Tyres and load ratings - using car tyres on T5?
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Topic: Tyres and load ratings - using car tyres on T5?
Posted By: a11y
Subject: Tyres and load ratings - using car tyres on T5?
Date Posted: 17 Jun 10 at 19:41
Hi
I'm really hoping someone can answer this query as I've not found a definitive answer searching
online! I've got a reasonable understanding of speed and load ratings but I
still have a query relating to load-ratings in particular.
I've got a VW
Transporter T5 van, T30 variant, i.e. maximum permitted weight of 3000kg.
It's actually a camper conversion whose maximum-loaded weight never
exceeds 2500kg, but I'm aware legally I must fit tyres with a load
rating of the maximum permitted weight of 3000kg.
I need 4 new tyres
for it in the standard 215/65/16 size with a speed rating of R (104mph)
minimum.
Q1: Am I limited
purely to using commercial van tyres?
Q2: Or, could I fit
a "normal" car tyre, provided it has a load rating suitable for my 3000kg
maximum permitted weight?
The reason I ask is
that I've found lots of car tyres on the mytyres website, in the required size, with a
load rating of 98, equating to 750kg per corner, i.e. 3000kg maximum permitted
load, e.g. Falken ZEIX ZE-912 215/65/16 98H @ £66.30 each.
Q3: is there any
reason why I can't legally and safely use a 98 load-rated tyre on my vehicle
with maximum permitted weight of 750kg? i.e. 3000kg total. My current tyres have
a 104 load rating, i.e. 900kg per corner or 3600kg maximum permitted weight,
which safely exceed the required load rating.
I'm asking because
I'm unsure if I'm making this issue too simplistic (or too complicated!). I'm after the best performing tyres in terms of grip in the dry and wet, and also braking performance: of all the tyre tests I've seen, car tyres out-perform commercial-specific tyres.
Many thanks in
advance Ally
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Replies:
Posted By: The Chaos
Date Posted: 17 Jun 10 at 20:16
Our sportline has 101's on and are designed for 4x4 personally I wouldn't use anything lower I believe the sidewalls are strengthened but I'm sure someone else will clarify
------------- http://www.thechaos.co.uk - THE CHAOS - Snow / Skate / Clothing
http://www.deluxedetailing.co.uk - Deluxe Detailing - Detailing Services
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Posted By: simmytt
Date Posted: 17 Jun 10 at 20:57
From what i have read on here and other forums you need to allow a % over the load rating,i would stick with 4x4 or mpv tyres,with a rating of 101,camskill do the best price on falkens.I have just got 4 ,255/45/18 falkens load rate 103 for my t30 £91 each.
------------- Only dead fish go with the flow
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Posted By: a11y
Date Posted: 18 Jun 10 at 11:37
The Chaos and simytt - thanks for your replies.
I'd emailed mytyres last night for their advice on this too - their reply this morning says I can safely use any tyre (car or commercial) as long as the load rating exceeds the maximum permitted loading for the vehicle. They made no mention of going a percertage over the load rating as simmytt says above, but I've since read that online too: apparently it's to cope with unever loadings on vehicle through loads not being distributed evenly and is mainly a concern with vans carrying heavy loads in the rear.
However, I still think 98 load-rated tyres (750kg/corner) will be sufficient for my personal use as a camper van. It meets the legality aspect so I'm fine there. Our T5 is a camper conversion (soon will be) weighing in at 2462kgs (inc full tank of fuel, full tank of fresh water, 2 gas canisters, and driver) according to the conversion company, so even with all our stuff on board we're not going to come anywhere near 3000kg.
It certainly opens up access to some performance-orientated tyres (which have better ratings for wet grip and braking than any commercial tyre) in 98 load rating which are also cheaper than commercial tyres.
I'm not set on this idea yet, so if anyone has any advice as to why I shouldn't do it, let me know!
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Posted By: Mutley
Date Posted: 18 Jun 10 at 13:29
Don't take anyone's word on it - go and weigh the thing yourself - you may weigh than you think. We did.
Also, consider the tricky questions and explainations should you have an accident. Insurance companies will attempt to use that to wriggle out of paying out. Any savings you make will be spent many times over convincing them otherwise. Worse still if anyone gets hurt.
------------- Bilbo Celex campervan - T5 LWB 130 Tiptronic
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Posted By: Big-AL
Date Posted: 18 Jun 10 at 13:37
We are a Falken Tyre centre .. The Falken ZE-912 , is a great budget tyre..
