Wheels and tyre load ratings

[Steely]

So just bought this sport van and it has 20inch wolf sport renaissance wheels fitted. Their load rated to 1250kg so I think they're fine, but the tyres are Pirelli extra load (XL) 950kg. One was replaced with similar 950kg XL (not pirelli) and it literally came off the rim when driving 45 mph round a long bend. I do have two water tanks in the back which were half full at the time. The problem > previous owner drove on pirelli fine with a motorbike in the garage, and they have had no issues. Garage simply said that the wheels and tyres are not suitable for the lwb crafter. Do i need to change the wheels so I can get commercial rated tyres to deal with weight of water in the tanks or is it just that the new tyre was not as good as the pirelli? Already spent a small fortune so if possible I'd like to not have to replace all the wheels and tyres off the bat.

 

[Lebowski]

You need tyres that are at best 18" and smaller is better. Reason: the sidewall of your tyres are too low and can't flex to correct when the vehicle turns resulting in the tyre rolling of the rim.

Comfort will also vastly improve when riding on 16/17" tyres. Your sidewalls are unable to absorb holes/bumps in the road

My advice: dump those ridiculous 20" wheels.

And forget that it's a sports van, it's not. It's a van. The only sports van was made by Ford some 50 years ago.

 

[Steely]

Awesome, thanks for the advice, appreciate it. Will look at some 16s as per manufacture fitted sizes. Was at the garage today and they didnt even want to sell me a replacement tyre.

 

[Lebowski]

That's because the lowest load rating is 1050kg, 925kg is not ok as the real weight exceeds 925kg on the wheels in a built van.

New 16" sets can be had for 400/500 quid, just look at any marketplace. It will improve your ride quality and lower your costs. Silver and black rims with continental vancontact tyres.

Sell the 20" set and you're into the black figures, money wise.

I know 20" looks cool but this is a 'form follows function' situation with your safety on the table.

 

[rod_vw]

Awesome, thanks for the advice, appreciate it. Will look at some 16s as per manufacture fitted sizes. Was at the garage today and they didnt even want to sell me a replacement tyre.

And so they shouldn't they would be committing an offence fitting illegal tyres to your van. How the previous owner's tyre fitters did it is open to question for that matter the previous owner sold you a vehicle that was not legal to be on the road.

 

[Lebowski]

Was that you in the channel tunnel just now? If so, good luck and have fun (and be easy on your tyres)


Photo taken at 12:06, and sent from the train under the English Channel. Tekkenologia!!!!
(Departure at 13:05 GMT+0, arrival at 14:40 GMT+1)