Promobil: Commercial Tire Test R16 2026

Promobil: Commercial Tire Test R16

German motorhome magazine promobil has conducted a specialized summer tire evaluation for the Fiat Ducato Maxi and Heavy platform—the most common base for campervans and motorhomes across Europe. Seven tires in size 225/75 R16 C were tested on a fully loaded Ducato to replicate real-world motorhome weights and handling characteristics.

The test places strong emphasis on wet and dry braking, handling stability, aquaplaning resistance, and subjective driving feel—all critical factors given the high center of gravity and substantial payload of modern motorhomes. Environmental metrics including rolling resistance and noise are also assessed, though promobil notes that aerodynamic drag dominates fuel consumption at highway speeds for these vehicles.

  1. Vredestein Comtrac 2+ - Winner Recommended
    Vredestein Comtrac 2+
    N/A 25
    · Summer · 2025 · Light Truck / SUV - Commercial
    Verdict:

    The Vredestein Comtrac 2+ is the clear test winner, delivering the shortest wet braking distance along with top-tier dry stopping power and the best cornering grip across all conditions. It was the fastest tire on the handling course in every test and received high marks for predictable, well-balanced behavior. Ride comfort and interior noise are good. The trade-offs are 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 substantial advantage in grip.

    Wet Handling   Subj. Wet Handling   Wet Circle   Subj. Comfort   Subj. Dry Handling   Wet Braking   Dry Handling   Dry Braking   Noise   Rolling Resistance  
    Europe Europe
    Test Score:
    97.8
  2. Nokian Cargoproof C Recommended
    Nokian Cargoproof C
    N/A 27
    · Summer · 2025 · Light Truck / SUV - Commercial
    Verdict:

    The Nokian Cargoproof C strikes a strong balance between safety performance and economy. It matches the test winner in dry braking and posts the second-shortest wet stopping distance. Cornering behavior is stable with above-average grip, though reserves thin out at larger steering angles. Pass-by noise is on the louder side, while rolling resistance sits in the middle of the field. Overall, it delivers well-rounded performance without a serious weakness in any area.

    Wet Braking   Dry Handling   Wet Handling   Dry Braking   Subj. Wet Handling   Rolling Resistance   Subj. Dry Handling   Noise  
    Europe Europe
    Test Score:
    97.4
  3. Continental VanContact Ultra
    Continental VanContact Ultra
    N/A 33
    · Summer · 2022 · Light Truck / SUV - Commercial
    Verdict:

    The Continental VanContact Ultra stands out for its very low rolling resistance and quiet pass-by noise, making it one of the most fuel-efficient and refined tires in the group. It scores 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.

    Rolling Resistance   Noise   Wet Circle   Subj. Dry Handling   Subj. Wet Handling   Dry Braking   Subj. Comfort   Straight Aquaplaning   Wet Braking  
    Europe Europe
    Test Score:
    96.1
  4. Michelin Agilis 3
    Michelin Agilis 3
    N/A 38
    · Summer · 2020 · Light Truck / SUV - Commercial
    Verdict:

    The Michelin Agilis 3 is the longest-wearing tire in the test, paired with the lowest rolling resistance and the best aquaplaning resistance—both longitudinal and lateral. It is also the quietest on the road, with high ride comfort ratings. Braking performance on wet and dry surfaces is only mid-pack, and subjective handling is described 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.

    Rolling Resistance   Noise   Straight Aquaplaning   Lateral Aquaplaning   Subj. Comfort   Durability   Treadwear   Dry Braking   Subj. Wet Handling   Wet Braking   Subj. Dry Handling  
    Mexico Mexico · Central & South America Central & South America · Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+ · Japan Japan · Southeast Asia Southeast Asia · Middle East Middle East · Oceania Oceania
    Test Score:
    95.5
  5. Goodyear EfficientGrip Cargo 2
    Goodyear EfficientGrip Cargo 2
    N/A 34
    · Summer · 2021 · Light Truck / SUV - Commercial
    Verdict:

    The Goodyear Efficientgrip Cargo 2 shows a split personality in testing. On dry roads it is engaging, with the sharpest steering response in the group and good dry braking. On wet surfaces, grip drops off noticeably: wet braking and aquaplaning scores are below average, and the tire feels nervous at the rear during fast lane changes with a narrow limit range before breakaway. It has the lowest load index in the test and is the heaviest tire, though rolling resistance remains reasonable.

    Dry Braking   Subj. Wet Handling   Subj. Dry Handling   Steering Response   Lateral Aquaplaning   Driving Safety   Wet Handling   Straight Aquaplaning  
    Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+ · Middle East Middle East · South Africa South Africa
    Test Score:
    94.6
  6. Barum Vanis 3
    Barum Vanis 3
    N/A 24
    · Summer · 2022 · Light Truck / SUV - Commercial
    Verdict:

    The Barum Vanis 3 is the budget option from the Continental group, offering forgiving, easy-to-read dry handling with decent cornering reserves and the best cabin refinement in the group. The trade-offs appear on wet roads: braking distances are among the longest, aquaplaning protection is weak in both directions, and dry braking is the worst in the test. At 155 euros it is the second-cheapest tire, but the wet-safety shortcomings lead to a significant points deduction.

    Subj. Comfort   Price   Subj. Dry Handling   Dry Handling   Wet Braking   Straight Aquaplaning   Wet Handling   Dry Braking   Lateral Aquaplaning  
    Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+
    Test Score:
    92.7
  7. Firestone Vanhawk 3
    Firestone Vanhawk 3
    N/A 25
    · Summer · 2025 · Light Truck / SUV - Commercial
    Verdict:

    The Firestone Vanhawk 3 finishes last overall, undermined by consistently poor wet-surface performance across braking, lateral grip, handling, and aquaplaning. Steering is vague and imprecise, with an audible droning from slip-angle noise during cornering. Dry braking is a relative strength, and pass‑by noise is the quietest in the test. High rolling resistance and weak wet grip make it difficult to recommend for motorhome use where loaded weights demand dependable tire response.

    Dry Braking   Noise   Rolling Resistance   Wet Braking   Driving Safety   Wet Handling   Straight Aquaplaning   Lateral Aquaplaning   Subj. Dry Handling   Subj. Wet Handling   Wet Lateral Stability   Steering Response  
    Europe Europe
    Test Score:
    90.5
Year
2026
Tire Test Original Link
Visit Website
Max Score, points
100
Tire Size
225/75R16
Season
Summer
Auto Type
Light Truck / SUV / 4*4
List Type
Professional Tire Test
Region
Europe
Date added
Mar 20, 2026
Date updated
Mar 21, 2026

See another Tire Tests