After much changing of mind I've finally sorted the new wheels and tyres for our van. I had 2 main reasons for wanting to change:
1. (In my opinion) the proportions of the standard van look all wrong as the wheels look so tiny in comparison to the huge van body. A bit like a body builder with really skinny legs.. I kept trying to convince myself that I would eventually get used to the look, and honesty I tried, but in the end I'm afraid I failed and the bodybuilder has been forced onto the squat machine.
2. Winter grip. Damn these vans are big and heavy and I kept seeing us ploughing through a hedge on a frosty morning and as we intend to use the van throughout the winter winter tyres were definitely on the shopping list.
I tried using Google to figure out what the best solution was but I got lots of conflicting information and opinions so hence the multiple changes of mind
So in the end I spoke to the good people at Rogue Alloy Wheels and they set my mind at rest and supplied and fitted what I hope is the perfect solution. The wheels are their own brand 18 inchers and the tyres are General Grabber At3's.
So far so good - the ride is slightly firmer (in a good way) and the van has lost a lot of that "soggy" feeling through corners and the steering feels slightly more direct. I didn't notice any increase in road noise and now the speedo reads the same as the GPS. No frost or snow yet so I can't comment on the grip.
Overall very happy with the "upgrade" and they didn't break the bank either.
Sorry I only took one quick snap of them - see below but if anyone wants any closeups I can post them next week. Please let me know.
BTW if there are any traffic wardens amongst you I apologise profusely as I'm parked on the double yellows opposite our house in the picture