Volkswagen Van Wheel & Tyre Fitment Guide | Transporter, Caddy & Crafter

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

The VW Transporter T5 and T6 uses a 5x120 PCD with a 65.1mm centre bore. The largest factory wheel specification was 18x8J, with factory offsets including ET50 and ET53.

They use M14x1.5mm R14 radius-seat wheel bolts as standard. Many aftermarket wheels use a 60-degree tapered-seat bolt instead, so it is important to check the correct bolt type for your chosen wheels.

When purchasing wheels from us, we will always supply the correct wheel bolts required for the specific wheel, provided bolts are purchased with the wheels.

VW Transporter T5 and T6 Load Rating Guide

When choosing wheels and tyres for your VW Transporter, it is important to select a suitable load rating for the van's axle weights. The T5 and T6 is available in different weight classes, with the most common being T28, T30 and T32.

T28: Up to approximately 1,600 kg front / 1,550 kg rear axle load. This requires a minimum tyre load of 800 kg per wheel / tyre, meaning a tyre Load Index 100 or higher.

T30: Up to approximately 1,610 kg front / 1,600 kg rear axle load. This requires a minimum tyre load of 805 kg per wheel / tyre, meaning a tyre Load Index 101 or higher.

T32: Up to approximately 1,710 kg front / 1,720 kg rear axle load. This requires a minimum tyre load of 860 kg per wheel / tyre, meaning a tyre Load Index 103 or higher.

These figures are a guide based on typical T5 and T6 panel-van specifications. Exact axle weights can vary depending on the model, engine, wheelbase and vehicle specification, so you should always check the axle weights shown on your vehicle's VIN plate before selecting tyres or wheels.

For T32 models in particular, we recommend using tyres with a 103 load rating or higher where required by the vehicle's axle weights.

16" Wheel Fitment

This size is 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" wheel 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 the most popular swamper setup of 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 a 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, but again making sure the tyres cover your axel weights

You can find all out VW Transporter T5 T6 17" wheel 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 

18" Wheel Fitment

This is the largest size that was supplied from factory on the T5 T6 models which were factory-fitted with 255/45R18 tyres with a 103 load rating, designed to accommodate T32 axle weights. However, the large wheel arches allow for higher-profile tyres, helping to fill the arches while improving ride comfort and giving the van a more purposeful stance.

Popular wheel specifications are around 8J–8.5J wide with an ET around 30–50. Always ensure the selected tyre has a suitable load rating for your van’s axle weights, particularly on T32 models.

For a subtle increase, 245/50R18 is a great road tyre option and keeping close to the original rolling radius, while 235/55R18 offers a more noticeable profile increase, with a range of road and All-Terrain tyres available. For the popular ‘swamper’ style, 235/60R18 suits standard-height and slightly lowered vans really filling the arches, while 255/55R18 is the largest size most suited to standard-height and raised vans. Both provide a much fuller, more aggressive appearance.

You can find all out VW Transporter T5 T6 18" wheel options HERE

19" Wheel Fitment

19" wheels offer a great combination of style and comfort for owners wanting a modern, premium and sporty appearance rather than the rugged ‘swamper’ style. This size is slightly less common for load-rated wheels, so there are fewer options available. The larger diameter gives the van a cleaner, more contemporary look and works particularly well on both lowered and standard-height vans.

Common specifications include 8.5J–10J wide wheels with an ET around 35–45, depending on the wheel design, width and desired stance. Popular tyre sizes include 245/45R19 (only up to 102 load) and 255/45R19 for the same width all round. For wider rear-wheel setups, 245/45R19 front with 275/40R19 rear or 255/45R19 front with 275/45/19 rear for maximum comfort on standard height and slightly lowered vans , depending on the wheel widths and overall fitment.

For T32 models, it is essential to ensure the chosen tyre has an appropriate load rating for the vehicle’s axle weights.

19" setups are generally chosen for their sharp styling, road presence and balance of comfort, rather than increased tyre profile or All-Terrain capability. As with any larger wheel setup, clearance should be checked carefully, particularly on lowered vans. The final fitment will depend on the wheel width, ET, tyre size, suspension setup and individual wheel design.

You can find all out VW Transporter T5 T6 19" wheel options HERE

20" Wheel Fitment

20" wheels are the ultimate choice for a modern, premium and performance-inspired look, giving the van a more distinctive and aggressive stance with lots of load rated options available (compared to 19's). They are primarily suited to road-focused builds and are a popular option for standard-height and lowered vans rather than ‘swamper’ setups.

Common specifications include 8.5J–10J wide wheels with an ET around 35-45, and 10J concave wheels all round (ET 40-45) for more aggressive builds.

There are a variety of tyre sizes and profiles available, allowing the overall appearance and ride comfort to be tailored to the look you want. Whether you’re after a tucked, flush, comfort or more aggressive stance, the right combination of wheel width, ET and tyre size can achieve the desired finish.

Popular options include 255/40R20, which is available up to a 101 load rating, and 265/40R20, which is particularly suited to lowered vans. For standard-height and slightly lowered vans, 245/45R20 and 275/40R20 offer a larger tyre profile and increased comfort, depending on the wheel fitment and desired look.

For setups using wider rear wheels, a 255/40R20 and 265/40R20 front with 275/40R20 rear can be used, with 255/40R20 limited to a 101 load rating. Alternatively, 245/45R20 front with 275/40R20 rear can be used on standard-height and slightly lowered vans where the wheel widths and ET are suitable.

For very low vans and the ‘show’ look, 255/35R20 offers a low-profile appearance, although it is only available up to a 102 load rating. Another option is 245/40R20, with Nankang specifically producing the AS-2+ in a 103 load rating, making it a great option for lower vans where a higher load rating is required to cover the axle weights.

With the reduced tyre sidewall, 20" wheels provide a sharp, contemporary appearance but offer less sidewall protection and ride cushioning than smaller wheel sizes so please consider this when thinking about the roads you drive. As always, the exact fitment will depend on wheel width, ET, tyre choice, suspension setup and brake clearance.

You can find all out VW Transporter T5 T6 20" wheel options HERE