185 vs 205?

[trucker]

Hi, I currently have 185/70/r14 on my Atiwe pepperpots I'm wondering what if any are the advantages of fitting 205/70 instead when I change them? I believe this size was a option offered by VW
Here's a pic of my wheels in case I haven't described them correctly

Cheers
Paul

[marc simpson]

I think that if you go up in tyre width you get alot more tyre roll on heavy cornering but then in a straight line or on rough the extra width is a good thing!
The 70 part of the tyre size means the height (from the rim) is 70% of its width, so if you put 205's on you might need to go down to a 60 profile or your speedo will be out because of a bigger rolling radius.
hope that sheds some light for you...

[g60steve]

if you put 205's on you might need to go down to a 60 profile or your speedo will be out because of a bigger rolling radius.

Incorrect.

Fitting 60 series tyres will alter the speedo reading however but that's because 60's are 52mm smaller than the standard 185R14C's and 41mm smaller than 205/70/14's......not to mention 60's being car tyres.

Trucker...you are correct he Atiwe alloys shown were fitted with 205/70/14 tyres as standard....185R14C's can also be used.

If the tyres fitted are infact 185/70/14 tyres(they look like 185R14C's which are 80/82 profile) then they are the wrong size....33mm smaller than the 205/70's plus they are car tyres and not load rated for a T25.

[trucker]

Thanks for the info Steve.
My mistake the tyres are infact 185r14c.I was wondering wether 205s offer any advantage over 185s, ride, handling etc?

[g60steve]

Me personally I've always preferred the 205/70/14 tyres due to the better ride quality...more like an MPV than a work van.
However I'm afraid there's not much choice these days in that size of tyre.

[California Dreamin]

205/70R14 tyres give a larger footprint and in my experience offer more grip. Their lower profile means slighly less sidewall movement so more precise steering (only slightly though)
And
They look better....which for me is the main reason for choosing this size.

True..there isn't as much choice but they are still readily available.

Martin

[aarons56]

Stability in high winds on the motorway is much improved with 205s. Make sure you get c rated otherwise the walls flex too much round corners.

[trucker]

Thanks for the advice and opinions guys
Do the tyres have to be c rated or would a load rating of 98 and above be okay? [for a fully loaded Westy]
Paul

[California Dreamin]

A load rating of 97 or higher, they don't need to be commercially rated although preferable if given the choice.

http://www.tyremen.co.uk/product/3096/2 ... an-at.aspx" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Martin

[g60steve]

Trucker...if you decide to go for the Nexens,they are slightly cheaper at Camskills and Tyretraders.
http://www.camskill.co.uk/m90b0s2225p60 ... _C_100T_TL_" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.tyretraders.com/cart.aspx" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Tyretraders also have some budget 205/70/14(97H) people carrier tyres for £163.98 for 4 inc delivery.
http://www.tyretraders.com/cart.aspx" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Worth asking your local tyre place as well to see if they can beat those prices.

[printmonkey]

Morning all, I had the nexxen tyres fitted earlier this year as recommended by Steve.
I spent a few days in snowdonia in the summer and I was really happy with the grip, road noise and performance on dry and wet roads.

Well worth the money.

David

[California Dreamin]

Indeed..look a good tyre, properly rated and a very good price.
I shall have to remember Tyretraders name for next time.

Martin

[trucker]

Thanks guys much appreciated. I will try my local tyre place first just to see if they can get close.

[CovKid]

Hoorah that man. Couldn't agree more. I actually run on XL extra duty tyres which are not commercial but easily meet the requirements in terms of load etc. They're often found on beefy people carriers and since mine is a tintop and not loaded with pots and pans and an extra ton of chipboard to boot, they're more than adequate and cheaper too.

A load rating of 97 or higher, they don't need to be commercially rated although preferable if given the choice.

http://www.tyremen.co.uk/product/3096/2 ... an-at.aspx" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Martin

[waltraud]

Very helpful post- also have Vw 14" alloys with 185/14c Michelin agilis. Good in mud n snow but look terrible and ride not v comfy. Was thinking either of going 205 70 14c and dropping 30mm on multivan springs OR putting on some 15" Mefros with AT tyres for the beefy 2wd look! Anyone done the latter or know of someone who has? Cheers.