No way would I be happy putting it on a T5, even if it was totaly unladen ...
Everything about the T5 is so heavy ! Alloys, Re-movable seats.. etc
Go for something like the STZ Falken which is made for sports SUV vehicles.. Still grippy , but very strong side wall..
Dont want to upset your insurance co , should the worse happen
------------- "Big-AL doesn't do spelling, but if he did, he would rpobalbe be the best in the world"
2007 Kombi 130 Sportline Alan Ranger www.rangersgarage.co.uk 01980 655555
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Posted By: sampsonr
Date Posted: 18 Jun 10 at 23:09
I have a 2006 California 4WD (3000kg) with same rating - have had Michelins but wear rate pretty high. Now replaced with Goodyear Wrangler HPs M&S (got them from Tanvic) - very happy with performance and wear (235/55/R17 103H) Had Falkens and I prefer the Wranglers.
------------- sampso
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Posted By: a11y
Date Posted: 19 Jun 10 at 08:35
Posted By: Big-AL
Date Posted: 19 Jun 10 at 11:55
Its not untill you try to pick up a T5 Alloy Wheel and tyre... It brings it home to you just how much heavier it is than a wheel and tyre same size of say? a " Mondeo Estate ! "
Go into your local tyre shop and pinch the side wall of a car tyre , then a SUV / Heavy load rated ,and compare ..... your be happy you went for the thicker rating
------------- "Big-AL doesn't do spelling, but if he did, he would rpobalbe be the best in the world"
2007 Kombi 130 Sportline Alan Ranger www.rangersgarage.co.uk 01980 655555
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Posted By: chriscroft
Date Posted: 20 Jun 10 at 22:02
Do not divide your gross weight by 4 and think that eqautes to your max axel loads, it doesn't.
If you check the data you will find the axel loads are not equal, I think that load index 100 is the minimum you need for a T30, so that the tyre loads(max) are greater than the axel loads(max).
Of course this asumes that your loading is uniform (left-right).
I have michelin latitude Cross tyres 235 65 16 they are absolutly brilliant especially off road and in snow/ice. Wear rates are great as well looking like 25k+ miles on front, and more on back (I change my tyres at minimum 3mm tread) there its lots of research to show why. Also i drive like I've stolen it, even after 100k miles the T5 still makes me smile
------------- You cann't have enough dogs - 9 and counting! 2004 fresco green velle 174se 125k miles owned for 4years
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Posted By: mistadave
Date Posted: 21 Jun 10 at 21:08
As Chriscroft says, you MUST look at the axle weights:
For a T5 front is 1525kg and rear is 1625kg, and you can't simply divide those by two either, you have to allow for one side to be loaded more than the other (although i have no idea to what extent).
Even based on just dividing them by 2 the lowest rating you can put on the front is 99 and rear is 101, probably add another number or two to allow for uneven load. Although this probably is overkill, insurance won't think so, and consider that if you have to swerve in an emergency the van may go tripod style, and most of the weight of the van will be on one tyre. If it blows your screwed - worth risking?
People have mentioned in the past how squirmy vans have felt with under rated tyres on them, especially on a 16 inch rim. Tthe right tyres have far stiffer sidewalls to help.
I use kumho KU31 which seems to be some miracle tyre in every aspect except for mud, and they have a 103 loads rating although im not sure if they do it in your size.
Dave
------------- 55 reg 174 LWB raven blue camper. Celtic remap, pipercross filter, MIJ de-cat and exhaust, Forge intercooler, Allard EGR powerpipe and oil catch tank
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Posted By: Ex-car bloke
Date Posted: 21 Jun 10 at 21:29
It's not just about static loads either, it's about dynamic loading. Imagine the real weight on say a left hand rear tyre when you drive fully-loaded at high speed over a big hole in the road.
It might only be momentary when you load tyres like this but there is no way that I would consider under-rated tyres because it's at these moments that you need the load rating that car tyres just can't cope with.
I'm all for saving money but when it comes to tyres I'd rather pay extra and be over-specified.
