What Alloys do I need?

This is a very good thread for people who know nothing about alloys but want to get a good look for their van.

This is what I fancy for mine, perhaps you guys can help me out - What size wheels do you think they are and how much has it been lowered?

I did not however realise that increasing wheels size can affect the performance of the van. I want it to be as efficient and smooth as possible still. If anything I want to improve the feel.

It shall be used as a works (joiners) van, as well as a a camping van, visiting bumpy / grassy campsites along with pot-holed mtb trail centres so perhaps it's not a good idea for me?


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They are called stormer twist alloys ( copy from new range rovers )
Places like Leighton vans do them with tyres for £1000
However look also at Bristol campers who also do them at £895
And van-xs.com who had them at £795 with tyres.
They will all be a direct fit and have been fitted to panel, campers etc so can't see a problem with them.
 
It's all down to personal preference but as for alloys that would "wreck your van " without any further explanation or facts won't help.
There a major companies that deal exclusively with VW Transporters ( customvanz, Leighton vans to name a few)
Who put 20" alloy wheels and tyres on panel and kombi.
There are also members on this site who have purchased vehicles from these companies and have had no problems ( yes that's right, not 1 problem) with these alloys and their vans are not " wrecked"
So as previously stated, it's all about personal preference.
People will have different opinions but I doubt that the companies mentioned would put on these alloys and continue to do so if they were going to "wreck" the vehicle that people pay a premium for.
 
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@LouisBalodis , in relation to your actual question, the companies that I've mentioned have their own websites and will be happy to discuss both the pros and cons that bigger alloys may have, this will help in making your decision , also looking at what other members have on their own vehicles will also help ( unless they're Brits) ......
 
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Polzeylad said:
No one except the Brits buys oversized wheels.
I wonder why?
Click to expand...

Big wheels is a worldwide thing anyway. Alot of new Audi and bmws come with optional 19, 20 & 21 inch wheels.

They won't wreck anything either. Is all down to taste.
The best ride I have had in my van was 19" and my new vac with have the abt 20s. Abt is german. So it can't be a Brit thing.
 
Too bumpy on big wheels with the state our roads have got into..

It's a personal preference but personally I think it's all to do with the type of vehicle and also the gap between the wheel arch and the wheel, a nice equal ratio of gap/tyre looks better so if you got lowered van then a smaller gap and a lower profile tire suits quite well.
 
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The OP states he will be venturing mildly off road; which is where big wheels/low profile tyres really do make zero sense.

On a fast car, maybe. My BM has 18s (245/35 rear, 225/40 front) but it has 320bhp and does a 13s 1/4 mile as standard.

If you're strictly on roads, big wheels are slightly more okay (ish).
 
so come on, enough fannying around with penny farthings. What is THE happy medium? The alloy / tyre size for the hard working slave who is a camping weekend warrior? VW themselves offer 18" wheels as standard on the top models - so surely they must be up to whatever you decide to put a camper through?

In my mind, I keep coming back to 18" alloys and having the van lowered 30mm.....
 
That's what the sportline models have, 18" and 30mm drop, so if it's good enough for VW it should be the happy medium you're looking for.
Again these vans run with 16", 17" 18" 19" 20"
It's personal choice and what YOU want for your van.....
 
Id agree 18s seem like the happy medium, slightly larger for looks but not too large thats its going to affect comfort/ride too much
 
Well fine. That suits me nicely for a first attempt. Now - I looking through the endless list of endless alloys and tyres, I have pretty much decided to go with Wolfrace assassin 18" in gun metal grey to go on my impending blackberry. Mmmmmmmm gunmetal grey....

Tyres seem to be another looming issue. I've always just gone for the cheapest whatever tyres I can get hold of but suddenly now (shock horror) they are the most important thing on my list, and yet another venture into something I know nothing of brand wise. Oh when oh when will this end.
 
I'm going for 18s and 30mm drop too, just deciding on what to go for ? Was going to fit sportlines maybe but not sure I'm liking the new ones yet. Banwy seem to be the best place to buy unless anyone can recommend anyone else ? .
 
Paul at Tamar wheels is also very helpful and have a good selection
 
I'm more confused than ever!... All this talk about gearboxes etc. going into meltdown just because someones fitted 19' or 20' wheels?? Surely if the rolling circumference is the same or very close to a standard 18' wheel and tire why should the gearbox disintegrate? whats it made of? chocolate? I thought these vans where designed to be a tough workhorse going the hard mile carrying a heavy payload day in day out !! Mine certainly won't spend it's life carrying anything like the payload it's designed for (T32), so what can a couple of mm's on the circumference possibly make?? If I'm missing something please feel free to enlighten me....
 
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