Which tyres?

[BadgerBalls]

I currently tow an Abbey Impression 2004 (Swift spec) 1475kg 520L with my Petrol VW Passat 2005 Trendline 130HP. Let's say you definately don't want anything bigger. The problem I find is that if I am on a fairly steep incline and try to get away on a wet road the wheels spin until it picks up. I am using Kumho tyres and I am suspect about their grip. Can any of you experienced towers recommend a better gripy tyre in the wet. Obviously I haven't got the low gearing which doesn't help but Hey Ho I have to make the best out of what I have.
regards

 

[Damian]

Michelin Premacy

 

[BadgerBalls]

Has anyone tried UniRoyal RainExpert?

 

[RayS]

Spot on Damian, Michelin Premacy now fitted to replace Continentals - much more grip at low speeds, quieter and bi-directional. Continentals excellent at high spped solo driving but not much of that these days.

 

[Gafferbill]

.....you describe one reason why people consider a diesel engined tow car to be better than petrol!
You have nearly doubled the weight of your vehicle and then ask it to pull away on an incline in the wet.
Your petrol engine will have limited low speed torque (unlike a diesel) so will require the engine revs to be kept high to avoid it stalling.

You will either get wheel spin as now or a slipping clutch if you fit better tyres.

 

[BrianS]

Kumho tyres are used for competion racing/sprinting/hill climbs etc and are a good value tyre, I rather have a little wheel spin occasionally than a slipping clutch . Having towed with a 150 BHP GTE Astra years ago wheel spin in 2nd was available in the wet!!

 

[Surfer]

You can't beat BFGoodrich tyres for traction!

 

[emmerson]

I hear this sort of argument regularly down the pub."Which is best". I don't honestly know, but do know that, being a skinflint, I by on price. I've just been out to check on the Range Rover, and it's on Nexus Roadians. Now, I know nowt about these tyres, they're probably made in Outer Mongolia, but the front ones have done 26,000 miles, and have 4mm left. The rears have done indeterminate mileage, as I removed them from my previous RR, but they must be somewhere around 30,000 again with about 4mm left.
I've never heard of the make, but bought them at my local tyre shop.Never had any problems with them, and from my records, they cost less than £60 each.My neighbour swears by Michelin on his RR, but they cost in excess of £120 each.
Who's right? I don't know, but I will certainly fit Rodians again,even if I could afford Michelins

 

[RobKnapp2]

Hi,
Appreciate that tyres are purchased on a range of variables (price, recommendation, wear, recommendation from manufacturer etc) but this might be of use for someone in the future.
I tow a 1175kg Swift Challenger 490/5 with a Mk1 Octavia vRS. When I first had the Octavia, straight after the police, it had Michelin Pilot Sports all round. Very good wet and dry grip, but worn out in approx 8k miles and a hideous price!. I have tried then the following:
Goodyear NCT5 - OK, but mediocre for the price, no rim flange and slightly noisy
Pirelli P5000 - OK in dry, dreadful in the wet, no rim flange
Falken FK452. - Very sceptical when I purchased the first set, but on numerous recommendations from a Skoda Forum. I am now on my 3rd set with new on both front and rear axle. Good to very good handling in dry, good handling in wet, and good handling (as much as it can be) in snow. Probably better is that is a 'predicatable' tyre, doesnt seem to just 'wash-out' but gives plenty of warning, unusual vibration through steering wheel, increase in noise, and suchlike. I get atleast 20k out of the fronts, which I consider to be not bad mainly driving rural roads, and a adequately powered car (remapped from the standard 180hp) Seem to cope with the additional load and pressures on the rear when towing, without feeling 'wayward' or soft. They have a rim flange which helps protect the wheel rim a little. Good price too.
Bad points, they do take a bit to wear in. Obviously the first couple of miles to remove the releasing agents etc, but find they dont come into their own until approx 100 miles have been covered, and by 2mm they are very dead. I do tend to replace by 3mm anyway as i have found most tyres do have a marked reduction in grip particularly in the wet by then.
Clearly the above is all my opinion, and my opinon for my car, plus I am by no means a tyre expert.
CheeRS
Rob

 

[otherclive]

I have also used Falken on Saab 9000, mondeo and Nissan Note and agree with the above comments. Have a look at some of the tyre review sites such as Tirerack and autobild tests but beware that US reviews are on tyres which may have a different compound to match the climate and driving conditions.

 

[birdman101]

It would be worth checking your van noseweight before you change tyres