------------- ECB 2006 SWB 174 window van
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Posted By: a11y
Date Posted: 22 Jun 10 at 09:47
Thanks, for the comments/advice folks, really useful stuff
Despite my intended use (a camper conversion), there's still the chance of uneven loadings - the dynamic loading mentioned by ECB above. I've had advice - found online but backed up by a tyre fitter I trust - that it's standard practice for tyres to be load-rated
10-25% over the actual maximum permitted weight of the vehicle, which
explains why the standard van tyres on the T5 are rated at >900kg per corner.
So basically, my idea of 98-rated (750kg per corner) tyres is out the window .
I'm now looking at tyres designed for SUVs/etc which have at least a
103 load rating, as they generally perform much better than
commercial-specific tyres in performance tests.
I'm not so bothered about saving money overall, I'm just more interested with getting the best tyre for my money in terms of performance. Anyone who knows me know I don't skrimp on the important things, i.e. tyres! I have noticed that 18" tyres in 235/50/18 aren't much more than 215/65/16, but that would involve buying alloys which I'm not bothered about...
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Posted By: chriscroft
Date Posted: 22 Jun 10 at 21:36
I donot believe the extra factor of safety some talk about because of dynamic loading.
The mode of failure for a tyre in these circumstances is excessive heat build up. This happens through load/speed/inflation pressure/ambient temperatures. Dynamic loads under normal driving conditions are instantanious and short lived, with plenty of time for the tyre to recover its normal opperating temperature. Therefore it will not impead the safe use of the tyre.
VW agree with me, if I look at the sticker inside the drives door jamb on my velle (T30) it gives an inflation pressures for a 100 load index tyre, and that rating only just meets the static load condition.
As i,ve mentioned before unlesss you live in death valley, drive at 120 miles per hour fully loaded hour after hour, the heat build up from dynamic loading should not cause a problem.
I am convinced its over engineering gone mad to allow all these extra ratings, particularly living in europe.
------------- You cann't have enough dogs - 9 and counting! 2004 fresco green velle 174se 125k miles owned for 4years
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Posted By: Ex-car bloke
Date Posted: 22 Jun 10 at 22:16
chriscroft wrote:
I donot believe the extra factor of safety some talk about because of dynamic loading.
The mode of failure for a tyre in these circumstances is excessive heat build up. |
I'm sorry, but I don't believe the mode of failure of a tyre on a 3 tonne fully-laden van hitting a pothole at 60mph is purely down to excessive heat build up any more than I believe that a man being punched by David Haye will be knocked out due to the heat of the friction of his glove.
If you're an engineer working for Michelin then I bow to your superior knowledge and will admit to being wrong, but surely a load rated tyre is built to withstand mechanical stresses as well as thermal ones?
Everyone is free to deny global warming, the existence of God or whether load rated tyres are a big marketing trick or not.
But the way I see it is that if I'm going to be hurtling around in my van with my wife and child on board and I can buy high load-rated tyres for more or less the same price as lower load rated tyres, I'll have the higher rated version (which is the rating of the tyre that was on the van from the VW factory, whatever the door jamb says), thanks very much.
------------- ECB 2006 SWB 174 window van
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Posted By: Big-AL
Date Posted: 22 Jun 10 at 23:08
chriscroft wrote:
I.
I am convinced its over engineering gone mad to allow all these extra ratings, particularly living in europe.
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Everything about a T5 is over engineered / bloody heavy .. !!
If a Thick ply / High load rate tyre, gave crap handling , and bad road noise etc .. I could understand what your saying ..
But a High Load rate SUV tyre like the Falken STz is great .. Why risk a Family car tyre on a heavy van ?
------------- "Big-AL doesn't do spelling, but if he did, he would rpobalbe be the best in the world"
2007 Kombi 130 Sportline Alan Ranger www.rangersgarage.co.uk 01980 655555
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Posted By: a11y
Date Posted: 23 Jun 10 at 11:38
Big-AL, do you have access to check for the availability of Falken STZ tyres in 215/65/16 with a T5-relavant load rating? I can't seem to find them in the usual places online and I suspect they're just not available in the size I need.
There's plenty of other SUV-type tyres in 215/65/16 with 102/103 load ratings from the likes of Pirelli, Bridgestone and Continental plus a couple of "lesser" brands, so I've got plenty of options. There's just a lack of reviews on this type of tyre online though which isn't helping. I'm seriously impressed with the Falken FK452's on my Z4 though, so would be tempted with more SUV Falkens on the van...
