A/t 9 X 18 (255/55x18) - 9" Ok Or Too Wide?

Roca1976

Roca1976

Member
Hi,
I have a red T30 140 SWB Kombi lowered on H&R 40mm springs, the ride height is now 430mm (approx the same as a std 'velle)

I am really keen on a tough wheels and tyre combo to tackle the pot holed back lands of Hampshire!

I have narrowed my choice down to either:

17" Maxxtrac Manta (235/65 Cooper AT3)6M9B6198-cut.jpg

17" 8.5 XD129 Holeshot (235/65 Cooper AT3):
xd_xd1297_17x9-1512-062-00-1000-RESIZE.jpg

or my favourite the mighty 18" ATX: wheelpros_ax201_17x9-1605-821-00-5001.png

I have really set my heart on the ATX but bit concerned the 9" may be bit too wide and cause issues? When I do load the van it is with my trackbike, spare wheels, tools, etc. so probably 500kg. The reason for my caution was due to a previous daunting trip to Cadwell in my newly (cheaply) lowered T4 with iffy offset wheels which proceeding to strip the tyre like a kebab every time it hit a bump! I never want to replicate that journey and a set of ATX with Grabbers is a very expensive purchase so want to be as certain as possible I am not going to run in to any issues and wish I had played safe buying the 17"

Both options are an increase of about 6.5% so I expect the marginal loss of mpg, performance and braking, however it is the loss of wheel arch gap that makes be nervous! Anyone run similar rolling rad / wide wheels who can put my mind at rest?

Thanks!
 
If you get your offset right, you should be fine.

I'm running 255/45/19 but on 8.5 rims, with an ET45, 30mm lower, and zero issues.
I cannot imagine the knoblies will be that chunky, to cause any issues.

On the same subject, those bottom 18s look awesome and I'd of had something like that if I'd of had the sense to buy a 4motion and go the full on 4x4 look.
Cannot wait to see pics of these on a T6.
 
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@Dannyb6467 is running 8.5 rims with et 40 and general grabbers (I think) with 235/55 r18 with no reported issues on standard springs but judging by his pictures its filled the arches more




he has quoted 255/55 will rub with standards springs

grab.JPG
 
Quite a lot of people run 9" wide wheels with no problems and some people even run wider.
The offset is important though - do you know what it is?
I run 245/45 19 lowered fully on B14's and haven't had any rubbing.
 
I have run tyres of your proposed size before, and whilst they fit (bit of catch on the plastic wheel liners, and you'll need to tweek the standard et); the alteration to the gearing is just too much imo; and it effects the drivability of the van.
Far better solution is the cooper at3 235/60/17. about a 3.3% up-gearing.
But I share your thoughts in terms of robust wheels and tyres for todays roads.:thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup:
 
Thanks I read loads on here, T5 Forum, Facebook and decided it too risky.
Just ordered KMC Grenade 8j x 18 ET35 with 235/55 Grabbers! Unfortunately the 235/60x17 Coopers have been discontinued so I decided to go 18! The 4% increase is acceptable and shouldn't cause any problems. Will post a pic when delivered and fitted. Thanks folks.

KMC-XD820-Blk-1.jpg
 
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