German motorhome magazine promobil tested seven summer tires in size 225/75 R 16 C for its April 2026 issue. This is the standard fitment for the Fiat Ducato Maxi and Heavy variants, widely used as a base for motorhomes and campervans. Testing was carried out on a loaded Ducato Maxi to simulate real-world motorhome weights, with results split across wet (50%), dry (40%), and environmental (10%) categories. The seven tires came from Barum, Continental, Firestone, Goodyear, Michelin, Nokian, and Vredestein.
The Vredestein Comtrac 2+ took the overall win with the highest score in the test (9.3 out of 10), delivering the shortest braking distances and strongest cornering grip on both wet and dry surfaces. Its only real weakness is a high rolling resistance - the worst in the group - but promobil's view is that this matters little for motorhomes, where aerodynamic drag dominates fuel consumption at highway speeds. The new Nokian Cargoproof C finished second and was close behind on braking performance. At the other end, two tires received a rating of only "eingeschränkt empfehlenswert" (recommended with reservations): the Firestone Vanhawk 3 had consistently weak wet-surface results and vague steering feel, while the Barum Vanis 3 - despite comfortable dry-road manners - fell short on wet braking and aquaplaning protection.
Test setup & methodology
The test setting, the conditions recorded and how the results contribute to the score.
Recorded test conditions
Recorded test conditions
- Dry Braking
- 62.1 → 0.0 mph
- Wet Braking
- 49.7 → 0.0 mph
Dry
Nokian and Vredestein were virtually tied for the shortest dry braking distances, stopping over 10 feet earlier than the Barum at the bottom of the table. Continental also ended up toward the back here - a pattern that continues into wet braking.
Dry Braking
Dry braking in feet (62 - 0 mph)
Lower is better ↓| Position / Tire | Result | Gap to best | Residual speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 135 ft | Best | 0 mph | |
| 135 ft | 0 ft | 4 mph | |
| 138 ft | +3 ft | 13 mph | |
| 139 ft | +4 ft | 15 mph | |
| 141 ft | +6 ft | 17 mph | |
| 144 ft | +9 ft | 21 mph | |
| 145 ft | +10 ft | 22 mph |
The difference between best and worst was 7.8% (10 ft ≈ 0.7 Car Lengths). From 80 mph, the Barum Vanis 3 would still be travelling at 22 mph when the Nokian Cargoproof C had stopped.
Residual speed is calculated from the measured braking distances, assuming constant deceleration; it is not a separate measurement.
Dry handling times were closely bunched, with only 1.4 mph separating the fastest (Vredestein) from the slowest (Firestone). Barum and Nokian tied for second, which is notable given the Barum's poor braking results - it clearly has decent mechanical grip in corners even if it struggles under heavy longitudinal load.
Dry Handling
Dry Handling Average Speed
Higher is better ↑| Position / Tire | Result | Gap to best |
|---|---|---|
| 49.2 mph | Best | |
| 48.9 mph | -0.3 mph | |
| 48.9 mph | -0.3 mph | |
| 48.8 mph | -0.4 mph | |
| 48.7 mph | -0.5 mph | |
| 48.6 mph | -0.6 mph | |
| 47.8 mph | -1.4 mph |
All the tires in the Dry Handling test finished less than 3% apart.
Testers rated the Barum, Continental, and Vredestein highest for subjective dry handling, praising their predictable, forgiving balance. The Goodyear scored lower here despite having the sharpest steering response in the group - testers noted it felt nervous at the rear during fast direction changes, with a narrow window before breakaway.
Subj. Dry Handling
Subjective Dry Handling Score
Higher is better ↑| Position / Tire | Result | Gap to best |
|---|---|---|
| 9 Points | Best | |
| 9 Points | Best | |
| 9 Points | Best | |
| 8 Points | -1.00 Points | |
| 7 Points | -2.00 Points | |
| 7 Points | -2.00 Points | |
| 7 Points | -2.00 Points |
The difference between best and worst was 22.2% (2 Points).
Wet
The gap between tires opens up significantly on wet roads. Vredestein and Nokian were well clear of the field, stopping over 10 feet shorter than the next best. Barum finished last, more than 13 feet behind the Vredestein - equivalent to hitting an obstacle at roughly 19 mph while the Vredestein has already stopped.
