In a new type of test procedure, ten tyres designed specifically for caravans and trailers were compared. This product category is often neglected in tyre tests.
With this test, we want to provide important information to campers, horse owners and occasional users of trailers and caravans.
So far, few testing organisations have examined or compared tyres specifically designed for trailers and caravans. The major car tyre brands are barely represented in this segment, making it more difficult for consumers to choose tyres with good road grip.
The size 185R14 C with a load capacity index of 104, which was tested, is often used on single-axle trailers weighing up to 1,800 kilograms. All the tyres tested were manufactured in China and bear the notice ‘Trailer use only’ or ‘Free rolling tyre’. Their maximum speed is therefore limited to 140 kilometres per hour.
Van tyres as an alternative?
This question is asked time and again, as van tyres are considerably more resilient than trailer or caravan tyres. In addition to their braking power, they also have to react to acceleration and steering movements and are also approved for higher speeds. But do they also offer greater driving safety in the areas that are important for trailers?
High-quality van tyres perform excellently in terms of aquaplaning and grip on wet roads. However, the test winner (BK Trailer) outperformed these tyres in both categories. By contrast, light truck tyres perform well in terms of braking on dry roads and offer the shortest braking distance. They transfer higher braking forces before the wheels lock.
Winter tyres are not mandatory for trailers. However, if you are driving through snowy areas, you should consider buying appropriate tyres. A tested all-season tyre received average results, with no deficiencies found. It offers more safety in snow, but also costs more.
Can car tyres be fitted to a trailer?
Mounting car tyres on a trailer is a common request, as these tyres provide better traction than those of vans and trailers. However, there are several obstacles to overcome. To carry the required load, it is often necessary to use larger and wider tyres, such as the 215/60R16 instead of the typical 185R14 for trailers.
Tyres must match the mounting area on the trailer and often an appraisal is required to register the special dimensions. This can be expensive. Once these obstacles have been overcome, car tyres can provide traction comparable to that of towing vehicles.
However, the combination of tyres with high road grip, high cornering speed and a raised centre of gravity can be dangerous and is more likely to cause the trailer to tip over. Therefore, car tyres are only recommended for very flat trailers, but not for caravans or trailers with tarpaulins.
Test results
– With an overall score of 2.1, the BK-Trailer 203 tyre received the best rating in our test.
Strengths: best performance in terms of aquaplaning in corners, low rolling resistance
Weaknesses: no demonstrable weaknesses
Conclusion: a tyre with no real weaknesses, offering excellent overall performance
– In second place is the Linglong Radial R701 tyre, which received a good overall score of 2.3.
Strengths: low rolling resistance, good lateral road holding on wet roads
Weaknesses: average road holding on wet asphalt
Conclusion: energy-saving thanks to low rolling resistance
– The Trailer-Line FT 02 tyre came in third with a good overall grade of 2.4.
Strengths: performs well in terms of cornering aquaplaning resistance and lateral road holding on wet roads
Weaknesses: slightly higher rolling resistance
Conclusion: a balanced tyre with no real weaknesses
With an overall grade of 3.6, the Nankang TR-10 tyre performed the worst in our test.
Strengths: low rolling resistance
Weaknesses: worst performance in aquaplaning and wet skid resistance
Conclusion: the worst test result on wet roads
Conclusion:
The test shows that tyres for trailers and caravans can vary in quality. Some models score well for rolling resistance and for their performance in terms of hydroplaning. The test winner is the BK-Trailer 203, while the Nankang TR-10 and the Kenda KR101 Mastertrail 3G are the worst performers. Consumers should choose trailer tyres according to their needs, taking into account the strengths and weaknesses of each model.
Test method
Van tyres of the same dimensions were also tested to compare their performance with that of trailer tyres. The test criteria included hydroplaning on bends, rolling resistance, braking on dry surfaces and road holding on wet asphalt. During the test runs, the tyres were mounted on the front axle of a VW Polo, while others were mounted on a caravan.
