Wider wheels on Cali

[Jamie Eborall]

Hi There. I'm just about to order my new 2017 ocean and am already exited about making some improvements to it. My question is does anyone think some 9.5 inch wide 18 " wheels with 45 ET will look too wide. Thanks.

 

[WelshGas]

Hi There. I'm just about to order my new 2017 ocean and am already exited about making some improvements to it. My question is does anyone think some 9.5 inch wide 18 " wheels with 45 ET will look too wide. Thanks.

No, they'll look fine. Don't forget the towbar , for the additional fuel tank and spare.
Oh and don't forget to take them off when having it serviced as I very much doubt VW would consider any warranty claims for the suspension and drive train if the fact you have non standard wheels is logged on their system.

Just research the problems well before you make a decision. Looks aren't everything. Function is.

 

[BerndRos]

Hmmm

I am always up for this type of thing, but on my Cali the max I went for was to upgrade to 17inch VW wheels....based on the tyre damage and punctures I had on previous Audi Sport models...last thing I want on the Cali is trying to get the 'reluctant' wheels off at the road side....

 

[Hotel California]

Improvements....?
Oh ,are your going to the trackdays at Silverstone ...then i agree....

 

[Joker 1299]

My Edition 25 Caravelle has 8.5j x18 wheels as standard. They look great, but tyres are expensive and a same size spare won't fit in the spare space so it comes with a puncture repair kit. Sticking to 17's on new Cali order.

 

[sidepod]

Offset should be ok, VW speciify 35 to 50 for this vehicle (assuming similar fitting to T5).

From experience 18" will give too harsh a ride. 17" seems optimum compromise.

It's all been said a hundred times so at the end of the day it's your choice for blingness.

Just make sure you get van load rated units and tyres, obvs.

 

[Jamie Eborall]

Thanks Guys,, some slightly more subtle than others, Ha Ha but all equally educational, I would always take safety and comfort over bling so good to hear everyone's views. 9.5 definitely not an option now.

 

[Hotel California]

I know you are referring to my comment , just use common sense ....it is a campervan , no?
It's all about your choice and your money .

 

[sidepod]

HC works in the diplomatic core you know

 

[Lost Boy]

Naturally it's the legendary foreign sense of humour!!! He usually just directs you to a thread where there has already been a discussion....

I have 18's on the lowered suspension and whilst she can crash through big holes, she grips well and drives more like a car (given she's an everyday drive)

 

[Hotel California]

Why do i sometimes feel beeing lauhged at.....

 

[Jamie Eborall]

Thanks Lost Boy. And only messing about HC. I appreciate all the advice and live 9 miles from Silverstone so could maybe pop up for a race day . Lost boy do you think the ride is too bumpy on 18s with it lowered given that they can be factory ordered onto a Cali. How much did you lower it. ??

 

[Days out]

Hi There. I'm just about to order my new 2017 ocean and am already exited about making some improvements to it. My question is does anyone think some 9.5 inch wide 18 " wheels with 45 ET will look too wide. Thanks.

I have 20" 9.5J rims fitted with ET 45 plus lowered suspension by 30mm. The ride is absolutely fine - no worse than the 17" wheels it came with. Plus in my humble opinion it looks great. I know quite a few guys running this combo with no problems.

With 18" you obviously get more side wall and are less prone to curbing. What colour is your van and what rims are you considering?

 

[Days out]

The tyres are pretty close to the arch edge to answer your original question but don't rub anywhere. Here is a photo to show how 45ET looks against the bodywork.

 

[Jamie Eborall]

For the record Days out I think it looks awesome. Thanks for the reply. Looking at an indium grey Cali with

Click To Enlarge
TSW
18" Bardo

Or


Wolfrace Eurosport Classic Gloss Gunmetal Polished

 

[Days out]

For the record Days out I think it looks awesome. Thanks for the reply. Looking at an indium grey Cali with

Click To Enlarge
TSW
18" Bardo

Or


Wolfrace Eurosport Classic Gloss Gunmetal Polished

Hi. I would go for the TSW not the wolf race. In my opinion you need a modern looking wheel to suit the clean lines of the Cali. The spoked wolfrace wheel is weak looking and because the spokes don't meet the rim it looks like a 16" wheel.

There are some nice wheels out there but you have to imagine them on the Cali If you can photoshop them on it does give a good idea before you spend your money!

The TSW will look good.

 

[sidepod]

Hi. I would go for the TSW not the wolf race. In my opinion you need a modern looking wheel to suit the clean lines of the Cali. The spoked wolfrace wheel is weak looking and because the spokes don't meet the rim it looks like a 16" wheel.

There are some nice wheels out there but you have to imagine them on the Cali If you can photoshop them on it does give a good idea before you spend your money!

The TSW will look good.

If you choose load rated wheels the choice isn't that great.

 

[WelshGas]

And don't forget to tell your Insurance Company. It will be classed as a modification from the Manufacturers standards/recommendations.

 

[Jamie Eborall]

Great advise. Thank you all. It's cool getting Years worth of knowledge and advise this easily. I prefer the TSW. And agree that the clean lines of the Cali will suit that modern style more. So the question is 8"with 45 et or 9.5 with 45et.

 

[Days out]

Great advise. Thank you all. It's cool getting Years worth of knowledge and advise this easily. I prefer the TSW. And agree that the clean lines of the Cali will suit that modern style more. So the question is 8"with 45 et or 9.5 with 45et.

9.5j every time. If you are going to do it... do it!

 

[Jamie Eborall]

Superb. I was hoping you'd say that,, She's gonna look great down in Croyde on our surf trips.. Thx Guys..

 

[sidepod]

Wider rims increase inboard contact patch width and thus more early wear on inner edge of rear tyre, especially if lowered.

 

[Days out]

Wider rims increase inboard contact patch width and thus more early wear on inner edge of rear tyre, especially if lowered.

Lighten up man. Let the guys who want style have style and those who want it all OEM stick to standard wheels. . Not saying you are wrong or not entitled to your opinion though....

 

[sidepod]

Blimey!! And here's me thinking I was proving unbiased information on the topic. Silly me.

 

[Lost Boy]

Thanks Lost Boy. And only messing about HC. I appreciate all the advice and live 9 miles from Silverstone so could maybe pop up for a race day . Lost boy do you think the ride is too bumpy on 18s with it lowered given that they can be factory ordered onto a Cali. How much did you lower it. ??

Apologies for the delay, its the standard VW factory drop so that's 30mm I think and they are load rated 18's. On well surfaced roads and slight bumps it rides just fine, the only time I really notice it is with really rough surfaces or large potholes. i prefer the car like drive in the corners, whilst its no sports car it does inspire a bit more confidence in my opinion. As the others have said you should do it