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Posted By: simon payne
Date Posted: 23 Jun 10 at 14:08
Make sure once you've selected the tyre you want to check as many tyre fitters as possible. I've just had 4 new Michelin Agilis Tyres on my T5, and the cheapest deal I could find was by buying them on-line at Kwik Fit. I had to pay in advance and they were fitted two days later in my local depot.
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Posted By: a11y
Date Posted: 23 Jun 10 at 14:18
Good advice, but personall I'm a bit spoilt for choice. I used a mobile tyre fitter when replacing the runflat tyres on my car (very difficult job on 18" wheels with a very stiff-walled 35-profile) and he's already said he'll try to match any online price I find for tyres.
But my father-in-law also has access to a mate's workshop complete with tyre fitting and a balancing machine...
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Posted By: chriscroft
Date Posted: 24 Jun 10 at 20:57
As i say if I'm wrong then so are VW with regard to their tyre specifiactions.
If you believe that VW are wrong then why aren't there 100,000 americans taking them on in a huge class action (remeber toyota????)
I am right, so are VW, you are wrong end of story
Do you honestly believe that VW could engineer such a fantastic vehicle as the T5, 100% correct in every detail and fcuk up on tyre specs???????? ohhhh, I now see were you are coming from
Bow to my superior knowledge.
------------- You cann't have enough dogs - 9 and counting! 2004 fresco green velle 174se 125k miles owned for 4years
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Posted By: Ex-car bloke
Date Posted: 24 Jun 10 at 23:17
chriscroft wrote:
I think that load index 100 is the minimum you need for a T30 |
It seems that we are agreeing with each other.
My point was that despite VW quoting load rating 100 in the door jamb, they still specify 104/106 as standard. So this is what I'll continue to buy. With family on board I'd rather err on the side of caution.
Incidentally you can buy standard spec (Michelin/Bridgestone) 104/106 tyres (in 215/65/16) cheaper than any other tyre if you shop around.
Everyone is free to stick car rated tyres on their 3 tonne van if they want. Didn't mean to strike a raw nerve.
------------- ECB 2006 SWB 174 window van
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Posted By: a11y
Date Posted: 27 Oct 10 at 10:00
Just re-igniting an old thread of mine....
Question for the tyre experts: would 102 load-rated tyres be
sufficient for a T30?
My maths: 102-rating equals
850kg T30 front axle weight is 1525kg and rear is 1625kg So, 102-tyres exceeds the rear axle weight by 75kg,
but I need reassurance that this is legal/safe!!!
Still haven't bought tyres but will be before the end of the year. My situation's changed as I now have 2 sets of wheels: one set of 16" steels with worn (approx 4mm left) standard Conti van tyres, and a set of 17" steels from a T32 (no tyres)
Initially I intended buying 235/55/17s with a 103 load-rating for the 17's, fitting them all year round, and ditching the 16's completely. However, I've fitted winter tyres to my car and I'm debating buying winter tyres for the 16's AND new rubber for the 17's in the springtime. The van's a keeper so I'd get use out of both sets even if it takes me the next 5 years!
I'm struggling to find winter tyres with 103-rating at a sane price though: £133 for Toyo Snowproxes in 104-rating is the cheapest. The closest I've found is 102-rated XL winter tyres at £63 -
fair enough they're Nankangs and I wouldn't expect miraculous
performance, but they still get decent user reviews and they'll still
outperform ANY summer rubber during the cold months.
Thoughts??? (reassure me or put me right!)
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Posted By: fantasam
Date Posted: 27 Oct 10 at 11:37
I often wonder why it is that we (me included) are happy to spend thousands of pounds buying our vans and yet will go to great lengths to save a few quid here and there when it comes to replacing the bits that wear out!
I've got Goodyear Cargo 215/65/16R M+S on 16" steel wheels (good for 105 mph and currently £133 on Mytyres.com). This is my third winter with them and so far haven't had any scary moments, despite lots of mileage on ungritted roads in Europe. The wear so far is also minimal but then I tend to be a bit more gentle with the pedals in the winter.
------------- Man of few words, many farts
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Posted By: a11y
Date Posted: 27 Oct 10 at 11:46
fantasam wrote:
I often wonder why it is that we (me included) are happy to spend thousands of pounds buying our vans and yet will go to great lengths to save a few quid here and there when it comes to replacing the bits that wear out!
