Commercial Van , Camper Van and Motorhome Wheel Fitment and Tyre Guide

Please note this page is under constant development

Choosing the correct wheels and tyres for your van,Camper Van or Motohome is about more than just finding a style you like. The correct wheel size, width, offset, PCD and load rating all need to be considered to ensure the wheels are suitable for your vehicle.

Load Rating
Van tyres must be suitable for the weight of the vehicle, including passengers and any additional load. Always check your van’s axle weights and ensure the tyre load rating is high enough. This is particularly important on heavier models.

Wheel Size & Width
Larger wheels can transform the appearance of a van, while wider or higher-profile tyres can help create a more aggressive stance. However, the chosen combination needs to provide adequate clearance from the suspension, brakes and wheel arches.

PCD & Centre Bore
The wheel’s PCD (Pitch Circle Diameter) and centre bore must match your van or be compatible with the correct fitting hardware. Using the correct fitment helps ensure the wheel is securely and correctly mounted.

Offset (ET)
Wheel Offset (ET) determines how far the wheel sits in or out in relation to the hub and wheel arch. As a general rule, the lower the ET, the further the wheel will sit out towards the arch. For example, if your van has a factory ET50 wheel, fitting an ET35 wheel will move the wheel approximately 15mm further out than the factory position, assuming the wheel width remains the same. However, wheel width also affects the final position, so both width and ET should be considered when choosing a new fitment. Going too far either way can cause clearance issues, rubbing or excessive arch protrusion.

Tyre Profile
Increasing the tyre profile can give a fuller arch appearance and improve ride comfort, while lower-profile tyres offer a sharper, sportier look. The correct size will depend on your wheel choice, suspension setup and what you are looking to achieve

Suspension & Clearance
If your van is lowered, lifted or running modified suspension, wheel and tyre clearance becomes even more important. Always check for clearance at full steering lock and throughout the suspension's travel.

Our Advice
If you're unsure which wheel and tyre combination is right for your van, get in touch with our team. We can help you choose a suitable fitment based on your van model, load rating, wheel size and suspension setup, whether you're looking for a clean OEM+ look, a sporty stance or a full ‘swamper’ setup.

Model specific Fitment Guide

Volkswagen T5 T5.1 T6 T6.1 (2003-2024)

16" Wheel Fitment

This size ia a good choice for owners looking for a comfortable, practical setup while retaining plenty of sidewall.

Common specifications include 7J–8J wide wheels with an ET around 30–50

This size is perfect for upgrading your factory wheels, with standard 215/65R16 and 225/65R16 tyres, or achieving a more rugged ‘swamper’ look with the popular 235/70R16 All-Terrain tyres on standard-height or slightly lowered vans. For something in between, 225/70R16 or 235/65R16 can be used, depending on the load rating required. A 245/70R16 can provide a maximum swamper look on raised vans.

Please note: 16" wheels will not clear the T32 models (most of them) fitted with the larger 340mm brakes. Always check brake clearance and wheel compatibility before fitting.

You can find all out VW Transporter T5 T6 16" options HERE

17" Wheel Fitment

17" is by far the most popular and practical size for achieving the ‘swamper’ look on a VW Transporter. Most leading wheel and tyre manufacturers focus heavily on this size, giving you a huge choice of wheel styles, finishes and All-Terrain tyre options.

Popular wheel specifications are around 8J–9J wide with an ET around 30–40, offering a good balance of stance and clearance.

Tyre sizes range from the standard 235/55R17 through to larger profiles such as biggest 245/65R17. The most popular swamper setup is 235/65R17, which works well on standard-height and slightly lowered vans while covering all axel weights. For lower vans, 225/65R17 can be a good option, although suitable load-rated tyres may not be available for T32 models (this model needs a 103 load to cover rear axel weight). For raised Vans wanting to achieve maximum swamper look 245/65R17 is the popular choice 

Of course any of these tyre sizes can be supplied in a more road-focused setup, including 235/60R17 offering more sidewall than the standard size, providing additional comfort and giving the van a fuller appearance.

You can find all out VW Transporter T5 T6 16" options HERE

Please check our Blog post, Click HERE which goes through best tyre options and other aspects of running an All Terrain set up