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Volkswagen Transporter Swamper Set Up: Are All Terrain Tyres Right for You?
At BM Autosport, we have seen a huge rise in the number of customers building Swamper style VW Transporters. And honestly, we get it. That rugged stance, improved capability, and go anywhere spirit turn your van into a proper adventure machine.
A key part of any Swamper build is choosing the right tyres. In most cases, that means making the switch to All Terrain tyres. But are they the right choice for your setup?
Let us take a look at the benefits and drawbacks of All Terrain tyres, plus our expert recommendations for tyre brands and sizes that work perfectly with the VW Transporter.
Why Choose All Terrain Tyres for Your Transporter?
1. Perfect for Camping and Off Grid Adventures
If you use your Transporter as a camper or weekend getaway van, All Terrain tyres will give you much better grip on soft surfaces like grass, mud, and gravel. Ideal for campsites or rural parking spots where normal tyres would struggle.
2. Winter Ready for European Road Trips
Planning a trip across Europe in the colder months? Many All Terrain tyres carry the Three Peak Mountain Snowflake symbol, meaning they meet EU winter tyre regulations. No need to swap to winter tyres or worry about getting caught out by the rules.
3. Longer Lasting Tread
With a deeper and more aggressive tread pattern than standard tyres, All Terrains are built to last. You can expect more mileage between replacements, especially if you regularly venture off the beaten path.
4. Stronger and More Durable
British roads can be rough. Potholes, kerbs, and unpaved tracks can all take their toll. All Terrain tyres are built tougher, offering greater resistance to punctures and damage.
5. The Look of Adventure
Let’s be honest - All Terrains look amazing. Paired with a lift kit or upgraded wheels, they give your van a proper off road stance. If you want your Transporter to turn heads and look ready for anything, this is the way to go.
Things to Consider Before Upgrading
1. Slightly More Road Noise
Due to their blockier tread, some All Terrain tyres can be a bit louder on tarmac. It is not excessive, but you might notice it, especially on motorway drives.
2. Possible Drop in MPG
The extra grip and strength come with more rolling resistance, which can lead to a small decrease in fuel economy. It is a small price to pay for the added capability, but still something to keep in mind.
BM Autosport’s Tyre and Size Recommendations
We have fitted many Swamper style setups and brands for our customers and know what works best.
Comforser CF3000
The Comforser CF3000 is one of the best value All Terrain options on the market. Don’t let the budget price tag fool you though, these tyres offer an aggressive tread pattern that performs well both off road and on. They're ideal if you want the chunky Swamper look without breaking the bank. Despite being wallet friendly, the CF3000 still delivers solid grip in muddy, grassy, and loose conditions. They’re a popular choice for Transporter owners looking to balance performance with cost.
Falken Wildpeak AT3W
The Falken Wildpeak AT3W is a superb all rounder. It performs excellently in all weather conditions and is rated with the Three Peak Mountain Snowflake symbol, making it fully winter legal across Europe. It strikes a perfect balance between off road capability and on road comfort, offering low road noise and strong wet weather performance. Falken also builds in extra sidewall protection, which helps reduce the risk of damage from potholes and rough terrain, ideal for the UK’s varied roads.
General Grabber AT3
The General Grabber AT3 has earned a strong reputation in the 4x4 and van community. Known for its comfort, quietness and reliable traction, it's a great choice for drivers who do a mix of road and light off road driving. The tread design improves grip on loose surfaces while still keeping road manners in check. For Transporter owners who want a capable tyre with minimal compromise on daily usability, the General Grabber AT3 is a tried and tested favourite.
BF Goodrich All Terrain T/A KO2
The BF Goodrich All Terrain T/A KO2 is the benchmark for premium All Terrain performance. It is built tough with reinforced sidewalls, excellent mud and snow traction, and outstanding durability. It’s one of the most aggressive looking A/T tyres out there and delivers serious off road capability without sacrificing too much on road comfort. If you want your Swamper Transporter to tackle anything from mountain passes to muddy lanes with confidence, the KO2 is hard to beat. It also comes with the Three Peak Mountain Snowflake rating, so it’s ready for winter adventure straight out of the box.
Swamper Style Wheels with High Load Ratings — Available Now
At BM Autosport, we stock a carefully selected range of Swamper style alloy wheels designed specifically to suit the demands of Volkswagen Transporter builds. All the wheels we offer come with high load ratings, making them suitable for T28, T30 and T32 models, even when fully loaded for adventure. Our collection includes bold, rugged designs from trusted brands like Tomahawk, Targa HD, FOX ADV, Navis, AXE, and Wolfrace and more. Whether you prefer a modern off road look or a more aggressive stance, you'll find a style to suit your build. All of these options are available to browse and order directly through our website, making it easy to complete your Swamper transformation with the right wheels for the job.
Recommended All Terrain Tyre Sizes for Your Transporter
Choosing the right All Terrain tyre size is essential for achieving the Swamper look while maintaining proper fitment and ride quality. Here’s a quick breakdown of the most popular and recommended sizes for VW Transporters, along with their suitability for different suspension setups:
225/55/17 – Ideal for vans running low coilovers or air suspension, where clearance is tighter.
225/60/17 – Recommended for setups using Bilstein B14s, Twin Adjust Projekt kits, or Eibach springs and other suspension kits or lowering springs.
225/65/17 – A versatile size that works across standard suspension, B14s, Twin Adjust Projekt and Eibach springs and other suspension kits or lowering springs. A great choice if you want to keep the rolling radius close to original spec. Suitable for standard suspension or up to a 50mm drop.
235/65/17 – One of the most popular and recommended sizes for Swamper builds - it suits standard suspension setups and even vans lowered by up to 50mm. Best suited for vans on standard or lifted suspension.
245/65/17 – For the maximum Swamper effect, this is the go-to size. No lifts or modifications are required. Offers a bold Swamper look, fitting well on standard or lifted setups for maximum presence on and off road.
235/55/18 – A slightly smaller 18 inch size that still offers an oversized look. This fits comfortably on vans lowered by up to 40mm.
255/55/18 – The largest 18 inch tyre option that fits standard-height vans with no rubbing or lift kits needed.
275/40/20 – This is the largest All Terrain size you can fit to a Transporter running standard suspension, delivering an aggressive stance without requiring modifications.
Please Note: These recommendations are based on our fitting experience and are offered as a general guide. Actual fitment can vary depending on your van's suspension condition, age, model, and weight distribution.
Why 17 Inch Wheels Are the Sweet Spot for Transporters
When it comes to choosing wheels for your Swamper build, 17 inch is by far the most popular and practical size for the VW Transporter. It hits the perfect middle ground — large enough to clear the T32 brake setup, which 16 inch wheels do not, while still offering a comfortable ride and excellent tyre availability. Most leading tyre and wheel manufacturers focus on the 17 inch market, which means you will find the widest range of styles, finishes, and All Terrain options in this size. Whether you want rugged looks or reliable performance, 17 inch wheels give you the best mix of function and form without limiting your choices.
If you can't wait, feel free to contact us and we will be happy to recommend the perfect setup for your van.
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Whether you are heading to a festival, planning a European road trip, or just love the look of a rugged off road van, an All Terrain setup is one of the best upgrades you can make to your Transporter.
At BM Autosport, we are passionate about helping you build a van that not only looks the part but performs too. From wheels and tyres to full lift kits, we have the knowledge and experience to help you go further.
Got questions? Get in touch today - your next adventure starts here.
