20 inch wheels but 16 inch spare

[Cheese Merchant]

At last weeks service (van is 2 years old) I was reminded that the spare wheel is 16”, with the four normal wheels all upgraded to 20” by the converter at new. Should I be looking to upgrade the spare wheel to 20” or is it fine to use the spare to get me to a garage in an emergency situation? And if I decide to replace it with a 20” will it fit into the holder underneath the van? Thanks in advance!

 

[JumpShip]

No it won't fit your spare carrier .
Is yours a 4motion ?
Work out the rolling radius of your 20's and compare against the rolling radius of your 16 to see if its similar .

 

[Trouts]

something you should probably be aware of too @Ace_Slow

 

[Paynewright]

Bang the details of each wheel / tyre combo into the willtheyfit website.

It will compare the heights / rolling radius. If there is a big differential you might need a 17” spare (I dont think a 20” spare will fit)

If its a 4motion the tyres need to be near identical diameters - even 1 badly worn tyre and 3 with lots of tread is not ideal and causes transmission wind up.

 

[Stay Frosty]

Alloy Wheel & Tyre Fitment Calculator. Offset, Tyre Stretch and Speedo Error | Will They Fit
Put the 20" tyre in one box and the 16" spare in the other box to compare the rolling radius.
I've got staggered 19" wheels with 45 on the front and wider 40 profile on the back but both are within mm of the stock 16" balloon tyres.

 

[TrevorK]

C

Thread 'VW T6 Spare Wheel'

22 Jan 2026

Hi All,
I've got a VW T6 transporter 2021 and does anyone know if a 235/55/17 spare wheel will fit in the under wheel carrier because I would like to buy one? I currently have a 205/65/16 wheel as a spare in the carrier but it is damaged.
I thought that a 17" spare wheel would better match the 20" alloys on my van, what do you think?

• CliffVWT6
• Replies: 15
• Forum: Wheels & Tyres

loads of of info here and on the Search button.