Wet Braking
Wet braking in feet (50 - 0 mph)
Lower is better ↓| Position / Tire | Result | Gap to best | Residual speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 89 ft | Best | 0 mph | |
| 90 ft | +1 ft | 10 mph | |
| 97 ft | +8 ft | 23 mph | |
| 100 ft | +11 ft | 27 mph | |
| 100 ft | +11 ft | 27 mph | |
| 102 ft | +13 ft | 29 mph | |
| 103 ft | +14 ft | 30 mph |
The difference between best and worst was 16.3% (14 ft ≈ 1 Car Lengths). From 80 mph, the Barum Vanis 3 would still be travelling at 30 mph when the Vredestein Comtrac 2+ had stopped.
Residual speed is calculated from the measured braking distances, assuming constant deceleration; it is not a separate measurement.
Vredestein and Nokian again pulled ahead in wet handling lap times, continuing their dominance from the braking tests. Firestone was the slowest by a clear margin, nearly 3 mph off the pace - consistent with its weak scores across all wet tests.
Wet Handling
Wet Handling Average Speed
Higher is better ↑| Position / Tire | Result | Gap to best |
|---|---|---|
| 41.9 mph | Best | |
| 41.5 mph | -0.4 mph | |
| 41.1 mph | -0.8 mph | |
| 40.8 mph | -1.1 mph | |
| 40.6 mph | -1.3 mph | |
| 40.5 mph | -1.4 mph | |
| 39.5 mph | -2.4 mph |
The difference between best and worst was 5.8% (2.4 mph).
Continental and Nokian joined Vredestein at the top of the subjective wet handling ratings. Testers noted that the Firestone felt vague and imprecise on wet roads, with an audible droning noise from the tread under cornering slip angles.
Subj. Wet Handling
Subjective Wet Handling Score
Higher is better ↑| Position / Tire | Result | Gap to best |
|---|---|---|
| 9 Points | Best | |
| 9 Points | Best | |
| 9 Points | Best | |
| 8 Points | -1.00 Points | |
| 7 Points | -2.00 Points | |
| 7 Points | -2.00 Points | |
| 6 Points | -3.00 Points |
The difference between best and worst was 33.3% (3 Points).
Vredestein posted the highest lateral grip on the wet circle, with Continental close behind. The spread here is tighter than in braking or handling, though Firestone again sat at the bottom - its tread compound appears to be the limiting factor across all wet grip tests.
Wet Circle
Lateral wet grip in m/s squared
Higher is better ↑| Position / Tire | Result | Gap to best |
|---|---|---|
| 16.5 mph | Best | |
| 16.4 mph | -0.1 mph | |
| 16.3 mph | -0.2 mph | |
| 16.2 mph | -0.3 mph | |
| 16.2 mph | -0.3 mph | |
| 16.1 mph | -0.4 mph | |
| 15.7 mph | -0.8 mph |
The difference between best and worst was 5% (0.8 mph).
Michelin led the straight-line aquaplaning test, a result that aligns with its strong tread-pattern drainage design and deep grooves. This is one of the few tests where the Vredestein didn't finish first, though it still placed second. Goodyear had the lowest aquaplaning resistance, floating up over 6 mph earlier than the Michelin.
Straight Aqua
Float Speed in mph
Higher is better ↑| Position / Tire | Result | Gap to best |
|---|---|---|
| 59.1 mph | Best | |
| 58.2 mph | -0.9 mph | |
| 56.5 mph | -2.6 mph | |
| 55.7 mph | -3.4 mph | |
| 53.3 mph | -5.8 mph | |
| 52.6 mph | -6.5 mph | |
| 52.3 mph | -6.8 mph |
The difference between best and worst was 11.5% (6.8 mph).
Comfort
Barum, Michelin, and Vredestein shared the top subjective comfort rating. The Barum's strong showing here is worth noting - whatever compromises in its compound hurt braking grip, they seem to benefit ride quality. Continental and Firestone were rated lowest for comfort.
Subj. Comfort
Subjective Comfort Score
Higher is better ↑| Position / Tire | Result | Gap to best |
|---|---|---|
| 9 Points | Best | |
| 9 Points | Best | |
| 9 Points | Best | |
| 8 Points | -1.00 Points | |
| 8 Points | -1.00 Points | |
| 7 Points | -2.00 Points | |
| 7 Points | -2.00 Points |
The difference between best and worst was 22.2% (2 Points).
