Changing setup, need some advice

[Lee]

Hi all,

I've had my campervan 16 months, it came with 20" exile caliber wheels and Falken 255/35 ZER20 low profile tyres.

I had to replace the tyres 6 months in, foolishly I didn't check what state the tyres in, so wasn't sure what milage I'd got. Fast forward 10 months and 20k miles and I need to change again, the front are ok but the back not legal, I guess normal with it being a camper, also seems the edges is bad and the middle of the tyre fine, again, not sure if that is to be expected, had the van 4 wheel aligned after the last tyre change.

Anyway, I'm thinking of changing from 20" to 18" and going for a bigger tyre, main reason is comfort, not that the ride is bad but everyone tells me it will be better with a smaller wheel and bigger tyre. I wondered too if I might expect to get better milage out of the tyres, no idea.

Can anyone make any recommendations. We're a family of 3 who use the van daily and go on regular camping trips here and abroad. So comfort is up there.

Appreciate any advice.

 

[Pauly]

Edges worn can be a sign of under inflation, too much pressure bulges the tyre and wears the centre
I think it's going to be very subjective, smaller wheels and bigger tyres (more sidewall) will certainly help with comfort and absorb more movement from uneven surfaces but the question is how much and how much you will notice ?
I don't think anyone can answer that question

 

[Dannyb6467]

Hi all,

I've had my campervan 16 months, it came with 20" exile caliber wheels and Falken 255/35 ZER20 low profile tyres.

I had to replace the tyres 6 months in, foolishly I didn't check what state the tyres in, so wasn't sure what milage I'd got. Fast forward 10 months and 20k miles and I need to change again, the front are ok but the back not legal, I guess normal with it being a camper, also seems the edges is bad and the middle of the tyre fine, again, not sure if that is to be expected, had the van 4 wheel aligned after the last tyre change.

Anyway, I'm thinking of changing from 20" to 18" and going for a bigger tyre, main reason is comfort, not that the ride is bad but everyone tells me it will be better with a smaller wheel and bigger tyre. I wondered too if I might expect to get better milage out of the tyres, no idea.

Can anyone make any recommendations. We're a family of 3 who use the van daily and go on regular camping trips here and abroad. So comfort is up there.

Appreciate any advice.

Lee,

Im just going through the same....got the 18" wheels today and the local tyre fitter has ordered in a 235/55/18 General AT3 AT to try. Ill let you know what it looks like and how it sits on the van. I live very rural, 1400ft up a steep rutted track and often get snowed in so have always needed an off road tyre whilst still doing 24k miles a year......
Photos to follow next week if your interested.
Cheers.
Dan.

 

[Lee]

Lee,

Im just going through the same....got the 18" wheels today and the local tyre fitter has ordered in a 235/55/18 General AT3 AT to try. Ill let you know what it looks like and how it sits on the van. I live very rural, 1400ft up a steep rutted track and often get snowed in so have always needed an off road tyre whilst still doing 24k miles a year......
Photos to follow next week if your interested.
Cheers.
Dan.

If you could Dan, that would be great.

 

[GJH]

Yes please

 

[Mooncat]

Lee, looking at your profile picture, your van is dragging it's belly along the ground. Eating rear tyres is one of the negative affects of lowering these vans as it affects both camber and toe in. When you got the wheels aligned, did they base it on ride height data for a standard van?

 

[Caulkhead]

After having Range Rovers & RRS for years and now changing into VW’s, we love the change, but our new van and we are quite happy with it, we find the tyre width somewhat smaller, especially since buying a 204 Tsi on 17”

So what should we go for, I have run RRS on similar with as much as possible on width, but with the 204 it’s a really rapid leap off the mark when you pull away ( shame they don’t make them 4 motion).

So my question is, I don’t wish to have low profile tyres because of the tyre rim/wheel rim I would rather have off road capabilities as that is what I have been used to , to enable us to go off road.
Also for me ATS are my preferred tyre.
Look forward to all comments & recommendations.
Many thanks.

 

[Lee]

Lee, looking at your profile picture, your van is dragging it's belly along the ground. Eating rear tyres is one of the negative affects of lowering these vans as it affects both camber and toe in. When you got the wheels aligned, did they base it on ride height data for a standard van?

That's a good point. I had it raised since that profile pic was taken, not sure what by, I just didn't like it won't too low. There's a chance it is still too low for a camper and I'll probably get it raised again.

 

[Dannyb6467]

If you could Dan, that would be great.

Lee,

The 235/55/18 General AT3 set up works a treat....not on the van yet but been to set up a wheel and tyre this morning and all is well.
Photos to follow after Thursday when theyre on.

 

[Gavandi]

@Dannyb6467

Any pics yet or further feedback?

 

[Dannyb6467]

@Dannyb6467

Any pics yet or further feedback?

Here we are.
The set up is 1st class for what I’m looking for.
The harshness has gone, I can’t believe the difference.
Tested the truck today, 3” of snow, 1in4 rutted track to the house...no fuss!