Here at Winter Tyre Reviews we’re going to look at what’s available to keep your light commercial vehicle and motorhome safe on the roads this winter.
With our partner Tyremen, we have found the top five winter tyres to review for small vans, larger vans and motorhomes.
So we will start with the Vredestein Snowtrac Rein which is used on small vans such as the Nemo or Blipper.
So what’s it like? A great little tyre ideally suited to small light vans when weight is an issue.
It’s directional tread pattern is ideally suited to the quick clearance of snow, slush and water during the cold, damp months. The tread blocks allow superb bite into winter surfaces for excellent acceleration and keeps the tread free of snow.
Giving increased grip and handling it gives the assurance of summer tyres during the warmer days. Braking is improved over standard tyres further increasing the safety of the driver and cargo!
With a fuel rating of E, a wet grip of C and noise level at 70db, (explained here) it’s the perfect choice for winter.
The perfect all rounder.
We rate at 9/10
Next on our list is the Hankook RW06
The Hankook RW06 is a mid-range, affordable winter tyre, specifically designed for a multitude of light commercial vehicles.
A robust wide tread pattern gives maximum contact area with the road, vastly improving handling, traction and braking in snowy, icy and wet conditions.
Manufactured with multiple sipes in the tread blocks, safe winter driving is assured.
This tyre does not have studs within the tread pattern and relies solely on the rubber compound and tread design, which we feel, works very well.
Fuel rating is F – G, Wet Grip E and Noise 73db.
We rate 9/10
Next on our list, the Bridgestone W800
To give this tyre it’s full name, the Bridgestone Blizzak W800, a formidable looking tyre with some great properties.
It comes in rim sizes 14″ to 16″ and is a non-directional tread pattern. Again, this is a tyre for the commercial market and has proved popular with drivers and fleet owners.
A zig-zag sipe pattern within the tread blocks ensures great grip on acceleration, assured braking and all round handling properties.
A durable and comfortable drive, helps maintain stability of the vehicle keeping driver and cargo safe.
However, it rates badly for fuel usage, which a lot of winter tyres do, but this is the worst ratings.
So, Fuel F to G, Wet Grip B to E (only one tyre rates E the rest are B or C) and Noise 72db to 74db.
Therefore, we rate 7/10
We are now going to look at multifunctional winter tyres for commercial vehicles and motorhomes.
Vredestein are huge in Europe, and given that winters there can be far worse then in the UK, winter tyres are very popular.
Surprisingly, a lot of people on the continent love to go away in their motorhomes during the winter. Ski resorts are very popular and winter tyres are a legal requirement, which is why we have these.
A solid directional tread pattern with zig-zag sipes gives superb grip in all winter conditions and clears snow, slush and water quickly and effectively.
Stopping distances are reduced compared to summer tyres and acceleration is assured and responsive.
With a rubber compound designed to perform in colder conditions, this is the perfect multi-vehicle tyre for both commercial and motorhome.
With Fuel ratings between E and F, Wet Grip of E and Noise at 71db it is probably one of the best available.
We rate 9/10
Last on our list is the Continental Vanco Winter 2
Continental are a very popular premium brand, as you may have noticed from all the TV adverts during football games, and why not, do you get what you pay for?
Well, yes and no. They make great tyres but are sometimes a little expensive.
However, as one of the original suppliers of winter van tyres, they have led the way and this is why.
A superb tread pattern with directional sipes gives an assured performance in colder conditions.
Grip is constant and the tyre moves slush, snow and water from the tread quickly to ensure traction and braking is effective.
It is a genuine winter tyre and its ratings are, Fuel E, Wet Grip C and Noise 73db.
Due to it’s cost, we rate 8/10
For more information on tyre ratings, click here.
For more information, or to check the suitability for your vehicle, take a look at our partner, Tyremen’s website here, or call 08456 807808
Have you used winter van tyres? Please leave a comment or ask a question below, we always respond!
Thanks
The Winter Tyre Reviews Team