I've got Goodyear Cargo 215/65/16s on 16" steel wheels (currently £133 on Mytyres.com). This is my third winter with them and so far haven't had any scary moments, despite lots of mileage on ungritted roads in Europe. The wear so far is also minimal but then I tend to be a bit more gentle with the pedals in the winter. |
To be fair, I'm more interested in the best value for money and will happily spend what's required for the best solution, but that doesn't always mean the more expensive option is always the best! Hence my query about the Nankangs - not normally a brand I'd have looked at but they've got decent online user reviews and appear to be excellent VFM...
The way I see it, having two sets of wheels - one with summer rubber and one with winter - is the safest solution, while also offering the best tyre performance for the relevant conditions.
That's as long as a 102 load rating is deemed safe that is! Can anyone advise on that?
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Posted By: Liquidfreak
Date Posted: 27 Oct 10 at 12:18
The trend is to work out the weight needed per side (in your case 812.5kg) and match that to a tyre plus 10% = 894, so you are basically looking for a 900.
------------- 2004 VW T5 Panel Van T30 2.5 130 AXD Engine
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Posted By: Fast[Plumber
Date Posted: 27 Oct 10 at 20:24
just as a by the way......
a few years ago I stoved the side loading door af my T4 on a post, no one else envolved. Insurance co. sent someone out to look at it and the first thing he did was to measure the tread depth of all 4 tyres and note down the details of the tyres and Original vw alloys. Cant have become more relaxed about it these days!!??
------------- T30 174 SWB.
Raven Blue,new Sportlines.
Im the one with the silly smile when Driving!
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Posted By: spud murphy
Date Posted: 28 Oct 10 at 19:17
mines got KUMHO EC STA SPT 235/50ZR18 101 dont know if thats good or bad but they cost me £135 a corner to replace two for mot
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Posted By: kernow
Date Posted: 30 Oct 10 at 00:24
simon payne wrote:
Make sure once you've selected the tyre you want to check as many tyre fitters as possible. I've just had 4 new Michelin Agilis Tyres on my T5, and the cheapest deal I could find was by buying them on-line at Kwik Fit. I had to pay in advance and they were fitted two days later in my local depot. |
How much were they . not the cheapest but for sure the best value for the miles they do .
just had a set of michelins fitted to our car , they were only about a fiver each more then the cheapie brand , they were on a offer though .
------------- my bigest fear is that when I die the missus will sell my toys for what I said I paid for them
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Posted By: Splitskin
Date Posted: 02 Nov 10 at 21:03
Anyone know what I should expect to pay for load rated tyres for 18" Dakars. I had 101's on but the van didn't go through the test (Irish test). They said I needed 102 on front and 103 on rear. My van is LWB if that makes a difference to tyre rates. The 101 cost €125 a pop!
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Posted By: CrazyCano
Date Posted: 07 Jan 11 at 09:26
I have an odd situation.
I have purchased a 2004 T5 T30 in Australia and some 17" BMW X5 wheels with the intention of fitting 103 rated tyres.
I went into a local tyre fitter and they checked the tyre recommendation sticker and said it was illegal to fit the 103 tyres as my sticker said 106T minimum. I checked a 2006 T5 and their sticker said 102 minimum.
I guess VW reduced the load requirement for the 2006 plated vans, however this leaves me stuck as there are no 106 rated 17" tyres available here in Oz :-(
I'm keen to keep the van legal, but this is testing my patience, is there a way to get the tyre sticker changed?
Any advice would be great.
Thanks Alex
------------- VW T5 2004 1.9TDI SURFBUS
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Posted By: kernow
Date Posted: 07 Jan 11 at 21:43
104 is rated to 900kg 103 is rated to 875 kg per tyre . the load rating increases by 25kg for each number higher ie 105 =925 kg etc .
I don't know what the letter T means ,
I think its the speed rating for the load .
original fit michelins on my t32 are rated 106 or 104 H I think the rating drops for higher speed . The ex x5 michelins I fitted are rated 104 .
875 kg per tyre gets you 3500 kg all up load and the original tyres 3600 kg , are you going to exceed that ?? The lighter rated VW vans may have had a lighter rating on the t28 etc worth a check , depending on what model, your van is .
