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Oversize tyres on standard rims

Posted: 30 Jan 2018, 18:16
by Porkscratching
Hi all, it's time to reshod the old girl. I've been toying with the idea of going slightly up in tyre size. In the past I've tried 15" merc's with standard tyres, although they looked good my very wornout 1.6 JX couldn't cope with the increased diameter. I now have a healthier engine and thought of revisiting the idea.

My local tyre shop has given me a choice of 195 or 205 80 14 (C) with a more aggressive tread. He's not sure, but thinks he may have to use spacer's with the 205's. He was also concerned for the overall appearance of the van.

Considering the expense I thought I'd ask for your experiences and opinions.

Thanks for looking. Regards, Max.

Re: Oversize tyres on standard rims

Posted: 30 Jan 2018, 22:06
by bigbadbob76
I've done this on my trike but that only weighs 600Kg, I'd be wary of doing it on the van, I wouldn't risk the best part of 2 tonne on streched sidewalls.

Re: Oversize tyres on standard rims

Posted: 31 Jan 2018, 07:20
by itchyfeet
Probably invalidate your insurance.

Re: Oversize tyres on standard rims

Posted: 31 Jan 2018, 10:26
by scottbott
makes me wonder when I see usually water-cooled VW's that have tyres stretched to buggery on wide rims so there is a big 'lip' exposed on the wheel, wonder how they would stand if they had an accident, in the crap I reckon

Re: Oversize tyres on standard rims

Posted: 31 Jan 2018, 11:11
by itchyfeet
scottbott wrote:makes me wonder when I see usually water-cooled VW's that have tyres stretched to buggery on wide rims so there is a big 'lip' exposed on the wheel, wonder how they would stand if they had an accident, in the crap I reckon


Probably depend on the accident but if tyre function could in any way be related to the accident then they would not pay out, an inspector will look at the vehicle and they are looking for modifications not declared.

I can't see how you can declare stretch tyres as they probably would not insure them.

Re: Oversize tyres on standard rims

Posted: 31 Jan 2018, 15:40
by bigbadbob76
My fault, I read the original post as using narrow tyres on wide rims, it really reads as using wide tyres on narrow rims.
This is even worse IMHO. risk of the tyre blowing off the rim if you can even get it on. :shock:

Re: Oversize tyres on standard rims

Posted: 05 Feb 2018, 15:38
by Porkscratching
Thanks for the replies. Am I missing the obvious. If a tyre is of a commercial standard and designed to fit a 14" rim, where's the problem?

Re: Oversize tyres on standard rims

Posted: 05 Feb 2018, 15:54
by DoubleOSeven
They are offering you those because that's what they have in stock, not what you actually need.

Factory: 185/82 14" (659mm OD)

To match the same diameter you could go to 195/80 14" but a very hard size to find, generally.

So, why not go 205/75 14" (663mm OD) which is only 0.61% difference in diameter to stock and your speedo will be accurate; but the needle will still probably bounce around a bit! ;)

Oh and try blackcircles.com to get best prices locally.

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Re: Oversize tyres on standard rims

Posted: 05 Feb 2018, 16:16
by multisi
Why don't you use the 15 inch alloys again , lots of tyre choice, make sure you have high load rating.

Re: Oversize tyres on standard rims

Posted: 05 Feb 2018, 16:32
by Porkscratching
The 15" merc's were steel. I sold them as my engine simply didn't have the guts to cope. I was constantly changing gear at the slightest incline. Obviously I could go for a standard 185 but I thought as I've had an engine rebuild the van could cope with a slightly larger diameter tyre. The tyre shop has 195 & 205 80 14 (C)'s in stock.

Re: Oversize tyres on standard rims

Posted: 05 Feb 2018, 16:38
by multisi
Its the width of the tyres you are thinking about getting that is a concern. Stick to the width that it came from the factory with.

Re: Oversize tyres on standard rims

Posted: 05 Feb 2018, 19:21
by Porkscratching
Thanks for the input gents.

Re: Oversize tyres on standard rims

Posted: 05 Feb 2018, 19:46
by ash1293
Not got access to mine to check but assuming standard T25 steels are 5.5" wide then the ideal tyre width is generally accepted to be 175-185. The minimum being 165 and maximum recommended is 195.
I've lifted this data from a tyre supplier online but have come across similar wheel/tyre width tables in the past.

In theory a 195R14 will fit on the standard rim but sidewalls may look slightly bulging.

Re: Oversize tyres on standard rims

Posted: 07 Feb 2018, 17:19
by Porkscratching
Thanks for your input folks. An executive decision was made and now the old girl has been reshod. Mmmm, the smell of new rubber and empty pockets!

Re: Oversize tyres on standard rims

Posted: 10 Feb 2018, 20:37
by waltraud
My friend runs 205 14c on a good jx which works ok. 195 80 14c are ok and you can get them easily enough on eBay.


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