The trend toward caravanning is continuing. According to the Caravanning Industry Association (CIVD), almost 235,000 recreational vehicles were registered across Europe last year – the second best result in history after 1980. Demand for campers is particularly high. In total, more than 160,000 new vehicles arrived on the roads in 2020 – around 20 percent more than in the previous year.
Their owners not only drive on asphalt, some also head off-road on easy terrain. This is when the roads are more like tracks or gravel paths, as can often be the case in southern Europe and the Mediterranean countries. General Tire now has the right tire for this target group: A size 235/65 R 16 C all-terrain tire in the Grabber AT3 model, the world’s first all-terrain tire with C identification for recreational vehicles. This size fits many models as standard tires, including models based on the Fiat Ducato or Mercedes Sprinter. As a result, new rims or entries in the vehicle papers are not required to equip the camper van with off-road tires.
General Tire has developed this innovative all-terrain tire particularly for those in search of adventure and who use their van in the basic version i.e., drive off-road without a specific RV. Size 235/65 R 16 C is one of the best-selling in this segment as well. With its tried-and-tested all-terrain tire, General Tire meets all the requirements of modern SUVs, pick-up trucks and cross-country vehicles – now also including campers with and without all-wheel drive. The all-season tire offers a combination of good off-road performance and safe handling characteristics in all weather conditions.
When driving off-road, the Grabber AT3 interlocks with the loose surface thanks to its numerous grip edges in the tread, providing optimal transmission of drive and braking forces. The open shoulder of the tread ensures quick self-cleaning and additional traction in mud. Solid blocks from tire shoulder to sidewall in combination with stacked deflection ribs protect the tire against lateral damage from stones, rocks and other foreign bodies.
The size has been approved for motor vehicles for speeds of up to 170 km/h, the load capacity is 1450 kg for individual mounting and 1360 kg for dual fitment (load indexes 121 and 119 respectively).