Someone else may clear that up
I would try another tyre fitter , it strikes me the one you asked may be a bit of a jobsworth who is just checking a chart and has no idea what the figure means
------------- my bigest fear is that when I die the missus will sell my toys for what I said I paid for them
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Posted By: swiss
Date Posted: 16 Apr 11 at 16:24
What a pointless thread One says car tyres One says van tyres Whats next? I bought a pair of shoes three sizes too small and now have blisters and a bruise on ass where I slipped? But they were cheaper At end of day there are just 4 inches of rubber that contact you with road
------------- Vansales.com http://www.vansales.com http://www.swissvantek.com T5 Accessories http://www.brokerweb.com Trade/ CCL only finance website
01656 674620
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Posted By: The Transporter
Date Posted: 16 Apr 11 at 20:23
silkmothmike wrote:
As far as my experience is concerned, I find these (T5 Alloy Wheel and tyres) sucking big time |
Care to expand on that? or are you just trying to advertise your business for free?
By the way, your tyres aren't that competitive either..
------------- 2004 174bhp AXE engine..... Belligerence has been confirmed.
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Posted By: kernow
Date Posted: 16 Apr 11 at 20:47
Now would you take your nice shiny T5 alloys to fitter who thinks they suck .
What geat business sense , try to get a sly freeby ad for your business while telling the folks your trying to sell to that what they have sucks . that surely quaifies for a darwin award
------------- my bigest fear is that when I die the missus will sell my toys for what I said I paid for them
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Posted By: The Transporter
Date Posted: 16 Apr 11 at 21:09
kernow wrote:
Now would you take your nice shiny T5 alloys to fitter who thinks they suck .
What geat business sense , try to get a sly freeby ad for your business while telling the folks your trying to sell to that what they have sucks . that surely quaifies for a darwin award |
Does that mean that he sucks?
------------- 2004 174bhp AXE engine..... Belligerence has been confirmed.
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Posted By: kernow
Date Posted: 16 Apr 11 at 22:18
The Transporter wrote:
kernow wrote:
Now would you take your nice shiny T5 alloys to fitter who thinks they suck .
What geat business sense , try to get a sly freeby ad for your business while telling the folks your trying to sell to that what they have sucks . that surely quaifies for a darwin award |
Does that mean that he sucks?
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lets vote
------------- my bigest fear is that when I die the missus will sell my toys for what I said I paid for them
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Posted By: The Transporter
Date Posted: 16 Apr 11 at 22:24
Sucks it is from me then!
But the real question is does he spit or swallow?
------------- 2004 174bhp AXE engine..... Belligerence has been confirmed.
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Posted By: kernow
Date Posted: 16 Apr 11 at 22:39
The Transporter wrote:
Sucks it is from me then!
But the real question is does he spit or swallow?
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gargle's i reckon
------------- my bigest fear is that when I die the missus will sell my toys for what I said I paid for them
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Posted By: a11y
Date Posted: 17 Apr 11 at 07:57
swiss wrote:
What a pointless thread One says car tyres One says van tyres Whats next? I bought a pair of shoes three sizes too small and now have blisters and a bruise on ass where I slipped? But they were cheaper At end of day there are just 4 inches of rubber that contact you with road
|
Read my initial post again: "Q2: Or, could I fit
a "normal" car tyre, provided it has a load rating suitable for my 3000kg
maximum permitted weight?" "I'm after the best performing tyres
in terms of grip in the dry and wet, and also braking performance: of
all the tyre tests I've seen, car tyres out-perform commercial-specific
tyres."
And then read my follow-up post:
a11y wrote:
Thanks, for the comments/advice folks, really useful stuff
Despite
my intended use (a camper conversion), there's still the chance of
uneven loadings - the dynamic loading mentioned by ECB above. I've had
advice - found online but backed up by a tyre fitter I trust - that
it's standard practice for tyres to be load-rated
10-25% over the actual maximum permitted weight of the vehicle, which
explains why the standard van tyres on the T5 are rated at >900kg per
corner.
So basically, my idea of 98-rated (750kg per corner) tyres is out the window .
I'm now looking at tyres designed for SUVs/etc which have at least a
103 load rating, as they generally perform much better than
commercial-specific tyres in performance tests.
I'm not so
bothered about saving money overall, I'm just more interested with
getting the best tyre for my money in terms of performance. Anyone who
knows me know I don't skrimp on the important things, i.e. tyres! I have
noticed that 18" tyres in 235/50/18 aren't much more than 215/65/16,
but that would involve buying alloys which I'm not bothered about...
|
I wasn't asking for cost-saving; my concern is about performance. Once it'd been clarified/explained to me exactly how load-ratings were calculated, I was very clear about what I needed to buy.
