Tyre sizes?

[Grim]

Apologies if this has been covered before but cannot find precise answer using search!

I have just acquired a 1998 2.5TD 4WD Bongo and looking forward to our first trip away - I note the owners manual states tyres should be 195/15 on front and 215/15 on rear. My van has ASA Alloys (all same size) but all tyres are 195/70 R15 - would I be better changing rears to 215 and if so 65 or 70 profile? Many thanks for looking

[Bob]

Hi Grim

Warm welcome to the Forum.

The rear tyres you have are below spec. You need at least 215/65/15 with a Load Rating of 96 or higher. Front 195/70/15 with Load Rating min 92.

Your current ones could cause problems if you should have an insurance claim.

Its OK to run the larger size all round and note the 'Rolling Circumferance' must be the same on all wheels with a 4WD or you will cobble the transmission.

If you bought it from a dealer I'd suggest they may like to put this right so Trading Standards aren't involved.

Hope that helps.

[Grim]

Thanks for the advice - private sale so guess no come back; I will choose best two 195 size tyres to keep for fronts and get rears replaced then.

[Bob]

If you don't have a full size spare consider keeping one (or both) tyres for that purpose.

Steel rims can be had fairly cheap/free and with Stourport coming up can be relayed round the country.

[Grim]

Good point - no spare with the van so if anyone has a steel wheel they don't need...

[Tertiary]

Whereabouts are you? I have a couple available - no tyres though but at least you can spec your own....

[Grim]

That sounds great - South Staffs - but hoping on coming to the meet at Stourport if you are going?

[Tertiary]

I'm going to Stourport on the Sunday only - I'm quite happy to bring both of the wheels along

1 for you, Grim, and 1 for Bob

[Bob]

Thankyou.

PM Sent with contact details.