18 inch tyre recommendations

[danveall]

Hi, running 8 x 18 inch Mercedes alloys, but not really happy with the tyres. Does anyone run 235/50 or am I asking for too much sidewall! Should I play it safe and go for 235/45? Any recommendations - what are people running?

[g60steve]

235/50/18's are 6.13%(40mm) bigger than the standard 14" set up so you're gearing would be altered.

235/45/18's would be the better option as they're just 2.61%(17mm) larger.

Saying that though if you're van is lowered by more than 50mm you run the risk of tyre to front wheel arch contact.

Sorry I can't recommend any particular brand of 18" tyre.

[Bigjcc55]

I have 245/45/18 on the rear and 235/45/18 on the front, the van is lowered by 70mm and I've had a bit of contact with the arch when it's fully loaded and you hit a bump whilst turning, it's ok when empty as it's just an empty van 99% of the time.
I think that wide on the front of a lowered camper would be a pain.

[danveall]

image.jpg

The camper is standard hight. Bought the wheels of eBay and the back tyres were too good to bin! The fronts however have started to crack a bit on the sidewall. They are too low profile really and border line for weight limit. Fancied going for the up in the air look! Do you think the 235/50 would make too much of a difference on the drive ability with regards to gearing?

[Jimscerb]

Hi Danviell
I was thinking of getting a set of 18/7.5 - 18/8.5
With a et37/34 mono block AMG alloys
Have you had to make any adjustment ie spacers / studs
I'm sorry don't know enough about tyres
Many thanks jim

[danveall]

Hi Jim. Fitted stud conversion on front, longer studs at the back (had a job to find any long enough, got some for a bay window in the end) and 10mm spacers all round. Very close at front to the top wishbone - took a chunk out of one of the front wheels when hitting a pothole so now fitted some extra 3mm spacers all round.

[Smiffo]

I have 245/45/18 on the rear and 235/45/18 on the front, the van is lowered by 70mm and I've had a bit of contact with the arch when it's fully loaded and you hit a bump whilst turning, it's ok when empty as it's just an empty van 99% of the time.
I think that wide on the front of a lowered camper would be a pain.

Hi Bigjcc55.

With 245 on the rear, how much space do you have between rear siding door and the rear wheel.?
I was looking at some Audi A5 wheels, and have the cash, but a little concerned that 245 and et29 would mean the rear door would hit the rear wheel....

Thanks in advance.

[Bigjcc55]

I've got loads of space from the tyre to the door, the wheel is closer due to the shape of the spokes, I think mine are around 28mm offset or there abouts, this size of tyre gave me slightly longer gears.

[Bigjcc55]

Wheels are a 57mm offset with brickwerks 25 mm adapters, and are 8" wide.

[Smiffo]

Wheels are a 57mm offset with brickwerks 25 mm adapters, and are 8" wide.

Thanks BigJ.

Just for clarification - those wheels have 225 tyres on?
I think the Audi wheels are 245, i.e. 8.5 inches wide...

Offset a little less too - which doesn't leave me much room for error...!!

I appreciate the pictures, it gives me something to work with - thanks

[Bigjcc55]

No problem, the rears are 245 fronts are 235.

[Smiffo]

No problem, the rears are 245 fronts are 235.

OK BigJ - thanks again...!

[Bigjcc55]

Cool get some pictures up when you get them fitted.