That size tire is only slightly taller-wider than stock. Should not be an
issue at all if the wheel offset is acceptable. You do need to be aware of
the load capacity. There are very few tires in this size with the XL rating.
A standard tire in this size has a load index of only 95, (1,521 lbs.).
After de-rating for light truck this is a marginal fitment. The XL rating in
this size gets you to a 99 load index, (1,709 lbs.). Hopefully when they
installed the lower springs they also changed the bump stops at the top of
the shocks. If not you may not have sufficient suspension travel for rough
roads. Maintaining caster and camber alignment sometimes becomes an issue.
Next tire change consider the 225/60-16. That slight change ups the load
rating considerably and gets you onto a common tire size including a lot of
XL offerings.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Alain Thibault
Sent: Saturday, September 28, 2013 6:54 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: 1986 Westfalia with 16" tires

Allo
The van that I am looking to buy ( (1986 Vanagon westy) comes with 215-60-16
tires. Looks pretty cool... The van has been lowered with shorter springs
from Van Cafe and adjustable Koni shocks were installed. The owner says that
with the combination of shorter springs and Koni shocks the highway handling
has improved dramatically and keeping up with traffic through the corners is
no problem and brake dive is almost nonexistent. I am wondering however if
there would be any rubbing issues with such a setting...he says no but I
have doubts as I have never seen 16" tires on a Vanagon...what would you
guys say?
Thanks
Alain

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