2026 Summer Motorhome and Van Tire Test

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.

Dry

Nokian and Vredestein were virtually tied for the shortest dry braking distances, stopping over 3 metres 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 handling times were closely bunched, with only 2.2 km/h 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.

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.

Wet

The gap between tires opens up significantly on wet roads. Vredestein and Nokian were well clear of the field, stopping over 3 metres shorter than the next best. Barum finished last, more than 4 metres behind the Vredestein - equivalent to hitting an obstacle at roughly 30 km/h while the Vredestein has already stopped.

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 4 km/h off the pace - consistent with its weak scores across all wet tests.

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.

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.

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 10 km/h earlier than the Michelin.

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.

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.

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 70 km/h; 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.

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.

1^st

Vredestein Comtrac 2 plus

225/75 R16 C 121R

• EU Label: C/A/72
• Origin: India
• Weight: 16.6 kgs
• Tread: 9.2 mm
• Price: 154.00

Vredestein Comtrac 2+ is the clear test winner, delivering the shortest braking distances on both wet and dry surfaces along with the best cornering grip across all conditions. On the handling course, it was the fastest tire in every test and received high subjective marks for predictable, well-balanced behavior. Ride comfort and interior noise levels are good. The main trade-off is a high rolling resistance - the worst in the test - and comparatively loud pass-by noise. For motorhome use, where safety margins matter more than marginal fuel savings, this is a minor penalty given the large advantage in grip.

Dry

99.9%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Dry Braking	2nd	41.1 M	41 M	+0.1 M	99.76%
Dry Handling	1st	79.2 Km/H			100%
Subj. Dry Handling	1st	9 Points			100%

Wet

99.7%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Wet Braking	1st	27 M			100%
Wet Handling	1st	67.4 Km/H			100%
Subj. Wet Handling	1st	9 Points			100%
Wet Circle	1st	7.38 m/s			100%
Straight Aqua	2nd	93.7 Km/H	95.1 Km/H	-1.4 Km/H	98.53%

Comfort

99.1%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Subj. Comfort	1st	9 Points			100%
Noise	6th	72 dB	70.7 dB	+1.3 dB	98.19%

Value

74%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Rolling Resistance	7th	7.3 kg / t	5.4 kg / t	+1.9 kg / t	73.97%

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2^nd

Nokian Cargoproof C

225/75 R16 C 121R

• EU Label: B/A/72
• Origin: Finland
• Weight: 15.7 kgs
• Tread: 8.9 mm
• Price: 164.00

Nokian Cargoproof C is a new entry that strikes a good balance between safety performance and economy. It matched the Vredestein for dry braking and came close on wet braking, posting the second-shortest stopping distances in both cases. Cornering behavior is stable with above-average grip, though at larger steering angles the reserves thin out, and the pass-by noise is on the louder side. Rolling resistance sits in the middle of the field. Overall, it offers strong all-round performance without a serious weakness in any area.

Dry

96.1%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Dry Braking	1st	41 M			100%
Dry Handling	2nd	78.7 Km/H	79.2 Km/H	-0.5 Km/H	99.37%
Subj. Dry Handling	4th	8 Points	9 Points	-1 Points	88.89%

Wet

98.4%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Wet Braking	2nd	27.4 M	27 M	+0.4 M	98.54%
Wet Handling	2nd	66.8 Km/H	67.4 Km/H	-0.6 Km/H	99.11%
Subj. Wet Handling	1st	9 Points			100%
Wet Circle	3rd	7.28 m/s	7.38 m/s	-0.1 m/s	98.64%
Straight Aqua	3rd	91 Km/H	95.1 Km/H	-4.1 Km/H	95.69%

Comfort

93.8%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Subj. Comfort	4th	8 Points	9 Points	-1 Points	88.89%
Noise	5th	71.7 dB	70.7 dB	+1 dB	98.61%

Value

91.5%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Rolling Resistance	3rd	5.9 kg / t	5.4 kg / t	+0.5 kg / t	91.53%

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3^rd

Continental Vancontact Ultra

225/75 R16 C 121R

• EU Label: B/A/71
• Origin: Slovenia
• Weight: 15.9 kgs
• Tread: 8.9 mm
• Price: 223.00

Continental VanContact Ultra stands out for its very low rolling resistance and quiet pass-by noise, making it the most fuel-efficient and refined tire in the group alongside the Michelin. It also scored well for lateral grip and subjective handling, with testers noting secure, predictable cornering and good lane-change stability. The weak point is braking: stopping distances on both wet and dry surfaces are longer than average. Continental positions this tire more toward van and panel-van use than heavy overcab motorhomes, and the character reflects that - safe in corners, less aggressive under hard braking.