Michelin was the quietest tire at 70.7 dB(A), closely followed by Firestone and Continental. Vredestein and Goodyear were the loudest at 72.0 dB(A) - a 1.3 dB(A) spread across the group, which is small but perceptible. Promobil noted that for motorhomes, aerodynamic noise from the body typically masks tire noise at higher speeds anyway.
Noise
External noise in dB
Lower is better ↓| Position / Tire | Result | Gap to best |
|---|---|---|
| 70.7 dB | Best | |
| 70.8 dB | +0.10 dB | |
| 70.9 dB | +0.20 dB | |
| 71.6 dB | +0.90 dB | |
| 71.7 dB | +1.00 dB | |
| 72 dB | +1.30 dB | |
| 72 dB | +1.30 dB |
All the tires in the Noise test finished less than 3% apart.
Value
Continental and Michelin tied for the lowest rolling resistance at 5.4 kg/t, while the Vredestein was worst at 7.3 kg/t - a 35% difference. However, promobil pointed out that rolling resistance only dominates fuel consumption below about 44 mph; above that, the aerodynamic drag of a motorhome body is the bigger factor, which limits the real-world fuel cost penalty of higher-resistance tires.
Rolling Resistance
Rolling resistance in kg t
Lower is better ↓| Position / Tire | Result | Gap to best | Extra fuel / year |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5.4 kg/t | Best | $0 | |
| 5.4 kg/t | Best | $0 | |
| 5.9 kg/t | +0.50 kg/t | $27 | |
| 5.9 kg/t | +0.50 kg/t | $27 | |
| 6.8 kg/t | +1.40 kg/t | $76 | |
| 7.1 kg/t | +1.70 kg/t | $93 | |
| 7.3 kg/t | +1.90 kg/t | $103 |
The difference between best and worst was 35.2% (1.9 kg / t). Over 12,000 miles a year at $3.60/gal, the Vredestein Comtrac 2+ uses about 29 gal ($103) more fuel than the Michelin AGILIS 3.
Adjust the assumptions
Calculated estimates, not additional measurements. Use the controls to explore the assumptions.
Results
Vredestein took a clear overall win on the strength of its wet and dry grip, with Nokian in second offering a similar safety profile at a lower price. Continental placed third as a good all-rounder with the best fuel efficiency. Firestone and Barum both received a reduced recommendation due to weak wet-road performance.
Vredestein Comtrac 2+
225/75 R16 C 121RCategory scores (% of best)
All discipline results (11)
Discipline positions compare the ranked tires in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.
| Test | Position in discipline | Result | Gap to best |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry BrakingLower is better | 2nd / 7 | 135 ft | 0 ft |
| Dry HandlingHigher is better | 1st / 7 | 49.2 mph | Best in this discipline |
| Subj. Dry HandlingHigher is better | 1st / 7 | 9 Points | Best in this discipline |
| Wet BrakingLower is better | 1st / 7 | 89 ft | Best in this discipline |
| Wet HandlingHigher is better | 1st / 7 | 41.9 mph | Best in this discipline |
| Subj. Wet HandlingHigher is better | 1st / 7 | 9 Points | Best in this discipline |
| Wet CircleHigher is better | 1st / 7 | 16.5 mph | Best in this discipline |
| Straight AquaHigher is better | 2nd / 7 | 58.2 mph | -0.9 mph |
| Subj. ComfortHigher is better | 1st / 7 | 9 Points | Best in this discipline |
| NoiseLower is better | 6th / 7 | 72 dB | +1.30 dB |
| Rolling ResistanceLower is better | 7th / 7 | 7.3 kg/t | +1.90 kg/t |
- EU Label
- C/A/72
- Origin
- India
- Weight
- 16.6 kgs
- Tread
- 9.2 mm
- Price
- 154.00
Nokian Cargoproof C
225/75 R16 C 121RCategory scores (% of best)
All discipline results (11)
Discipline positions compare the ranked tires in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.
