Date: Mon, 17 Apr 2017 21:37:36 -0400
Reply-To: Rosemarie Whitten <rwhitten@COGECO.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Rosemarie Whitten <rwhitten@COGECO.NET>
Subject: Re: 15" or 16" Wheels?
In-Reply-To: <CY1PR20MB0029A0C19D6E6F0899E172BAA0060@CY1PR20MB0029.namprd20.prod.outlook.com>
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Hi Dennis,
I am "newer" to the group and just getting the hang of asking the right questions as my mechanical prowess is lacking. Your answer was outstanding and very thorough, thank you.
I drove my bus down Route 66 with my daughter last fall, she ran better than I could hope but the wind on the highway coming through New Mexico was white knuckle most of the way. More than a few folks along the way and in California swear updating the wheels will resolve the issue.
You have given me ample thing to consider.
Rose
-----Original Message-----
From: Dennis Haynes [mailto:d23haynes57@hotmail.com]
Sent: Monday, April 17, 2017 5:50 PM
To: Rosemarie Whitten <rwhitten@cogeco.net>; vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: RE: 15" or 16" Wheels?
Rose,
Your name is not familiar to me so I think are new to our list, Welcome!
You will find that tires and wheels get a lot of attention along with oil and coolant and engine conversions etc.
When asking for assistance as much detail as possible will help us to give you better information. At some point you may still have to decipher facts from opinions and use some good judgement but many of us here have been around these vehicles for a long time.
For wheel size recommendations you need to give thought as to what you want accomplish (desires) and set priorities as to which desires are most important. Then get appropriate information and set your expectations.
For choosing wheels and tires you have to look at not only diameter but all the other parameters needed for them to fit. This includes load rating. Many aftermarket and other vehicle wheels do not belong under a Vanagon.
As for 15 inch wheels, unless your goal is an overall larger tire diameter you will find choices with adequate load ratings limited. Also, if you eventually plan to fit larger front brakes some will not fit inside certain 15 inch wheels.
16 inch gives a lot more options for both true performance tires and there are also a number of all-terrain tires available in larger diameters should you wish to go that route. A 215/60-16XL is an excellent choice for the Vanagon. It is just above 26" diameter as compared to the stock 25.5 and a 215 width. With the extra load rating the load index is 99 which is adequate for the van and tires in this size are all performance oriented. There are all season, all weather, (there is a difference), summer and winter tires readily available. If you wish to go just a bit taller you can go to a 225/60-16. Here a standard tire will have a load index of 97 or 98 and the XL version will go to 101 or even 102. Wheel fitment (offset) is a little more critical with this size due to the sliding door. If you want to go taller or all terrain you can go to a 215/65-16. This is now a 27 inch tire. Front springs need to be healthy, possibly raised to prevent rub.
If true handing, wind resistance, and cornering are your priorities then consider 17's. 215/55-16 or 225/55-16 are the size choices here and you definitely want the XL ratings in these tire sizes. If going this route you will want to make sure your suspension is in top shape and you may need new springs.
There are a number of list vendors including myself that can help you with wheels and tires. Many have their own ideas and there are some conflicts of opinions. That is where knowing what you want up front will help you to make the best choice and get what you want from the beginning.
Dennis
-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of Rosemarie Whitten
Sent: Monday, April 17, 2017 3:18 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: 15" or 16" Wheels?
Thanks Sean!
From: Sean Garrett [mailto:doit.outdoors@yahoo.com]
Sent: Monday, April 17, 2017 12:32 PM
To: Rosemarie Whitten <rwhitten@cogeco.net>; vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: 15" or 16" Wheels?
I have 15 inch on my Subaru 2.5L powered Syncro. I normally use AT tires. Seems to be plenty of selections over the years (~12 yrs).
Be it known they will be harder for your VW engine to push.
Sean G
_____
From: Rosemarie Whitten <rwhitten@COGECO.NET <mailto:rwhitten@COGECO.NET> >
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM <mailto:vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Monday, April 17, 2017 9:22 AM
Subject: 15" or 16" Wheels?
Hi All,
I have a 1989 Westy (well-travelled) and this year I am looking to update
the wheels. I just got new shocks last year, and want to know which is
better value for money 15" or 16" wheels?
Rose
