What Alloys do I need?

Commando83

Commando83

Member
Morning Guys,

I have a question regarding alloy wheels. I appreciate that the overall look is very much a personal preference and that simply asking the question of "what looks best on this?" isn't a viable one but i do feel its a massive decision when alternating the look of your Transporter.

My main issue is my knowledge, to put it bluntly, I have none! when I search for alloy wheels, I find many fancy websites that claim almost every alloy wheel they sell will fit a New T6. I'm not naive enough to think this is the case so I have a few questions for the experience this forum holds.

What size is best? Im lead to believe that 17" or 18" will suit a T6 Kombi with regards to not affecting the ride so much? do i then need to replace springs etc? again, I literally know nothing?

Who is a reportable seller?

What is the offset? and is someone going to sell me tyres that then aren't suitable?

Any help would be great.
 
20's look good, but then in my opinion the van needs lowering. Problem with 20's are potential wheel rubbing on full lock, they screw up the gearing, harder ride, often require spigot rings and stud conversions and on a serious note they may void the warranty. I have had 20's on a T5 and loved them, but this time around I have been sensible and stuck with 18's, genuine VW sportline alloys from the T5.1. They don't look as good but the ride is spot on, no gearing issues and no loss of warranty.

Make sure you have the correct load rated tyres, I use 103's, nice and safe.

Bought my wheels from Banwy, who sell the current sportline alloys at a good price and can also fit tyres for you.
 
IMHO 17" is the best way to go - looks right and works well - although 18" not too bad. The bigger the rim the lower the profile the more the ride is compromised - unless of course they don't have potholes down you way ;)

After that the choice based on style and of course load rating is yours. You can buy VW Thunders & Devonports on eBay.

Take a look at Rimstyle for aftermarket wheels and put in your vehicle to find what is compatible. I haven't used them but their pricing looks good.
 
The 'official' VW route would suggest 18s are the largest size you can use without risk to warrant etc as VW supply vehicles with 18 inch wheels fitted if this is a major factor for you.
As you say its really down to personal preference what style of wheel you like, if you are not sure about fitment of a particular wheel that you like try ringing the supplier, people like Tamar Alloy Wheels keep a good stock and will speak to you on the phone if you need advice before buying
 
Thanks everyone, so much help. With regards to the pot holes, I may possibly be in the worst place imaginable in the heart of the New Forest!

I'll take a look at all the information above, think I'll stick with 18" despite the larger options looking great
 
20" won't effect anything. Tyre size is what determines gearing etc.

I have had all the sizes on my t5. The latest ones were 19x9.5 3sdm with 274/40 tyres. That was the best ride, very comfortable and have excellent turn in.

I have just bough sone 20x9 abt cr20s for my t6 with 275/35 tyres. Can't wait.

If you are unsure then 18" would be a safe bet with a good 255/45 tyre. On all these sizes than van had to be lowered at least 40mm. Because race van.
 
I drive to work across the new forest every day and have the standard 17 Devonports running lower pressure than normal . I wouldn't go over 18 s or you could damage the wheels. Mine came with the all weather tyres on so will see how they go in the winter as they don't salt all the roads.
 
We've been travelling for a month now and three fellow (foreign) VW van enthusiasts have told me the big (over 18") wheel thing is a total giveaway that a van is British. I find it embarrassing.

Stick with factory alloys; the smallest that will clear the brakes. They are stronger, lighter, safer, ride better, look like van wheels.

My favourites are the 17" VW banded steels which most Calis here have. Not one van I've seen has anything more than 18s. The only bigger wheels I've seen were on Brit "scene" vans in the ferry queue.
 
It used to be a knotted hankie, cheap tattoos and sunburn that marked you out as British on the continent, now it is 19" or larger wheels on your Transporter.

Funny how times change.
 
Ready to throw my embarrassing 20's on any day now, might even throw my British bulldog t shirt on while I'm gettin em fitted.....
 
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Very nice, will look even better on.
What have you sealed them with ?
 
Pedro said:
Very nice, will look even better on.
What have you sealed them with ?
Click to expand...
Just a Simoniz aerosol sealant spray. Probably not the best thing in the market, but I'll see how it performs. The intention is only to keep these wheels on in the warmer (lol) summer months and run the stock 16's during the winter- i.e, the other 11 months of the year.
I get my van in 2 weeks, I sincerely hope to at least get a couple of months of use this year of the 19's

*edit* it's actually Armor-All spray, not Simoniz
 
Last edited:
@Walski , I haven't seen a pic of your van since you fitted your new wheels and got the air-drop done. Care to share?[/QUOTE]

Wish I could buddy..... It's still at StancedUk. There is a delay from the manufacturer of the HP Drivetect Bilstein front struts from Austria :mad:. Seems I can't get away from delays with my van!!

Everything's done bar the front struts so once they arrive it's 3-4 hours to fit them, get it on the floor, work out what wheel size tyre combo works for best stance, order wheels for next day. Fit, Slam, Drive, SMILE:thumbsup::thumbsup:

Hopefully one day next week..... Don't worry, I'll be so excited, I'll be posting pics before I even pay the man!!!
 
I find small wheels on a van embarrassing and uninteresting.
Oem sucks. Be different and individual.

It's YOU'RE van.
 
Well, earlier T1/2 vans ran the 'Cal' look, low riding with oversize wheels and white side wall tyres.
There is also the German 'Euro' look with stretched tyres on small diameter but wide wheels.
So maybe large diameter alloys on lowered Transporters will now be dubbed the 'Brit' look. Something to be proud of imho.
 
It's "your" van perhaps?

The irony is, so many now rush to fit huge alloys on their VW van, it's now more "different" to stick with OEM.

We all have different opinions on what looks good but when the pursuit of those looks comes with so many downsides, what's the point?

And why don't they do it anywhere else in Europe?

The nicest van I've seen is a raised German plate T25 on proper off road (small) wheels. Damned cool and very functional.
 
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