| Test | Position in discipline | Result | Gap to best |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry BrakingLower is better | 1st / 7 | 135 ft | Best in this discipline |
| Dry HandlingHigher is better | 2nd / 7 | 48.9 mph | -0.3 mph |
| Subj. Dry HandlingHigher is better | 4th / 7 | 8 Points | -1.00 Points |
| Wet BrakingLower is better | 2nd / 7 | 90 ft | +1 ft |
| Wet HandlingHigher is better | 2nd / 7 | 41.5 mph | -0.4 mph |
| Subj. Wet HandlingHigher is better | 1st / 7 | 9 Points | Best in this discipline |
| Wet CircleHigher is better | 3rd / 7 | 16.3 mph | -0.2 mph |
| Straight AquaHigher is better | 3rd / 7 | 56.5 mph | -2.6 mph |
| Subj. ComfortHigher is better | 4th / 7 | 8 Points | -1.00 Points |
| NoiseLower is better | 5th / 7 | 71.7 dB | +1.00 dB |
| Rolling ResistanceLower is better | 3rd / 7 | 5.9 kg/t | +0.50 kg/t |
- EU Label
- B/A/72
- Origin
- Finland
- Weight
- 15.7 kgs
- Tread
- 8.9 mm
- Price
- 164.00
Continental Vancontact Ultra
225/75 R16 C 121RCategory scores (% of best)
All discipline results (11)
Discipline positions compare the ranked tires in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.
| Test | Position in discipline | Result | Gap to best |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry BrakingLower is better | 6th / 7 | 144 ft | +9 ft |
| Dry HandlingHigher is better | 4th / 7 | 48.8 mph | -0.4 mph |
| Subj. Dry HandlingHigher is better | 1st / 7 | 9 Points | Best in this discipline |
| Wet BrakingLower is better | 5th / 7 | 100 ft | +11 ft |
| Wet HandlingHigher is better | 3rd / 7 | 41.1 mph | -0.8 mph |
| Subj. Wet HandlingHigher is better | 1st / 7 | 9 Points | Best in this discipline |
| Wet CircleHigher is better | 2nd / 7 | 16.4 mph | -0.1 mph |
| Straight AquaHigher is better | 4th / 7 | 55.7 mph | -3.4 mph |
| Subj. ComfortHigher is better | 6th / 7 | 7 Points | -2.00 Points |
| NoiseLower is better | 3rd / 7 | 70.9 dB | +0.20 dB |
| Rolling ResistanceLower is better | 1st / 7 | 5.4 kg/t | Best in this discipline |
- EU Label
- B/A/71
- Origin
- Slovenia
- Weight
- 15.9 kgs
- Tread
- 8.9 mm
- Price
- 223.00
Michelin AGILIS 3
225/75 R16 C 121RCategory scores (% of best)
All discipline results (11)
Discipline positions compare the ranked tires in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.
| Test | Position in discipline | Result | Gap to best |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry BrakingLower is better | 5th / 7 | 141 ft | +6 ft |
| Dry HandlingHigher is better | 5th / 7 | 48.7 mph | -0.5 mph |
| Subj. Dry HandlingHigher is better | 5th / 7 | 7 Points | -2.00 Points |
| Wet BrakingLower is better | 4th / 7 | 100 ft | +11 ft |
| Wet HandlingHigher is better | 4th / 7 | 40.8 mph | -1.1 mph |
| Subj. Wet HandlingHigher is better | 5th / 7 | 7 Points | -2.00 Points |
| Wet CircleHigher is better | 6th / 7 | 16.1 mph | -0.4 mph |
| Straight AquaHigher is better | 1st / 7 | 59.1 mph | Best in this discipline |
| Subj. ComfortHigher is better | 1st / 7 | 9 Points | Best in this discipline |
| NoiseLower is better | 1st / 7 | 70.7 dB | Best in this discipline |
| Rolling ResistanceLower is better | 1st / 7 | 5.4 kg/t | Best in this discipline |
- EU Label
- B/A/72
- Origin
- Poland
- Weight
- 16.1 kgs
- Tread
- 8.1 mm
- Price
- 245.00
Goodyear Efficientgrip Cargo 2
225/75 R16 C 118RCategory scores (% of best)
All discipline results (11)
Discipline positions compare the ranked tires in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.