Dry

97.4%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Dry Braking	6th	44 M	41 M	+3 M	93.18%
Dry Handling	4th	78.5 Km/H	79.2 Km/H	-0.7 Km/H	99.12%
Subj. Dry Handling	1st	9 Points			100%

Wet

96%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Wet Braking	5th	30.6 M	27 M	+3.6 M	88.24%
Wet Handling	3rd	66.1 Km/H	67.4 Km/H	-1.3 Km/H	98.07%
Subj. Wet Handling	1st	9 Points			100%
Wet Circle	2nd	7.34 m/s	7.38 m/s	-0.04 m/s	99.46%
Straight Aqua	4th	89.6 Km/H	95.1 Km/H	-5.5 Km/H	94.22%

Comfort

88.8%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Subj. Comfort	6th	7 Points	9 Points	-2 Points	77.78%
Noise	3rd	70.9 dB	70.7 dB	+0.2 dB	99.72%

Value

100%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Rolling Resistance	1st	5.4 kg / t			100%

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4^th

Michelin AGILIS 3

225/75 R16 C 121R

• EU Label: B/A/72
• Origin: Poland
• Weight: 16.1 kgs
• Tread: 8.1 mm
• Price: 245.00

Michelin Agilis 3 is likely the longest-wearing tire in the test, with the shallowest tread depth at 8.1 mm and the lowest rolling resistance tied with Continental. It also delivered the best aquaplaning resistance of any tire tested, both longitudinal and lateral, and is the quietest on the road. Ride comfort was rated highly. However, braking performance on wet and dry surfaces is only mid-pack, and the subjective handling notes describe it as safe but not particularly sharp. This is a tire suited to high-mileage commercial or fleet use where fuel cost and longevity take priority over outright grip.

Dry

90.7%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Dry Braking	5th	43 M	41 M	+2 M	95.35%
Dry Handling	5th	78.3 Km/H	79.2 Km/H	-0.9 Km/H	98.86%
Subj. Dry Handling	5th	7 Points	9 Points	-2 Points	77.78%

Wet

92.3%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Wet Braking	4th	30.4 M	27 M	+3.4 M	88.82%
Wet Handling	4th	65.6 Km/H	67.4 Km/H	-1.8 Km/H	97.33%
Subj. Wet Handling	5th	7 Points	9 Points	-2 Points	77.78%
Wet Circle	6th	7.21 m/s	7.38 m/s	-0.17 m/s	97.7%
Straight Aqua	1st	95.1 Km/H			100%

Comfort

100%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Subj. Comfort	1st	9 Points			100%
Noise	1st	70.7 dB			100%

Value

100%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Rolling Resistance	1st	5.4 kg / t			100%

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5^th

Goodyear Efficientgrip Cargo 2

225/75 R16 C 118R

• EU Label: B/D/70
• Origin: Turkey
• Weight: 19.0 kgs
• Tread: 9.4 mm
• Price: 201.00

Goodyear Efficientgrip Cargo 2 showed a somewhat split personality in testing. On dry roads it was one of the more engaging tires, with the sharpest steering response in the group and good dry braking. On wet surfaces, however, grip drops off noticeably - wet braking and aquaplaning scores are below average, and testers noted the tire feels nervous at the rear during fast lane changes, with a narrow limit range before breakaway. It also has the lowest load index in the test at 118 versus 121 for all others, and is the heaviest tire at 19.0 kg. Rolling resistance is reasonable.

