Thanks all for the replies, very helpful. Looks like I should be ok, will report back when I get the tyres fitted
Spare wheel carrier: Maximum spare wheel size?
- Thread starter nickg77
- Start date
I know that’s an old thread but still relevant. When you mention fitting 235/55/18, is with standard hardware or modified?
Trying to fit some 235/55/18 Grabbers AT3 and it’s near impossible with standard hardware… thinking of deflating tyre to see if it will make a difference… Help please!
Did you remove the plastic liner under the body before fitting the wheel?
As I understand it, the 8" rim on the 18" rim is too "tall" for the carrier. My 7" tall, 17" rims are a tight squeeze with 225/65 R17, and according to Tiresize.com your tires would be 0.5" thicker
We modify the carrier for the bigger wheels
Standard setting
Chris did you have to modify anything to get this size spare to fit? Cheers
I have BFG 225/65r17 and it fits with standard VW carrier. They measure 28.5" in diameter, and that's the max unless you stay cutting plastic
The other max is 7" wide rims. 7.5/8" are too wide
I rotate all 5 every ~10,000km
My T6 Panam runs on 255/45 R18. It didn't come with a spare wheel carrier but preparation brackets are present. Not wanting to hassle with a tire fit kit on an uncommon wheel size (that probably needs ordering and requires a stay overnight at a garage when running flat), I decided to just fit a spare tire 255 (without the rim) underneath. All standard spare wheel holders (Reserveradhalterung) seem to go until 235 size, unless you perform some more (expensive) customizations and work.
I took a chance on the 235 one (VW Original T5 T6 Reserverad Halterung 235), fitted it on the hinging side at the highest position on the bracket (I didn't use the long pin shaft but 2 cotter rings instead through the eye loops on the car side) and this fits. The only thing I did is having 20mm longer fine metric bolts. I secured both bolts with a removable cotter pin (so they cannot fall out, although not theft-proof).
To get the tire from underneath, the bracket with tire needs to be lowered flat to the ground (after removing all cotter pins and rings). With the Panam being 20mm higher, it allows a 255mm wide tire to be shifted underneath without having to jack up the car.
I took a chance on the 235 one (VW Original T5 T6 Reserverad Halterung 235), fitted it on the hinging side at the highest position on the bracket (I didn't use the long pin shaft but 2 cotter rings instead through the eye loops on the car side) and this fits. The only thing I did is having 20mm longer fine metric bolts. I secured both bolts with a removable cotter pin (so they cannot fall out, although not theft-proof).
To get the tire from underneath, the bracket with tire needs to be lowered flat to the ground (after removing all cotter pins and rings). With the Panam being 20mm higher, it allows a 255mm wide tire to be shifted underneath without having to jack up the car.
