
A load index indicates the load capacity of a tire. Each value is assigned a maximum tire load in kilograms at a tire pressure of 2.5 bar.
ENERGY LABEL
The labeling system provides information on rolling resistance, wet grip and noise levels.
TIRE INSTALLATION
Directional tires can be recognized by the printed direction arrow and information such as “rotation”.
