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Anyone using 265/40/20 on their California

E

Elrao

Messages
98
Location
Essex
Vehicle
T6.1 Beach camper 150
Have seen many posts about tyres, with most focussing on ensuring the correct load rating for the California (and the debate as to whether it is 103 - per the VW option tyres or 101/102 based on the front axle weight calculation method).

A lot of this seems related to using 20" rims, with 275/35/20 tyres which seem to come in a 102 rating and people debating the legality of that (which is not the purpose of this post!). Just wondering if there is a reason people aren't using a 265/40/20 which comes with a 104 rating from Michelin, Goodyear etc. Would seem to be a similar type of tyre (sporty SUV as opposed to cross climate type). Size-wise it is bigger than the 275/35/20, but seems a good replacement for the 255/55/17 (102) that is on the vehicle now:

26544020.png
The 275/35/20 comes up about 700mm diameter, so you get more tyre on the 265 - so hopefully a better ride too (even though it will be harder sidewall).

Does anyone have experience with the 265/40/20, any reason NOT to go this route over the 275/35?
 
20" rims tend to be wide and from the Transporter Forum 275/40/20 is the 'normal' tyre fitted.

Rim protection is a factor to consider especially as the sidewall is low increasing the risk of pothole, kerb or manhole cover damage.
Rim splits/cracks seems to be a regular feature on 20" rims.

Why are you comparing a 255/55/17 to the 265/40/20. 235/55/17 is standard size?
 
Ooops, been putting the info in so many times to compare different sizes and ended up with the wrong one on the "Existing" side!

Would explain the reason 265/40 is not used, as it is 4.3% out (not ~ 1%) !

Would need to be a 265/35/20 (which is very close to the 235/55/17) but those are all 99s!

Back to the 102 v 103 debate on a 275 tyre I guess!
 
Ooops, been putting the info in so many times to compare different sizes and ended up with the wrong one on the "Existing" side!

Would explain the reason 265/40 is not used, as it is 4.3% out (not ~ 1%) !

Would need to be a 265/35/20 (which is very close to the 235/55/17) but those are all 99s!

Back to the 102 v 103 debate on a 275 tyre I guess!
VW JCT600 supply 20" with 102 load rated tyres and did see a quote from them stating that OK for up to T30 (Cali spec

I have a 102 - 235/60/17 as a spare which is, as you reckon, fully legal. I have 106's on the other wheels.

I'd go for the 275/40/20 106 tyres due to the low profile taking such a strain on our road surfaces.
Saying that I wouldn't go beyond 18" rims. Just my view.
 
I would love a 19", but very few load rated wheels in that size
 
I would love a 19", but very few load rated wheels in that size
most use the ones off Amoraks.
direct fit, bit less offset.

Example set
 
Yes, had seen that - assumed that meant they were rated sufficiently for the CF. Was wondering about Touareg wheels too.
 
Amorak would be OK not sure about Toureg although get quoted as suitable.

LandRover ones are also used but need suitable bolts and spacers to compensate for different Offset.

Quite a few alternatives but care needed to check actual Load rating and offset Can't rely on some suppliers getting it correct.

 
275 35 20 maintain an acceptable rolling radius for speedo and are supplied by VW commercial in 102 load rating with Trident Supermetal wheels. It is sufficient for a Cali but others prefer a greater margin over and above the specified rating.

I believe the range rover wheels are 265 40 20 so pretty cheap second hand and good tyre availability hence popularity on transporters.
 
I wouldn’t have them however without properly sorting out the suspension with coilovers.
 
I would love a 19", but very few load rated wheels in that size
I bought 19x9” wheels and, after a lot of research, bought these from Demon Tweeks and am very pleased with them;

Falken FK510 Azenis
275/40 ZR19 105Y XL Extra Load
Fuel ⛽️ C, Wet A, 70db
 
A reasonable selection of wheels at Rimstyle.
Put in vehicle details for load-rated wheels.
Go for ET45 to match the offset of the 20x9” wheels that VW sell.
Some ET50s listed as OK, but with 275/40 tyres they gently rub the inner part of wheelarch liners on full lock.
Mine is on H&R -50mm load rated springs.
Hope this helps.

 
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