E class Wheels on a Vito Van

[Giantvanman]

It is my understanding that the actual use and the actual weight is not relevant, only the certified Gross Vehicle Weight (or Maximum Permissable Weight) and the registered vehicle type/usage. Like me, you are using your van for private use only but it is registered as a commercial vehicle and can be ordered to a weigh bridge or VOSA inspection etc. Do not for one minute think that vehicles of 3.5t and below are exempt from inspection because they are not.

The E-Class wheels are rated for the GVW/MPW on that vehicle i.e. its MAXIMUM weight including load, passengers etc and wheels and tyres for the Vito should be fitted in accordance with the GVW/MPW ratings on the VIN plate or shown on the V5.

Think of it like this; there are unscrupulous people out there who would happily fit 'not-fit-for-purpose' wheels and tyres because they were cheaper if such a glaring loophole existed which it does not. The question is, is it worth the gamble to save a few quid?

 

[BTB 500]

Like me, you are using your van for private use only but it is registered as a commercial vehicle

And taxed as one, of course.

 

[Marku]

Why not fit those from the Viano? They are rated the same as it can carry the same load as the Vito. They even offered an 18 inch wheel once.

 

[parksie14]

Just putting it out there - The vehicle you have, regardless of how it is used, is a commercial vehicle- therefore you could be subject to VOSA checks. How would the spot check know that you were or were not driving the vehicle on a commercial basis?

I do believe the thread starter has buried his head in the sand & doesn't want to hear sensible tips like this one

 

[hotrodder]

Horodder - you mentioned 'i.e. the unladen front axle weight isn't half the kerb weight...'

Do you know where (if anywhere) I can find the distribution figures for when the vehicle is unloaded? I'm guessing its mainlythe engine weight that sits over the front axle. Which would be very close to the engine weight of the e class? Similar size engine.

is it 70% front - 30% back?

Or more like 60% front 40% back. This would be really helpful if you or anyone (a mechanic?) can offer any advice on this ? Thanks again

Dunno, probably somewhere inbetween the numbers you suggest? Put some mates in the front seats, go to a weigh bridge and i wouldn't be suprised if if the numbers aren't that far short of the gross front axle weight?

Personally i wouldn't put much stock into what Aviva told you over the phone... it was a call centre, you usually get to speak a rep/telesales monkey or one of their managers at best and it's not uncommon for them to get things wrong. Granted more usually they err the other way around a fairly recent example happened when winter tyres suddenly became fashionable the other year and initially the scripts that the reps were using resulted in lots of people being charged extra for modifications or admin fees for mid term changes to policies when the correct response from the insurers would have been along the lines of 'thanks for letting us know but if the tyres are within the car manufacturers specs there's no need to bother us'
Them telling you they're happy as long as it passes an MOT doesn't sit right with me... the small print in most policies usually points out that a valid MOT is a requirement of cover along with keeping the vehicle road legal. As i said the MOT is not proof of roadworthyness and never has been, insurance small print usually points this out too. I've no idea whether construction & use regs are specific about wheel and tyre load ratings off the top of my head*, it might fall under their and/or VOSAs 'catch all' stance regarding modifications which is something along the lines of "all fabrication and modifications must follow sound engineering practices" i.e. it's your word against theirs.

* Just had a quick look around the internetz and found The Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986 The Road Traffic act includes car derived vans as goods vehicles according to bedfordshire plod

To me this doesn't seem like much of a gamble. The recommendation in the manual is just that. It's not so much of a nanny state and we can use our judgement on this by the sound of it.

Yep we're all free to use our own judgement, it's when the nanny state disagrees with it that life can get complicated. Manufacturers spec wheels based on the GVW for a good reason and even then through a combination of fashion (stuuuupidly big tyres with rubber bands for tyres) and potholes these wheels which were put through all sorts of tests to determine their safe maximum load, fatigue life and a bunch of other stuff still crack regularly in many cases. And we're talking about regular car wheels on a regular car that in many cases has probably rarely seen a car full of people let alone been properly loaded up to it's capacity.

Ignoring all the rules, regulations and manufacturer recommendations specifications and going solely by engineering priciples putting car wheels on a van is still not a good idea

 

[sherco450]

Why not at the least use some S class wheels . they are definitely load rated close to vito wheels. May even find a high offset .

 

[UKG]

Thanks all for your advice. I sold the wheels. On checking the VW forum there are lots of people that put car wheels on their vans. I guess it's a judgment call. Thanks again