FWIW I ended up buying Falken STZ/01's in 235/55/17 103-rated flavour. Great tyre, legal for my axle weights, better reviews for grip/braking than any commercial tyre, although will probably not last as long as I assume they'll be a softer compound hence the better performance.
So, is this still a pointless thread?
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Posted By: The Transporter
Date Posted: 17 Apr 11 at 09:18
a11y wrote:
FWIW I ended up buying Falken STZ/01's in 235/55/17 103-rated flavour. Great tyre, legal for my axle weights, better reviews for grip/braking than any commercial tyre, although will probably not last as long as I assume they'll be a softer compound hence the better performance.
So, is this still a pointless thread?
|
Well yes it is to me.... As is taking a van and trying to make it corner like a sportscar. Might I suggest tyres with a higher aspect ratio to absorb more shock from all those potholes out there..
------------- 2004 174bhp AXE engine..... Belligerence has been confirmed.
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Posted By: a11y
Date Posted: 17 Apr 11 at 09:22
LOOOOL you have a point. But every little helps in terms of grip for safety. My T5 will never handle well, 2500kgs of converted van, forget it lol.
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Posted By: Studioman
Date Posted: 17 Apr 11 at 12:17
just a point about sourcing tyres from people like camskill's...good value tyres but then of course you get into loads of hassle with your local fitting place i.e. 'why the ***k should we fit somebody elses tyres?!' can't say as i blame them either.. one very bad experience put me off that method for good. your alloys won't get much respect in that situation.
this is why i recommended CTtyres.co.uk, quick easy order online but a brilliant link-up with local fitting places all over the country. no add-ons at point of fitment and i am genuinely well impressed. we've used them three times with no issues, lets hope they continue to offer such amazing service and choice.
------------- VW T5 104 x1, Navara x2, Jeep GC 3.0CRD x1, BMW M3, Qashqai x1, ancient Sprinter x1
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Posted By: swiss
Date Posted: 17 Apr 11 at 15:29
P= Passenger LT = Light truck or van T = Temporary
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tire_code http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Tire_code_-_en.svg
Then the tyre width = e.g 205 Then aspect ratio 0 = lowest i.e low profile 100 e.g Highest and are your Kevlar or low rolling resistance tyres, fuel savers but increased side wall stress
R for radials unless you want Russian off road C cross ply BDR
16 is the size f tyre diameter Then speed rating, R S T U V W X Y Then UTQ which is the hardness of rubber measured as T T T Tread 100, 200, 300 etc Temperature AA Best down to C on how well the rubber resists getting hot specifically the welds - poor / Traction AA down to C (poor)
And finally Loads
Load Range - Number of layers of ply on tyre A - N 2 - 24
Load Index 98 750 KG 99 775 KG Generally manufactures alloys 100 800 KG x 4 = T32 or is it Manufacturers alloys 101 825 KG Limit to manufacturers alloys 102 850 KG 103 875 KG 104 900 KG Where most of my alloys are 105 925 KG 106 950 KG Limit of where u can buy alloys e,g Dakar style Swiss 107 975 KG 108 1000 KG
Load index is also on alloys Having correct tyres is pretty useless if you have car alloys fitted The tyre should normally be similar to the alloy so for a T30 / 4 = 750 KG minimum but you need to allow for accidental overloading from 1000 KG payload
e.g 6 people in Kombi = 500 KG 70 Litres fuel etc 70 KG Spare wheel 70 KG Aircon and extras e windows 100 KG
Plus whatever actual load you are carrying 500 KG? Or camper conversion Or whatever you guys actually put in them
Take a look on eBay and very few T5 Alloy sellers even mention the Load Weighting etc Fit these and you are simply not insured You have modified the vehicle with telling the insurer usimg a substandard part http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/20-HAWKE-T5-VW-transporter-RS4-wheels-tyres-silver-/370469077133?pt=UK_CarParts_Acc_Wheels_tyres_Rims_Car_Wheels_ET&hash=item5641ad808d
First one I looked at is a 97 Thus it can take roughly 2800/2900 KG with no room for error It is a potential collapse
------------- Vansales.com http://www.vansales.com http://www.swissvantek.com T5 Accessories http://www.brokerweb.com Trade/ CCL only finance website
01656 674620
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Posted By: oldun
Date Posted: 10 Apr 13 at 17:29
simmytt wrote:
From what i have read on here and other forums you need to allow a % over the load rating,i would stick with 4x4 or mpv tyres,with a rating of 101,camskill do the best price on falkens.I have just got 4 ,255/45/18 falkens load rate 103 for my t30 £91 each. |
But what load should we be using? 1. A quarter of the maximum load - 3000/4 = 750 kg 1. Half the maximum front axle laod (larger than the rear axle load) - 1550/2 = 775 kg Is the differenece significant when considering the tyre load ratings?
