Carat alloys tyre size?

[Laws1974]

I have a set of vw carat alloys with 185 70 14 on but two tyres need replacing.
Can I fit wider tyres on like 205 70 14 I was just going to fit these on the rears if they fit
As the original steel wheels had this set up.
Thanks

[silverbullet]

They should have 205/70/14 on a 6J x 14 alloy wheel

[Laws1974]

Thanks for replying
The tyres do look a bit skinny!!

[marlinowner]

My VW handbook gives tyre pressures for both 185r14 and 205/70r14 on 6Jx14 alloys, so take your pick. I'm running 195r14 on 6Jx14, mainly because they were on the van when I got it.

[waltraud]

What does it say for pressures on 205 70 14? Thanks. I'm running carats with 205 70 14 36psi front and 40 rear, in a Westy pop top.

[marlinowner]

Well ive got a couple of handbooks, one that came with my now defunct 1989 1.9DG Transporter, that gives (translated from bar) 30-36psi front and 41 rear depending on load. Also handbook from SA 2.5 Microbus, that gives 33 front and 36 rear fully loaded. (Same pressures for 205/70 sr14 and 185 sr14 reinforced, 185r14c has higher pressures, 43psi and 53psi fully loaded.)

[ghost123uk]

I have Carats on mine. I chose 205 "full height" van tyres (as opposed to the lower "70" profile ones usually fitted) I an very very pleased with the choice. They are a bit bigger diameter and this gives me a slightly higher gearing, so more relaxed feel to the van at higher speeds, they look great in the arches, filling them up more than the smaller tyres and also my speedo is now absolutely spot on (checked via SatNav).

[waltraud]

Ghost123uk. What engine are you running? I ask because my mate with a 1.6td Westy says the same re 205/80/14 but I wonder whether the DG (mine) which does not have much torque already would struggle a bit / need more gear changes etc.

[ghost123uk]

1.9 WBX DG power, usually on LPG (it's in my sig )

I have always thought that the 1.9 engine vans are a bit low geared actually, just my opinion of course

On my setup the extra gearing from the taller tyres has no downside I can think of at all. Cruises at ~70mph with less revs and doesn't seem at all over geared.

Mind you, mine is not one of those big / heavy Hi-Top jobbies, Leisure drives in particular seem to have a heck of a lot of heavy wood, both in the furniture and in the structure around the roof area.

[waltraud]

Good news ghost, thanks. When my 205 70 wear out I'll be looking into some.

[VirginAtlantic]

should these 205 70 14 tyres be 205 70 14C or just 14? the hand book doesn't state C rating but it's a commercial vehicle.

[waltraud]

There are endless threads on this subject VA , my advice is to make sure they are C rated and 97 or above rated. 205 70R 14 car tyres are not designed for a 2 ton van[GRINNING FACE WITH SMILING EYES]

[silverbullet]

C rated just have stiffer (6-ply?) sidewalls. Not nice for comfort in cooler seasons.
As long as they are 95 or above you will be legal, 97 give you some peace of mind if you make a habit of pushing the GVW to its limit