| Test | Position in discipline | Result | Gap to best |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry BrakingLower is better | 4th / 7 | 139 ft | +4 ft |
| Dry HandlingHigher is better | 6th / 7 | 48.6 mph | -0.6 mph |
| Subj. Dry HandlingHigher is better | 5th / 7 | 7 Points | -2.00 Points |
| Wet BrakingLower is better | 3rd / 7 | 97 ft | +8 ft |
| Wet HandlingHigher is better | 5th / 7 | 40.6 mph | -1.3 mph |
| Subj. Wet HandlingHigher is better | 4th / 7 | 8 Points | -1.00 Points |
| Wet CircleHigher is better | 5th / 7 | 16.2 mph | -0.3 mph |
| Straight AquaHigher is better | 7th / 7 | 52.3 mph | -6.8 mph |
| Subj. ComfortHigher is better | 4th / 7 | 8 Points | -1.00 Points |
| NoiseLower is better | 6th / 7 | 72 dB | +1.30 dB |
| Rolling ResistanceLower is better | 3rd / 7 | 5.9 kg/t | +0.50 kg/t |
- EU Label
- B/D/70
- Origin
- Turkey
- Weight
- 19.0 kgs
- Tread
- 9.4 mm
- Price
- 201.00
Barum Vanis 3
225/75 R16 C 121RCategory scores (% of best)
All discipline results (11)
Discipline positions compare the ranked tires in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.
| Test | Position in discipline | Result | Gap to best |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry BrakingLower is better | 7th / 7 | 145 ft | +10 ft |
| Dry HandlingHigher is better | 2nd / 7 | 48.9 mph | -0.3 mph |
| Subj. Dry HandlingHigher is better | 1st / 7 | 9 Points | Best in this discipline |
| Wet BrakingLower is better | 7th / 7 | 103 ft | +14 ft |
| Wet HandlingHigher is better | 6th / 7 | 40.5 mph | -1.4 mph |
| Subj. Wet HandlingHigher is better | 5th / 7 | 7 Points | -2.00 Points |
| Wet CircleHigher is better | 4th / 7 | 16.2 mph | -0.3 mph |
| Straight AquaHigher is better | 6th / 7 | 52.6 mph | -6.5 mph |
| Subj. ComfortHigher is better | 1st / 7 | 9 Points | Best in this discipline |
| NoiseLower is better | 4th / 7 | 71.6 dB | +0.90 dB |
| Rolling ResistanceLower is better | 5th / 7 | 6.8 kg/t | +1.40 kg/t |
- EU Label
- C/C/72
- Origin
- Czech Republic
- Weight
- 17.3 kgs
- Tread
- 9.9 mm
- Price
- 155.00
Firestone Vanhawk 3
225/75 R16 C 121RCategory scores (% of best)
All discipline results (11)
Discipline positions compare the ranked tires in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.
| Test | Position in discipline | Result | Gap to best |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry BrakingLower is better | 3rd / 7 | 138 ft | +3 ft |
| Dry HandlingHigher is better | 7th / 7 | 47.8 mph | -1.4 mph |
| Subj. Dry HandlingHigher is better | 5th / 7 | 7 Points | -2.00 Points |
| Wet BrakingLower is better | 6th / 7 | 102 ft | +13 ft |
| Wet HandlingHigher is better | 7th / 7 | 39.5 mph | -2.4 mph |
| Subj. Wet HandlingHigher is better | 7th / 7 | 6 Points | -3.00 Points |
| Wet CircleHigher is better | 7th / 7 | 15.7 mph | -0.8 mph |
| Straight AquaHigher is better | 5th / 7 | 53.3 mph | -5.8 mph |
| Subj. ComfortHigher is better | 6th / 7 | 7 Points | -2.00 Points |
| NoiseLower is better | 2nd / 7 | 70.8 dB | +0.10 dB |
| Rolling ResistanceLower is better | 6th / 7 | 7.1 kg/t | +1.70 kg/t |
- EU Label
- C/B/70
- Origin
- Turkey
- Weight
- 16.4 kgs
- Tread
- 10.2 mm
- Price
- 160.00


For some reason, the Vredestein is shown as Ford Focus 1.5 TDCI, the Nokian as Audi Q8 and the Barum Vanis 3 as Volkswagen Thing!...