16” vs 18” wheels

[dj_]

I’ve currently got 18” on my T6.1 work van from Amaroks that I think are called Manaus and I’ve got 255/45/r18 tyres on.

I currently have the van heavily loaded with the work things (around 800-900 kg), and I’m considering going back to standard 16” with Claytons in the larger tyre size 215/65/R16.

Roads in Sydney aren’t the best and I sometimes go more “off road” or non-concrete roads for some work locations.

I’ve already got better suspension from Steve at CRS with KONI shocks. Would I be able to get a more comfy ride with bumps and potholes by going back to 16”?

 

[Sasquatch]

There are many variables, so the answer is "possibly."

 

[Kind of Blue]

The larger volume of air usually gives the most comfortable less jarred ride because that and the tyre construction would hit your target comfort rating. Off hand it is difficult to say 16" or 18" because it would be specific to each tyre size that is available and legal for that rim and vehicle. Not all tyres at 16" are the same pressure and not all 18" tyres would be the same pressure. So a tyre comparison site should give available tyres for each diameter and that specification and then would also be able to derive the correct pressure for that particular tyre by comparison to the tyres that originally where specified for your vehicle. Those original pressures should be on a label on the door slam or similar place. So one would put the original tyre spec that was asked for in a comparator and the new tyre also in the comparator. The tyre comparator would then generate the new tyre pressures for the new tyre. So it a case of looking at various tyre sizes for the rim sizes that you suggest and you will be able to see what tyre spec is allowed the least pressure and that tyre will be the size that should give the most comfort. Their may be some small differences in comfort just as their is in handling between different manufacturers and that can not usually be easily calculated but sizes, tyre ratings, construction, etc, can be calculated for.

Of course one must stay legal for what ever the regulation might be for ones particular country. The other thing is if travelling Off Road or in the Bush, as you might say over in Australia tyre pressures are usually lowered for grip, compliance with the type of terrain and comfort. Speed off road or in the bush being very much lower than the mettled road and on the road one must comply within legal limits usually!

Good luck with your quest @dj_

 

[TeeCeeJay]

I’ve already got better suspension from Steve at CRS with KONI shocks. Would I be able to get a more comfy ride with bumps and potholes by going back to 16”?

Probably not.

16s such as Clayton OEM are narrower than your current 18s. They use high tyre pressures, and so the potential benefit of extra sidewall you gain from a 16 wheel is lost by the high pressure not allowing the material to flex.

We went from factory Claytons to Wolfrace 18s and a CRS Koni set up and would never consider going back to 16.

We've yet to drive fully loaded on the new set up but it was noticeable in the old set up that the van was less of a bone shaker and generally quieter when loaded up with camping kit. But I still really needed/wanted to get the wheels and suspension done.

Ours spends most of it's life empty (apart from rear camper bench setup) as a daily driver, so we may not be a true comparison to your situation.

 

[Kind of Blue]

Probably not.

16s such as Clayton OEM are narrower than your current 18s. They use high tyre pressures, and so the potential benefit of extra sidewall you gain from a 16 wheel is lost by the high pressure not allowing the material to flex.

We went from factory Claytons to Wolfrace 18s and a CRS Koni set up and would never consider going back to 16.

We've yet to drive fully loaded on the new set up but it was noticeable in the old set up that the van was less of a bone shaker and generally quieter when loaded up with camping kit. But I still really needed/wanted to get the wheels and suspension done.

Ours spends most of it's life empty (apart from rear camper bench setup) as a daily driver, so we may not be a true comparison to your situation.

One can buy very large tyres with 16 inch rims and the larger the tyre negates the necessity for wide rimes. I have not looked into 16 inch tyres for T6 but an example of tyres I used to run on 16 inch rims with 9.00 x 16 tyres which are massive and friends with a similar vehicle had 11.00 x 16. Of course totally unsuitable for the job in hand that we are talking about but they also had very narrow rims probably 6 and a half inches width from memory. The taller the tyre the less necessity for wide rims. Where as those who go the other way with 20 inch rims often use rims that are not suitable being far to narrow because they "like" that look. They take a big risk if involved with serious accident. Its a case of looking for a suitable height with lower profile 225, 235 I have no idea 17 is the smallest rim I can fit on my T6 so never got around to looking at 16"

 

[dj_]

Probably not.

16s such as Clayton OEM are narrower than your current 18s. They use high tyre pressures, and so the potential benefit of extra sidewall you gain from a 16 wheel is lost by the high pressure not allowing the material to flex.

We went from factory Claytons to Wolfrace 18s and a CRS Koni set up and would never consider going back to 16.

Thanks for the input!

Were the factory Clayton’s with the smaller/narrower tyres at 205/65/r16? Those seem to be rated at much higher psi as you mentioned at 61psi at full load.

I’m coming from 48psi and the tyres I’m looking at are the slightly wider ones 215/65/r16 at 51psi

 

[TeeCeeJay]

Thanks for the input!

Were the factory Clayton’s with the smaller/narrower tyres at 205/65/r16? Those seem to be rated at much higher psi as you mentioned at 61psi at full load.

I’m coming from 48psi and the tyres I’m looking at are the slightly wider ones 215/65/r16 at 51psi

Yes. 205 are/were 60+. Didn't help the tyres were also 107 load rated (technically we only needed 101), commercial so extra tough sidewalls