HELP! Tyres too big for front end!

[Mattybmx]

Hello, I am new to this forum and looking for some help relatively quick.

I have got a W639 Vito with 18 inch alloys which are 255/18...I currently have 255/45/18 Davanti DX640 tyres on but I have decided I want all terrain tyres as I am away camping most weekends in the Highlands of Scotland. I bought some General Grabber AT3’s, 255/55/18 thinking the small profile change would be fine...it wasn’t!

The tyre is rubbing and this is with the front end still jacked up! Is there anything simple I can do to get these tyres to fit fine or do i need to start cutting things or getting a lift kit?

Any help appreciated a lot!

Ps it won’t let me upload an image it’s saying they’re too big? (Twice in a day something is too big )

 

[renault12ts]

10% of 255mm is 25.5mm...or 1 inch...that certainly is not a small difference. That's a 2 inch increase in the diameter of the tyre...at least!!!

The 45 and 55 aspect ratios are percentages of the width applied to the side walls. So 45 to 55 is a 10% increase x width applied to the sidewall.

Or a tyrewall height going from 114.75mm to 140.25mm.

 

[Doodle]

Unfortunately with an extra inch of sidewall, PLUS the extra tread depth of an AT tyres, it was always going to end in tears.

If you went back to 16s, you should be fine getting 215/65s on there, in which there's a good choice of AT tyres. Otherwise it's going to need some bodging.

 

[Mattybmx]

 

[DSM10000]

Did a garage or tyre shop advise you to buy this size? If so they are responsible.

 

[renault12ts]

You have your answer.

 

[Mattybmx]

Wow thanks so much for the quick replies everyone! I ordered these online to a garage, they have not charged me a penny which I think is brilliant, they can just send them back they said! Weeks of deciding which tyres to get and it’s all ended in disappointment haha! I WILL get all terrain tyres on my van some how!

 

[DSM10000]

In future use something like this to be sure you order tyres that are going to fit :Tyre Calculator | AlloyWheels.com

Ideally any change in rolling radius should be less than 1%.

Good luck

 

[Mattybmx]

In future use something like this to be sure you order tyres that are going to fit :Tyre Calculator | AlloyWheels.com

Ideally any change in rolling radius should be less than 1%.

Good luck

Thanks a lot mate

I really like my alloys and don’t really want to go smaller again, but I really do want all terrains. Is this size tyre on my van basically a full no no even if I was to cut the wheel arch/liner at the front or something?

 

[DSM10000]

Thanks a lot mate

I really like my alloys and don’t really want to go smaller again, but I really do want all terrains. Is this size tyre on my van basically a full no no even if I was to cut the wheel arch/liner at the front or something?

Wheel arch liners are there for a reason, I would not recommend cutting them about, you may still find the tyre would foul on lock.

It really is advisable to keep changes in rolling radius below 1% or you will have an inaccurate speedometer, may have ABS/ Traction control issues etc.

Just to to a local tyre specialist, explain what you want to achieve and follow the advice they can give you in regards to a suitable tyre for your needs.

 

[Doodle]

It's not just the liners, you'll need to start cutting metalwork too given the situation in the picture.

The range of 18" AT tyres is limited, and generally aimed at specific sizes/models. None of which are close to your van's stock size.

 

[Mattybmx]

Again, thanks so much for the replies lads, appreciate it a lot!

 

[Mattybmx]

Did some calculations on that site and just managed to get a local bargain for £70! Some 17” Vito alloys and I can get 215/60/17 General Grabber AT3’s for £440 fitted! Slightly bigger diameter sizes than my current tyres but only by 3.1mm so these will be ideal! Happy chappy!

 

[DSM10000]

If you think about it tyres come with anywhere from around 10mm to 8mm of tread new so when your new ones wear a little they will match even better!

You will notice a better ride with the 17" and possibly better traction in muddy conditions with the narrower and more aggressive tread.

 

[Mattybmx]

If you think about it tyres come with anywhere from around 10mm to 8mm of tread new so when your new ones wear a little they will match even better!

You will notice a better ride with the 17" and possibly better traction in muddy conditions with the narrower and more aggressive tread.

Aye yeah I’m hoping so mate! These tyres have 15mm tread I think!

 

[DSM10000]

Aye yeah I’m hoping so mate! These tyres have 15mm tread I think!

Chunky!!!

Enjoy

 

[Mattybmx]

Finally sorted! Got the new 17” rims powdercoated and got my new tyres on!

These tyres are 215/60/17, I used to have 255/45/18. Makes a big difference in the drive, steering is now a lot lighter too! I do kinda miss my wheels “poking” out more though.

 

[DSM10000]

Wheels poking out would be an MOT fail, just enjoy the new look

 

[LWeleven]

Old thread I realise ......did you get any rubbing at all just about to fit 215-65-16 which are pretty much same size