Off on your holidays: which Continental tyres are best for your campervan adventure?

For campervan and motorhome owners, tyres aren't just black rubber rings; they are the foundation of your adventure. So, let's break down which options suit different travelling styles and needs.

The call of the open road, the promise of new horizons, and the freedom of carrying your home with you – there's nothing quite like a campervan or motorhome holiday. You've meticulously planned your route, packed your essentials (and perhaps a few non-essentials!), and your trusty home-on-wheels is raring to go. But have you given enough thought to one of the most critical components ensuring your safety, comfort, and peace of mind? We're talking about your tyres. 

They bear significant loads, often for extended periods, traverse varied terrains, and need to perform reliably in diverse weather conditions. And choosing the right Continental tyre can make all the difference to your journey.  

Camping pneu: why specific campervan tyres matter

Motorhomes and many campervans are not standard vans. They are heavier, often have a higher centre of gravity, and can spend long periods stationary, putting unique stresses on their tyres. This is where the "CP" (Camping Pneu) rating comes in. CP-rated tyres are specifically designed with reinforced sidewalls and construction to handle higher, sustained loads and cope with higher inflation pressures (a necessity for supporting that load and maintaining stability), all while providing increased durability. Not an easy feat, as we discovered, when we picked the brains of Continental’s tyre guru – Steve Howat – to find out everything you need to know about campervan tyres. 

1. Packing up the family and the kitchen sink?

If holidays mean friends, family, and all the bells and whistles – this one's for you. The classic motorhome possée doesn’t travel light: packed inside or alongside models like BEDEO’s Chassuon X550 or Challenger X250 there could be bikes, awnings, food for a week, and all the comforts of home. Plus, there’s a growing desire for independence when travelling and with that comes the additional weight of solar power supplies and water filtration systems. And, if your journey’s taking you further from home that might include a long haul on the motorways, followed by navigating country lanes to reach idyllic campsites.  

This is where Continental’s VanContact Camper fits in. If your vehicle is a proper motorhome, or a significant conversion that pushes its weight limits, the dedicated engineering and CP rating of the VanContact Camper provides the optimal blend of safety, durability, and load-carrying capacity. It's peace of mind rolled into a tyre. 

2. The all-weather adventurer: conquering seasons and terrains 

If you’re not deterred by a bit of unpredictable weather your campervan, be that Ford Transit, VW Transporter or Mercedes Sprinter, might see everything from crisp autumn mornings to damp spring drives, and even the occasional snowy pass if you're heading for winter sports or festive markets. Or you might be part of the growing trending for ‘overlanding’ (picking challenging routes), micro-camping, or even full off-grid camping. But this requires versatility and year-round capability, and depending on what you’re driving, it’s not a one-size-fits all solution when it comes to tyres.  

Travellers in a mid-sized motorhome might plum for Continental’s VanContact Camper (again!). If your vehicle requires or benefits from a CP rating due to its weight, this remains the top choice for all-weather confidence. It typically offers M+S and 3PMSF markings, making it an excellent all-season performer for motorhomes. Its robust nature is also well-suited to varied campsite terrains softened by rain or light snow. 

For those with a minimalist approach to packing, with a well-equipped panel van conversion might get away with the VanContact 4Season – a ‘C’ rated van tyre it doesn’t come with the reinforced construction of a CP tyre, but more on this below. However, if your weight allows, this is a highly capable all-season tyre from Continental's commercial van range. It boasts excellent grip in wet, muddy, and light snowy conditions, often carrying the 3PMSF symbol. 

3. The streamlined explorer: lighter vans, maximum agility 

As the saying goes, the best things come in small packages and this definitely rings true with smaller panel van conversion – think the bite-sized Ford Transit Custom Nugget or even an easy-driver micro camper. The joys of a van conversion are many: agility, fuel efficiency, and a driving experience closer to a car, though you can only carry the essentials. But this does mean your trips can often be supported by a van tyre and it’s here Continental’s VanContact 4Season or VanContact Eco show their true colours. The latter supports maximising mileage and fuel efficiency. However, if your travels might take you through wilder climates, the VanContact 4Season offers a good balance of comfort, durability, and all-season performance (often with 3PMSF) without necessarily needing the heavy-duty CP rating. 

It's always worth double checking though your van weight, even with lighter vans. It's easy to underestimate how quickly equipment, water, and passengers add up.  

4. The dedicated winter warrior: alpine passes and snowy escapades 

If you look at the mercury dipping and think ‘yep, it’s time off for an adventure’, we take our hat off to you. Seeking winter wonderlands, only protected from the elements by a metal box takes some grit – even if it’s the award-winning Fiat Ducato or VW’s larger model, the Grand California. But, if you venture to the Scottish Highlands mid-winter or your travels take you even further afield, for skiing, snowboarding, or simply enjoying the magic of snow-covered landscapes, your winter campervan needs to be prepared. Your tyres are your only point of contact with that road, and when driving on compacted snow, ice, and slush, you need to make sure they’re prepared to perform.  

As such, Continental has designed the VanContact Winter- with 3PMSF symbol as standard – as the perfect solution for campervans with lighter loads. Engineered with specific rubber compounds that stay flexible in freezing temperatures and tread patterns designed for maximum traction and braking on snow and ice, it offers uncompromised winter grip. While the VanContact Camper and VanContact 4Season offer good winter suitability for many, if you are dedicating your travels to severe winter conditions, a specialist winter tyre is unbeatable. 

Final checks before you roll 

No matter which Continental tyre aligns with your travel style, remember to always choose tyres with a load index and speed rating that match the campervan manufacturer's specifications. Plus, check your tyre pressure and adjust, based on the manufacturer's recommendations for a fully laden vehicle.  

Your campervan or motorhome is your ticket to freedom and adventure. By equipping it with the right Continental tyres for your journey, you're investing in safety, comfort, and the longevity of your rolling home. Now, all that's left is to pick your destination and enjoy the ride! 

Hero image credit: Copyright Adam Lievesley – AdamLVPhotography