(T) tyres dilemma - 2003 Ducato motorhome 2.8 jtd

Hi there again folks, am currently debating what kind of Michelin tyres to get for this motorhome that is rated at 3,900 kg.

The current tyres when I recently bought it are Michelin 215/170 R 15C 109/107 R. This is an all weather tyre, that is I assume, one that does not require me legally to put on chains if I am in a northern Europe winter, correct? (coming from Australia, I have not had to figure these things out before!)

I was looking at the Michelin Agilis CP version which is a specially reinforced tyre for campervans and the extra weight they carry - but it is not an all weather tyre, rated summer. My current tyres are rated 15C - I assume that C stands for camper? It could be up to 12 years old so may well be out of date/design.

Now I have a quote for the Michelin Agilis 215/170 R15 109S "cross climate". I am wondering if this is the best choice for my needs of an all weather tyre? Or are there other brands that are all weather but have the same kind of rating as the CP tyre mentioned above?

There is also a tyre speed rating which I cannot figure out for my 2.8 jtd or even find on my documents.

Thanks for your attention!

Snow chains , winter tyres, it's not as simple as you imagine

See the following :

https://www.theaa.com/european-break...%20with%20snow.

The c on the tyre does not mean camper....It means commercial.

The 15 indicates a 15 inch wheel

Where did you find the 3900kg rating for your van?

In your example Michelin Agilis 215/170 R15 109S "cross climate".

The last number 109 indicates the load rating of the tyre in that example.

thanks! Actually it is 2900 tare and total gross weight 3500 on the car's documents. Probably closer to 4000 all loaded up.

Gvw , gross vehicle weight is the maximum permitted weight loaded do not exceed this.

Somewhere on the vehicle there should be a plate or sticker detailing maximum weights.
Post a picture of any plates you find.

cannot figure out the picture editor on this - very clunky to do a simple photo attachment

Can't help with photos.

Yes get all season tyres if you wish to drive year round in Europe .
If you ever see a sign saying fit chains past this point , fit chains or turn round, big big fines for continuing without chains.
Yes get the best tyre brandbrand you can.
Load rating of 109 is most likely the highest rating in the tyre size you quoted.
Load rating of 109 probably exceeds the maximum axle weights of your van which is essential-do check The max axle weights on The plate.

Do not have more in your van than you need. You do not want to exceed maximum axle weights.
If you have water tank/s consider only carrying the minimum amount of water you need.

Check your driving licence covers you to drive a vehicle of 3900kg

Cannot attach image of my plate with weights so here are the figures from the silver plate below. Do not know what the last three figures are!

3,500 kg
5,400 kg
1 - 1,750 kg
2 - 1,900 kg


On my car documents its says tare is 2,990 kg. Total weight 3,500 kg

Ok first load your van as you would expect to finally use it worst case. Then find and go to a Public Weighbridge near by. Its cheap and easy, measure front, back and both together. If all your readings are below the ones you gave then OK, if not balance the van or rethink what you need. Do not exceed your weights, its dangerous, they do checks, and your insurance would be invalid in an accident I think.This is not Oz they treat it more seriously.Tyres all have a date system if they are over 5 years old, play safe and start from a complete new set if you are going full touring, I did 25000 miles on our first year touring Europe and have rarely had to use chains in the mountains(although I carry some used them carefully and never ruined any tyres), when you have choices you go there in good weather and clear roads.

Best of luck

This how I understood it to work when I looked into it years ago.

3500kg is the maximum of your vehicle when it is fully loaded fuel, passengers and anything else you may be carrying if its nearer 4000kg as you think its a big fine if your caught.
What I did when I had my motorhome was load it up as it would be on a trip drinking water full tank of diesel, bikes, awning and anything else you may want to travel with go to a public weigh bridge for a few pounds they will tell you if you are legal or not.

Don't forget to add the weight of the passengers on to the weight they give you.

Not absolutely sure but I believe the tare is the weight of the vehicle empty so you should only carry 600kg of extra weight in total.

Tare load
2900+600=3500 max gross weight of vehicle when fully loaded.

3500 = maximum kgs your vehicle together with passengers and load is legal on the road.

5400 = maximum kgs of vehicle and load plus any trailer kgs and load.

1 1750 = maximum kgs on front axle ie front tyres

2 1900 = maximum kgs on rear axle ie rear tyres



That makes sense with your tyre load rates being 107/109 because they are sufficient for your maximum axle weights.

Your documents showing 3500kg maximum loaded weight may be a good thing because it will stop you carrying too much, some countries have lower speed limits for vehicles over 3500kg resulting in fines for campers not aware and some driving licences do not cover over 3500kg .

Does your driving licence cover your for vehicles up to 3500kg?

thats great, many thanks for the clarification! I believe a car drivers licence which is good up to 3500 kg maybe even 4000 kg? Yes they do weigh campers in some places in Europe, giving out fines.

Hi,
You have said you come from Australia (-:
Do check you licence entitlements for your own peace of mind and so you do not accidently get into trouble.

It may well be that you are very lucky that your van is max 3500kg as anyone who passed a uk car driving test after 1 Jan 1997 is forbidden to drive vehicle plate gvw value over 3500kg without taking a further test.

Best wishes
Jack

It should be clear on your international driving permit.