For North America VW chose to use 14' tires and wheels.  In other locales
you could have 15" and even 16" for your van.  Those of us that trade up are
not necessarily moving away from what VW engineers spec'd for but to a size
that VW marketing chose not to give us.  The stock 14" tire size is limited
in selection here and getting more so as the years pass.  Not many vehicles
used a 185R14 of the proper load range in North America.  By switching to a
larger diameter you increase the number of tire choices available and can
improve handling as well.  I have upgraded to 215/75R15 BFG's on the older
style S A alloys for our Westy Syncro and am pleased with the results both
in handling and looks.  I did have to modify the clamshell so I could carry
an inflated spare and lost a little power on hills as the final drive ration
has changed but it was worth it to me.  I agree that some modifications are
questionable at best and others down right dangerous but switching to 15" or
16" wheels and tires can be done safely.

Mark in AK

On Sun, Sep 13, 2009 at 6:38 AM, Dave Mcneely <mcneely4@cox.net> wrote:

> I am forever amazed at the propensity of folks to change something on a
> vehicle from the way the engineers designed it, and dismiss any concerns
> about safety of the modification with faith that it will "be ok."
>
> Why do you guys want different wheels from the ones that VW put on the
> van?  In what way do you think that your choices are better?  Just
> curious.
>
> Dave McNeely
>
>
>
>