Van Tyres vs Car Tyres

surfnut · Post by **surfnut** » Mon Nov 12, 2007 11:13 am

I was reading through a post on Tyres, and someone mentioned fitting `Van` tyres, presumably as opposed to car tyres. To be honest I`d never heard of them. What`s the difference? WOuld they help stiffen up a wobbly ride? Thanks, Surfnut

Torchwood · Post by **Torchwood** » Mon Nov 12, 2007 11:40 am

Unlikely - wobbly ride is usually more attributed to dodgy dampers or springs that have gone a bit soft.

Van tyres are OK but can tend to be a bit noisy.

TW.

brorabongo · Post by **brorabongo** » Mon Nov 12, 2007 12:29 pm

Also van tyres tend to have a higher load rating, and since the bongo is no light vehicle, load ratings are important.

Starbangledspanner · Post by **Starbangledspanner** » Mon Nov 12, 2007 1:07 pm

Changed the tyres that came with our Freda for van tyres and the noise level went up hugely.

trevd01 · Post by **trevd01** » Mon Nov 12, 2007 2:41 pm

'Real' van tyres have very square shoulders and often very chunky (hence noisy) tread patterns. Have a look at a newish big van - Sprinter, Ducato or Master - or a motorhome based on any of them.

There are van tyres and van tyres, though. Many people rate Conti Vancos highly on Bongos.

But there are alternatives which can give you the high load rating you need, with a car shape and tread pattern. The Yokohamas fitted to our Bongo are an example - see this topic for a picture:

http://www.igmaynard.co.uk/bongo/forum/ ... hama+tyres

They are not the cheapest, but a cheaper alternative many people like are Nangkangs - see this topic for a picture:

http://www.igmaynard.co.uk/bongo/forum/ ... kang+tyres

But tyre pressure make a huge difference - we run at 36/40, which improves the feel enormously. Many of us believe the quoted 'Japanese' pressures are far too low for UK tyres, speeds and road conditions.

Mikey B · Post by **Mikey B** » Mon Nov 12, 2007 7:56 pm

Went to ATS this weekend - had a nail in the tyre Had it patched.
And they have a promotion on at present buy 3 tyres get the 4th free. The manufacturers they have this deal on are Michelin, Continental, and Avon.
Did have some cheaper ones, not in the deal, Nanook for £65 per wheel. The Conti Vanco's were £78 which worked out as the cheaper option.

scanner · Post by **scanner** » Mon Nov 12, 2007 10:33 pm

It all depends on what sort of "car" tyre it is.

My local tyre depot won't fit pure car tyres (2 ply I think) on a Bongo or anything like it, as they really should have reinforced tyres which I think are 4 ply.

"Van" tyres can be 4 or 6 ply with 6 ply for the bigger Transits Sprinters and the like.

Bumbly1 · Post by **Bumbly1** » Mon Nov 12, 2007 10:40 pm

Surely the load rating is the critical one not the plies? As long as the Bongo load rating is met (or exceeded) then it should be okay. I am surprised that no-one has mentioned road holding as that was the reason for me using car type tyres. Van tyres are often hard rubber compounds for high mileage which does not give as good a grip. Multiple plies can also give a stiffer and harsher ride leading to extra noise and less "feel".

mikeonb4c · Post by **mikeonb4c** » Mon Nov 12, 2007 11:15 pm

I'm with you there Bumbly1 - I test drove several Bongos and what I was looking for - and eventually found - was a Bongo that felt better to ride in than a van (and I did my time van driving some years back - great, but the wife woudn't buy into it). I'm not even that keen on the 'firm' ride of the modern VWs and a Bongo with the right tyres on - even though narrow wheelbase, high CofG, and tendency to roll - is the kind of ride I like (no rude comments please)

trevd01 · Post by **trevd01** » Mon Nov 12, 2007 11:20 pm

Mike and Bumbly. That's what I was trying to say too in my post (but all too obviously failed to make clear). Serves me right to try and post while eating my lunch

surfnut · Post by **surfnut** » Mon Nov 12, 2007 11:26 pm

Thanks guys. Much to digest

Surfnut

dandywarhol · Post by **dandywarhol** » Mon Nov 12, 2007 11:46 pm

Why doesn't Bumbly have a profile and PM button????? I might have to revert to the Bell way of communication with the lonley ex bongolier

mikeonb4c · Post by **mikeonb4c** » Mon Nov 12, 2007 11:47 pm

No probs Trevor - to be honest, with this aching back I'm not even reading posts v well so its probably down to me not you

Bumbly1 · Post by **Bumbly1** » Mon Nov 12, 2007 11:49 pm

dandywarhol wrote:Why doesn't Bumbly have a profile and PM button????? I might have to revert to the Bell way of communication with the lonley ex bongolier

Am I ex directory? Fame at last

roosteruk · Post by **roosteruk** » Mon Nov 12, 2007 11:59 pm

One thing anyone has failed to mention.
If you are towing a caravan, then the high load rated tyres are a must.
I got them on mine when I got my Bongo as I bought the Bongo to pull a caravan.