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space_out_today
Samba Member
Joined: February 13, 2017
Posts: 21
Location: Southern California
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 Posted: Mon Jun 23, 2025 6:50 pm Post subject: Tire sizing |
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Hey all,
While I know tire discussions are common here, I'm hoping for specific guidance on maximum tire sizing for my '87 Vanagon GL Camper (Wolfsburg). If a relevant thread already addresses this, please share the link.
Currently, I run 215/60R16 Nokian Entyre tires, installed years ago via Van Cafe purchase. This upgrade, combined with prior Syncro coil spring installation (which eliminated sag and provided lift), was the single most impactful performance enhancement to the vehicle. Notably I've experienced zero tire rub.
I've seen Syncro posts here stating no issues running 215/65r16's.
As I need new tires (considering more aggressive treads like KO2s/KO3s, though specific brand isn't my main concern), my key question is:
How does one determine a safe maximum tire size to avoid rubbing, without physical trial and error? My priorities are not speedometer accuracy, fuel efficiency <gasp>, or even noise. I simply want to ensure no rubbing. I've seen reports of Syncros using 215/65R16s. I like the look.
Any recommendations or methods for calculating/identifying a safe maximum size would be greatly appreciated. Tire shops are understandably reluctant to advise on non-standard setups due to liability and return risks, which I fully comprehend.
Thank you! |
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Wellington
Samba Member
Joined: September 21, 2004
Posts: 1999
Location: Montreal
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| Posted: Mon Jun 23, 2025 11:07 pm Post subject: Re: Tire sizing |
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No one can help you unless you specify your rim offset.
You are already running 215/60/16, take a look how much room there is all around and use a tire calculator to determine alternative sizes/room.
Another consideration is where will you carry your spare and will it fit?
Look in the tire sticky, If I recall Chris listed some sizes. |
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Wildthings
Samba Member
Joined: March 13, 2005
Posts: 52305
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| Posted: Tue Jun 24, 2025 12:01 am Post subject: Re: Tire sizing |
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Just the difference in the tread design in the same size tire may cause rubbing. I had a set of 27x8.5r14's with a sharper corner to the tread that rubbed where the same size tire with a rounded edge to the tread had not. All you can do it do your own testing or accept others experience with the tire you are interested in.
A 215/65r16 will need about another 1/2" in room to not rub compared to a 215/60r16 everything else staying the same. |
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jimf909
Samba Member
Joined: April 03, 2014
Posts: 8163
Location: WA/ID
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| Posted: Tue Jun 24, 2025 9:15 am Post subject: Re: Tire sizing |
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| Wellington wrote: |
No one can help you unless you specify your rim offset.
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Offset of the wheel is a critical variable. Same tire, two wheels, one may rub on the inside or not at all, the other may rub on the outside or not at all.
| space_out_today wrote: |
My priorities are not speedometer accuracy, fuel efficiency <gasp>, or even noise...I like the look.
Thank you! |
How about lower rpm and slower acceleration? The taller tire will slow acceleration by changing the effective transmission ratio by about 3.2%. See link below for a comparison of tire sizes.
Different tire sizes can look different/better. I found that increasing tire size to 27.7" (with a slightly more powerful Boosting) increased my disappointment in lost acceleration or ability to climb hills in 4th gear so I've gone back to 27" tires. Small changes may be small but eventually they add up. YMMV.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/tirecalc?tires=215-60r16-215-65r16
_________________
- Jim
| Butcher wrote: |
| This is the main fault with DIY'ers, they get together on these forums and pat themselves on their backs spreading bad information. |
Guilty as charged.
Current: 1990 Westy Camper - Bostig RG4, 2wd, manual trans w/Peloquin, NAHT high-top, 280 ah LFP battery, 160 watts solar, Flash Silver, seam rust, bondo, etc., etc.
Past: 1985 Westy Camper - 1.9 wbx, 2wd, manual trans, Merian Brown, (sold after 17 years to Northwesty who converted it to a Syncro). |
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zerotofifty
Samba Member
Joined: December 27, 2003
Posts: 3755
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| Posted: Tue Jun 24, 2025 9:25 am Post subject: Re: Tire sizing |
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| jimf909 wrote: |
| Wellington wrote: |
No one can help you unless you specify your rim offset.
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Offset of the wheel is a critical variable. Same tire, two wheels, one may rub on the inside or not at all, the other may rub on the outside or not at all.
| space_out_today wrote: |
My priorities are not speedometer accuracy, fuel efficiency <gasp>, or even noise...I like the look.
Thank you! |
How about lower rpm and slower acceleration? The taller tire will slow acceleration by changing the effective transmission ratio by about 3.2%. See link below for a comparison of tire sizes.
Different tire sizes can look different/better. I found that increasing tire size to 27.7" (with a slightly more powerful Boosting) increased my disappointment in lost acceleration or ability to climb hills in 4th gear so I've gone back to 27" tires. Small changes may be small but eventually they add up. YMMV.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/tirecalc?tires=215-60r16-215-65r16 |
true that on diameter and effective total gearing. I got taller than stock tires means I need to down shift sooner on steep up hills and a loss in engine braking, but it also allows a faster cruise speed for a given rpm. if you make big tire diameter changes you may not like the results.
engine likes it best to be in its best power band rpm.
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Give Peace a Chance.
Words to live by. |
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