Tyre/ wheel durability comparison

[helen&tony]

Hi
I am buying some new wheels for the Bongo...a respray NEEDS new wheels to set it off ...now, I've been searching for 15 inch alloys, as my current ones have stood up to the old cart-roads they have over here, but there's a shortage of 5-lug wheels on offer, and the 17" wheels look a fair bit nicer, and bags of choice. I have asked one knowledgeable member, and he says that the lower profile (225/ 50s) on a 17 inch wheel may not take to the potholes over here, and I seem to think that the extra sidewall height may help with standard diameter...what's the general opinion of others on here? I am looking at some rather gorgeous multi-spoke black alloys with a polished or coloured rim...yummee . Would modern tyres be good enough? I will also have to check wheel loading, as the current Bongo original alloys are 690 Kg, so i shall want an equivalent...and, of course the right tyre loadings....that's from a safety viewpoint...insurance companies over here wouldn't give a tinkers...they don't pay up anyway
Thanks in anticipation
Cheers
Helen

[Veg_Ian]

It's a trade off between looks and comfort. Me I would go for comfort every time over bling. The more rubber between the van and the road the better in my opinion. But you already know that You just want someone to agree with you for selecting new shiny wheels

[helen&tony]

Hi Ian
You're right ....but there is also a problem with availability of 15" 5-holes...most of them are unsuitable in terms of strength...5 thin spokes, or just plain ugly....if I could get another set of what I already have, I'd be very happy!!!
I think the other way would be to find a 13 or 14 inch 4x4 wheels and balloon tyres??
Cheers
Helen

[stilldesperate]

Hi Helen,

I'd agree with Veg-Ian about tyre profiles and comfort - the last Bongo had low profiles - looked good, cornered well, but felt every pothole.

I've put 16" Pinin alloys on this one (recommended in the members factsheets, but a quick look later can't see it).

They look nice (IMHO), gear the van up, to reduce revs, therefore helping fuel economy & have a reasonable sidewall to soak up the bumps!

Straight fit, no mods needed.

SD

[helen&tony]

Hi SD
Have you any piccies, or details on those?...
They sound like a good compromise
Cheers
Helen

[mikeonb4c]

I was glad to lose the 50s on my 17" wheels and to fit 55s - much better (and thats why I chose them). I'm tempted to even try 60s or 65s if they can be got at a good price (unlikely) next time though I wonder if I might end up feeling like I've got jelly for wheels. Demon_AV from Russia sent interesting pics yonks back showing their Bongos with 17" alloys and deep profile tyres. Makes 'em look quite different but I suspect a good option on poor roads.

[helen&tony]

Hi Mike
That's interesting...now that you mention it, I remember the pictures...Gosh...I wish I could re-tune my forgettory to bring things into memory!!!...I would guess that the gearing would be all over the place, and speed limits on major roads here are easy to exceed at the best of times (40MPH on the major routes)...there are no motorways here...the only country in Europe not to have any....the government stole all the EU funds ...they thought road improvements meant new Cadillac 4x4s for government ministers
Seriously, what sort of figures do you have for comparison with your setup....sounds interesting from a comfort viewpoint...have you any pics?
Cheers
Helen

[stilldesperate]

Hi SD
Have you any piccies, or details on those?...
They sound like a good compromise
Cheers
Helen

I'll do a piccy of them on the van for you on Thurs (my day off).

[mikeonb4c]

Hi Mike
That's interesting...now that you mention it, I remember the pictures...Gosh...I wish I could re-tune my forgettory to bring things into memory!!!...I would guess that the gearing would be all over the place, and speed limits on major roads here are easy to exceed at the best of times (40MPH on the major routes)...there are no motorways here...the only country in Europe not to have any....the government stole all the EU funds ...they thought road improvements meant new Cadillac 4x4s for government ministers
Seriously, what sort of figures do you have for comparison with your setup....sounds interesting from a comfort viewpoint...have you any pics?
Cheers
Helen

Those (like me) who have 17" with 55s on find the speedo is spot on when measured against the Satnav. So the speedo will under read with 60s or 65s but I have to admit I don't worry about that. In theory you should get better MPG when locked out in top but otherwise I wonder if it could be (a teeny bit) worse as lock out is less likely to occur due to wheel gearing so engine will spend more time at higher revs. I doubt its a major issue though, but the 'potholability' of the deeper tyres could defo. be worth having.

Nothing ventured etc. Have a search in case the pics are still on here, or PM Demon_AV?