Alternatives to Continental Vanco Contact2 Tyres? Advice pls

[Eat Aunt]

Hi All

I have been using Continental Vanco Contact 2 tyres for many years without any problem..

However are there alternative tyres that fellow Bongoliers recommend ? I'm looking for a pair of better priced tyres.

Any advice including recommended suppliers much appreciated

Thanks in advance

Ian

[bongodonkey]

It depends what size your wheels are.

I have 18in rims and after a bit of research and advice on here opted for ACCELERA tyres, which I've used for 2 years. Fantastic tyres for general use and really good value.

For winter tyres I opt for Nangkangs, again cracking tyres that come with the snowflake symbol for snow use!

I have used the internet tyre sellers and also gotten advice from independent fitters. The crucial thing to remember is your load rating for the bongo; a minimum of 96H is acceptable from what I believe or XL rated tyres. Some people opt for the load rated tyres and others (inc my mechanic) recommend van tryes (as he reckons with the size and drive the bongo should be shod that way).

There is plenty of info on here. Have a search and look at what others are using. Going to a fitter without some knowledge can be a gamble. That said, I turned up to a local one a few months ago and they were fantastic, relying on word of mouth and repeat custom!

try www.blackcircles.com and other such websites for research.

hope this helps

Oz..

[bongodonkey]

Just looked where you are. I know it's not exactly local but check out allansgarage his website and details are on the forum. He has an excellent reputation and should be happy to give impartial/independent advice.

A lot of the major brand names have sold their moulds to factories in Asia along with licenses to make the tyres. You get some strange names that have a brand name mould which is the same quality/rubber.

[Muzorewa]

I've used Conti Vanco Contact 2 for yonks but have also tried (when my local National Tyres franchise, who I'm on first name terms with are unable to supply quickly) Barum Cargo, GoodYear GT2 and Avon Avanza AV9.

I have to say the Contis are the best grip by far, especially in snow, but don't last half so long. You pays your money etc

[Dr Fingers]

Running 205/65/15 Avon ice tourers..they're winter jobs (snow symbol etc) but I leave them on all year. Terrific grip, can't fault them, and (I think?) they're actually UK-made. Took a bit of tracking down, but worth it after following a tip on here.

Recommended.

Derek

[Eat Aunt]

Thank you Oz, Muz and Derek, a great help

Will do some ringing round.

Just had MoT 'advisories' on two rear tyres, so gives me a little time to get a pair (of tyres lol)

Thanks again

Ian

[mikexgough]

Barum are a Continental brand and the tyres are made in the same factory...... Barum Vanis are another to consider if on 15" wheels....

[dave_aber]

Check out National Tyres on eBay. They seem to have 3 price structures going. The price you get if you walk in, another price about 30% less online on their website, and another price even less on eBay - all fully fitted, balanced, etc at your local National tyres place.

I got a set of 4 x Wanli S1063 XL 215/55/17 R17 W98 Set of Tyres XL for £240 fitted.

[bongodonkey]

Nice one....will keep an eye for when I want to renew snow tyres

[Dr Fingers]

Check out National Tyres on eBay. They seem to have 3 price structures going. The price you get if you walk in, another price about 30% less online on their website, and another price even less on eBay - all fully fitted, balanced, etc at your local National tyres place.

.

Been using National for years. They fitted the Ice Tourers but couldn't source them.

Derek

[brorabongo]

As long as I have a 4wd Bongo on 15" rims, I'll be using Nankangs toursport XR611, can not fault them, they are not expensive at around £45 each and they lasting the longest of all tyres I've ever had on the Bongo, in fact around three times longer.

Got a set of Nankang winter tyres on my old rims ready for this winter.......bring on the snow!!