Dry

91%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Dry Braking	4th	42.5 M	41 M	+1.5 M	96.47%
Dry Handling	6th	78.2 Km/H	79.2 Km/H	-1 Km/H	98.74%
Subj. Dry Handling	5th	7 Points	9 Points	-2 Points	77.78%

Wet

92.8%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Wet Braking	3rd	29.5 M	27 M	+2.5 M	91.53%
Wet Handling	5th	65.4 Km/H	67.4 Km/H	-2 Km/H	97.03%
Subj. Wet Handling	4th	8 Points	9 Points	-1 Points	88.89%
Wet Circle	5th	7.22 m/s	7.38 m/s	-0.16 m/s	97.83%
Straight Aqua	7th	84.2 Km/H	95.1 Km/H	-10.9 Km/H	88.54%

Comfort

93.5%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Subj. Comfort	4th	8 Points	9 Points	-1 Points	88.89%
Noise	6th	72 dB	70.7 dB	+1.3 dB	98.19%

Value

91.5%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Rolling Resistance	3rd	5.9 kg / t	5.4 kg / t	+0.5 kg / t	91.53%

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6^th

Barum Vanis 3

225/75 R16 C 121R

• EU Label: C/C/72
• Origin: Czech Republic
• Weight: 17.3 kgs
• Tread: 9.9 mm
• Price: 155.00

Barum Vanis 3 is the budget option from the Continental group and behaves accordingly. Subjective handling on dry roads was praised as forgiving and easy to read, with decent cornering reserves and good ride comfort - the best-rated in the group for cabin refinement. The problems appear on wet roads: braking distances are among the longest, and aquaplaning protection is weak in both directions. Dry braking is also the worst in the test. At 155 Euro it is the second-cheapest tire here, but the safety shortcomings on wet surfaces led to a points deduction in the overall rating.

Dry

97.4%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Dry Braking	7th	44.2 M	41 M	+3.2 M	92.76%
Dry Handling	2nd	78.7 Km/H	79.2 Km/H	-0.5 Km/H	99.37%
Subj. Dry Handling	1st	9 Points			100%

Wet

89.5%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Wet Braking	7th	31.4 M	27 M	+4.4 M	85.99%
Wet Handling	6th	65.2 Km/H	67.4 Km/H	-2.2 Km/H	96.74%
Subj. Wet Handling	5th	7 Points	9 Points	-2 Points	77.78%
Wet Circle	4th	7.23 m/s	7.38 m/s	-0.15 m/s	97.97%
Straight Aqua	6th	84.7 Km/H	95.1 Km/H	-10.4 Km/H	89.06%

Comfort

99.4%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Subj. Comfort	1st	9 Points			100%
Noise	4th	71.6 dB	70.7 dB	+0.9 dB	98.74%

Value

79.4%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Rolling Resistance	5th	6.8 kg / t	5.4 kg / t	+1.4 kg / t	79.41%

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7^th

Firestone Vanhawk 3

225/75 R16 C 121R

• EU Label: C/B/70
• Origin: Turkey
• Weight: 16.4 kgs
• Tread: 10.2 mm
• Price: 160.00

Firestone Vanhawk 3 finished last overall despite some isolated strengths. It produced good dry braking distances and was the quietest tire for pass-by noise. Beyond that, wet-surface performance was consistently poor across all tests - braking, lateral grip, handling, and aquaplaning. Testers described the steering as vague and imprecise, and noted an audible droning sound during cornering caused by slip-angle noise. Rolling resistance is high. The combination of weak wet grip and indifferent steering behavior makes it hard to recommend for motorhome use where loaded weights and high centers of gravity demand dependable tire response.

Dry

90.7%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Dry Braking	3rd	42.2 M	41 M	+1.2 M	97.16%
Dry Handling	7th	77 Km/H	79.2 Km/H	-2.2 Km/H	97.22%
Subj. Dry Handling	5th	7 Points	9 Points	-2 Points	77.78%

Wet

86.6%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Wet Braking	6th	31 M	27 M	+4 M	87.1%
Wet Handling	7th	63.5 Km/H	67.4 Km/H	-3.9 Km/H	94.21%
Subj. Wet Handling	7th	6 Points	9 Points	-3 Points	66.67%
Wet Circle	7th	7.01 m/s	7.38 m/s	-0.37 m/s	94.99%
Straight Aqua	5th	85.7 Km/H	95.1 Km/H	-9.4 Km/H	90.12%

Comfort

88.8%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Subj. Comfort	6th	7 Points	9 Points	-2 Points	77.78%
Noise	2nd	70.8 dB	70.7 dB	+0.1 dB	99.86%

Value

76.1%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Rolling Resistance	6th	7.1 kg / t	5.4 kg / t	+1.7 kg / t	76.06%

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