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Posted By: Alonline
Date Posted: 13 Apr 13 at 18:40
simon payne wrote:
Make sure once you've selected the tyre you want to check as many tyre fitters as possible. I've just had 4 new Michelin Agilis Tyres on my T5, and the cheapest deal I could find was by buying them on-line at Kwik Fit. I had to pay in advance and they were fitted two days later in my local depot.
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Had you not read posts about problems with the Agillis on here. Prone to eggs forming and noise and vibration. I found wear rate high and poor in the wet. Keep an eye on them because I found four in my fleet failing, two developed eggs I missed looking in from the side and only seem them when jacked up looking stright into the tread. The other two began to crack inside the tread round the tyres. I have two left to go which will be changed soon. Very disappointing from the from the white fat man! Search the thread. I am sorry if I sound negative but if you were steaming up the motorway and one lets go its not going to pleasent until you get stopped providing you stay upright and there might be an unpleasent smell in the wagon. Yeah any tyre, any brand can fail but keep an eyes on them, we don't want to read unhappy tales later.
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Posted By: zedzedeleven
Date Posted: 13 Apr 13 at 23:17
Keep a close eye on those Agilis Simon, I failed the mot because two had blocks of tread lifting off with deep cracks between the treads. Like Al says, do a search.
------------- 1.9 85ps swb 2004 in friesan green.
bring me sunshine.
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Posted By: Alonline
Date Posted: 13 Apr 13 at 23:23
swiss wrote:
P= Passenger LT = Light truck or van T = Temporary
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tire_code http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Tire_code_-_en.svg
Then the tyre width = e.g 205 Then aspect ratio 0 = lowest i.e low profile 100 e.g Highest and are your Kevlar or low rolling resistance tyres, fuel savers but increased side wall stress
R for radials unless you want Russian off road C cross ply BDR
16 is the size f tyre diameter Then speed rating, R S T U V W X Y Then UTQ which is the hardness of rubber measured as T T T Tread 100, 200, 300 etc Temperature AA Best down to C on how well the rubber resists getting hot specifically the welds - poor / Traction AA down to C (poor)
And finally Loads
Load Range - Number of layers of ply on tyre A - N 2 - 24
Load Index 98 750 KG 99 775 KG Generally manufactures alloys 100 800 KG x 4 = T32 or is it Manufacturers alloys 101 825 KG Limit to manufacturers alloys 102 850 KG 103 875 KG 104 900 KG Where most of my alloys are 105 925 KG 106 950 KG Limit of where u can buy alloys e,g Dakar style Swiss 107 975 KG 108 1000 KG
Load index is also on alloys Having correct tyres is pretty useless if you have car alloys fitted The tyre should normally be similar to the alloy so for a T30 / 4 = 750 KG minimum but you need to allow for accidental overloading from 1000 KG payload
e.g 6 people in Kombi = 500 KG 70 Litres fuel etc 70 KG Spare wheel 70 KG Aircon and extras e windows 100 KG
Plus whatever actual load you are carrying 500 KG? Or camper conversion Or whatever you guys actually put in them
Take a look on eBay and very few T5 Alloy sellers even mention the Load Weighting etc Fit these and you are simply not insured You have modified the vehicle with telling the insurer usimg a substandard part http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/20-HAWKE-T5-VW-transporter-RS4-wheels-tyres-silver-/370469077133?pt=UK_CarParts_Acc_Wheels_tyres_Rims_Car_Wheels_ET&hash=item5641ad808d
First one I looked at is a 97 Thus it can take roughly 2800/2900 KG with no room for error It is a potential collapse
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Good post Swiss I think someoone used to go on about brevatey or something but some things need laid out proper
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