Winter Wheel Sizing Query

[Ardbeg]

Hi Folks

First post on here apart from a couple of replies to someone else's post so be gentle

I took delivery of my T6 Ocean (Indium Grey 204 DSG) at the end of June and am enjoying every minute of using it. We ordered the Cali with 17" black diamond turned Cascavel alloys and I think they look pretty smart for stock OEM wheels. The wheel size is 7 x 17 and came with 235/55 R17 103V Bridgestone Turanza tyres.

I want to put winter wheels on the Cali and as they will likely be on the van for roughly 6 months of the year I want to put alloys on as I think they suit the van better IMHO. However I am finding it a bit of a minefield as to what size to go for. According to the plate on the wheel arch the only winter wheel size shown is 215/60 R17 C 104/102T 7 x 17. So my initial question is am i restricted to this size or is it acceptable to get wheels the same size as my summer wheels i.e. 235/55 R 17, 7 x 17 and stick winter tyres on them? The trouble is I am after black alloys and there seems to be far more choice in the 7.5 x 17 size. So my other question is could you put on 235/55 R17 7.5 x 17 alloys and if so what would the correct offset be? As far as I can see the specification of the wheels that are currently on the van are: 7 x 17, PCD 5 x 120 and ET 55. Would putting on 7.5 x 17 wheels alter the handling of the van?

I am not totally ruling out 17" steel wheels but to complicate the sizing further according to this website http://www.banwy.co.uk/product/t6-parts/alloys-t6/17-steel-wheels-vw-transporter-t5-genuine for steel wheels of size 7j x 17 ET55 the recommended tyre size is 235/55 R17 103 XL and they state that they are ideal for winter use but this size of tyre contradicts the size given on the wheel arch plate of 215/60 R17.

My head is about to explode with looking at numerous specialised wheel websites and wondering if the wheels will fit the Cali so apologies in advance if the email is a bit rambling

Cheers

 

[bigmac77]

There is a set of 17" steel wheels with winter tyres fitted currently in the forsale section, they are 235/55 R17 103V.

 

[Ciki62]

No winter chains on 235. 55. 17. My advice is go for 215.60.17. For winter. Also Better grip on snow.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Ardbeg]

There is a set of 17" steel wheels with winter tyres fitted currently in the forsale section, they are 235/55 R17 103V.

Thanks BigMac77 I'll bear it in mind.

 

[larrylamb]

@Ardbeg Are you a fan of the whisky by any chance?

 

[bvddobb]

For winter wheels, better to go for somewhat smaller wheels, 215. Better in soft snow and drab (they 'sink' more easily through it to reach the hard surface below it) and more room to attach snow chains. If you fill your wheel arches with wheel because you feel that looks cool, there's no room left for a chain... .

Alloys or steel depends on where you drive most in winter. If it is in a country where they put salt on the roads like over here, I 'd go for steel, not for alloys.

 

[Rich20]

I use 235 55 17 all season tyres with no problems. I understand narrower tyres might work better in a lot of snow so maybe best to stick to what VW recommend on the plate. You are safe with your insurance then.

 

[Teejay]

@Ardbeg Are you a fan of the whisky by any chance?

Beat you to it

https://vwcaliforniaclub.com/threads/bmw-estate-to-california-ocean.15707/page-2#post-172032

 

[bigmac77]

I have gone for 16" steels for my winter setup going to fit some Bridgestone Blizzak's 215/65 R16C 106-104T.

 

[Ardbeg]

@Ardbeg Are you a fan of the whisky by any chance?

Yes although there are plenty of others I like as well.

 

[Ardbeg]

I use 235 55 17 all season tyres with no problems. I understand narrower tyres might work better in a lot of snow so maybe best to stick to what VW recommend on the plate. You are safe with your insurance then.

Thanks for that. It used to be said that Citroen 2CV's had a good reputation for being good in the snow because they had such narrow wheels which cut into the snow better. But with a vehicle weighing over 2 tonne is going from a 235 width down to a 215 width going to make such a big difference? I don't know. HGVs and buses seem to keep the same wheel sizes all year round but maybe that's down to the weight of the vehicle who knows. Thanks again for the help.

 

[Ardbeg]

For winter wheels, better to go for somewhat smaller wheels, 215. Better in soft snow and drab (they 'sink' more easily through it to reach the hard surface below it) and more room to attach snow chains. If you fill your wheel arches with wheel because you feel that looks cool, there's no room left for a chain... .

Alloys or steel depends on where you drive most in winter. If it is in a country where they put salt on the roads like over here, I 'd go for steel, not for alloys.

Thanks for this particularly with regard to the snow chains.

 

[Ciki62]

Don't worry ardbeg. I use 235.55.17 summer and change for 215.60.17 for winter 10 years in a row . Wider summer have better handling, curves in high speed and so. I prefer them. But. Winter I drive slowly and prefer best grip also on the highway. An in Austria lot winter roads where snow chains are mandatory. I never use them with 4motion. But you must have them in the vehicle in case of police control. And for my new California same winter tires ordered from factory (November delivery)


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Ardbeg]

Don't worry ardbeg. I use 235.55.17 summer and change for 215.60.17 for winter 10 years in a row . Wider summer have better handling, curves in high speed and so. I prefer them. But. Winter I drive slowly and prefer best grip also on the highway. An in Austria lot winter roads where snow chains are mandatory. I never use them with 4motion. But you must have them in the vehicle in case of police control. And for my new California same winter tires ordered from factory (November delivery)


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Thanks Ciki62. I can see myself opting for the 215/60 R17 for the winter. Enjoy your new California when it comes!

 

[Teejay]

Don't worry ardbeg. I use 235.55.17 summer and change for 215.60.17 for winter 10 years in a row . Wider summer have better handling, curves in high speed and so. I prefer them. But. Winter I drive slowly and prefer best grip also on the highway. An in Austria lot winter roads where snow chains are mandatory. I never use them with 4motion. But you must have them in the vehicle in case of police control. And for my new California same winter tires ordered from factory (November delivery)

I'm planning the same, but possibly using the cheaper steel wheels with narrower tyres which should also be cheaper to buy.

 

[Trebor]

Benn.
I've just picked a set of Genuine VW steels with Dunlop Winter Sport 215/60/17 unused from Benn near Ashford Kent for my 4 motion . They are correct size for snow chains according to manual.They are taken off new vans in Germany . I think a number of forum members have had wheels / tyres off him in the past .He's a really nice guy and very helpful . I can recommend him .

 

[briwy]

+1 for Benn

 

[stephen watson]

Contact details for Benn please?