Tyre Load Index

[mompracen_bs]

Hi, I recently changed rims + tires my TC 2.0 year2016 L2H2
15" steel rims + tires 215/65R15 104/102T (6PR)
to
16" aluminum rims + tires Continental VanContactUltra 215/65 R16C 109/107T (8PR)

Traction and braking has improved a lot (at the same time I increased front disc diameter 288mm>308mm).
But the van definitely feels stiffer on all asphalt irregularities maybe even excessively considering that I always travel empty or very lightly loaded (200/300Kg).

Does anyone have similar experiences with changing tires?

PS
Unfortunately in Italy the only size in the booklet for 16" is specified R16C 109/107T, you are in fine if not equal or higher (there is no freedom to add sizes as in UK Germany)

[metalworker0]

know nothing about tyre load ..but here's the speedo error .

215/65 r16 and 215/65 r15 Data for 215/65-16 Data for 215/65-15
Diameter........................................... 685.............660.5
Width inches..................................... 215 ........215
Circum. inches ......................................2154.82......2075.02
Sidewall Height ......................................139.75........139.75

percentage circumference difference is 3.77319, so that the error on your speedo because of this change.

all the best.mark

[Altransit]

The 8 ply tyres that you've fitted will definitely feel much stiffer than the 6 ply ones that you've removed.

They will carry weight much better without the tyres "bulging", but not a great choice for a lightly loaded or empty van.

[andz327]

Didn't know customs came with 15in wheels, I've only ever seen 16in steels here in uk
As for the tyre rating any 16c will have those or higher ratings
Handling wise i wouldn't have thought there would have been much difference going from same width and sidewall height ,would feel different going from 75 series down to 65 (or less) smaller sidewall stiffer ride and less tyre roll on cornering will give sharper steering control
Most vans are bouncy when empty

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[mompracen_bs]

Didn't know customs came with 15in wheels, I've only ever seen 16in steels here in uk
As for the tyre rating any 16c will have those or higher ratings
Handling wise i wouldn't have thought there would have been much difference going from same width and sidewall height ,would feel different going from 75 series down to 65 (or less) smaller sidewall stiffer ride and less tyre roll on cornering will give sharper steering control
Most vans are bouncy when empty

Sent from my SM-G990B using Tapatalk

In Italy Transit Custom in base trim (which were the majority of those sold to companies and workers here) in the pre-restyling version and 2.0 engine(and sole 2.2 engine) were sold with 15" alloy wheels and a smaller tire outer diameter creating a lot of void in the fenders.

Like this photo:
https://images.sbito.it/api/v1/sbt-ads- ... op-1x-auto
https://images.sbito.it/api/v1/sbt-ads- ... en-1x-auto

[andz327]

My actually mk7 was a 300 lwb medium roof and came with 15in
Looked so weird and people kept asking why i put smaller wheels on ..... was first thing i changed

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[mompracen_bs]

The 8 ply tyres that you've fitted will definitely feel much stiffer than the 6 ply ones that you've removed.

They will carry weight much better without the tyres "bulging", but not a great choice for a lightly loaded or empty van.

Unfortunately, all Transit Customs in document in Italy offer only two tyre options, one for 15" rims and one for 16" rims.
215/65 R16C 106/104T
215/65 R16C 109/107T

And with the load index(109/107T) indicated on the ONLY 16" tyre, all manufacturers produce them in 8PLY.

If you find a zealous policeman, agree to increase the number but not to reduce it.
215/65 R16C 106/104T > 109/107T OK
215/65 R16C 109/107T > 106/104T FORBIDDEN