[Jim Doodle]

he following weights are for the maximum permitted axle weight that is recommended by the manfacturer. The load rating represents the minimum load rating needed for the highest of the two maximum permitted axel weights.

The following chart is meant only a guide and you should always check your individual vehicle for the precise axle weights.


T4a Pre-Facelift
[TABLE="head"]Model|Year|Wheelbase|Front Axle Weight|Rear Axle Weight|Combined Axel Weight|Minimum Load Rating*
Van 800|1990 - 1995|SWB|1200kg|1200kg|2400kg|90
Van 1000|1990 - 1995|SWB|1350kg|1380kg|2730kg|95
Van 1200|1990 - 1995|LWB|1430kg|1460kg|2890kg|97
Caravelle|1990 - 1995|SWB|1350kg|1380kg|2730kg|95
Chassis Cab|1990 - 1995|| 1430kg|1460kg|2890kg|97[/TABLE]

T4b Facelift

[TABLE="head"]Model|Year|Wheelbase|Front Axle Weight|Rear Axle Weight|Combined Axel Weight|Minimum Load Rating*
Van 800|1996 - 2003|SWB|1250kg|1230kg|2480kg|92
Van 1000|1996 - 2003|SWB & LWB|1430kg|1410kg|2840kg|97
Van 1200|1996 - 2003|SWB & LWB|1510kg|1490kg|3000kg|99
Caravelle, Eurovan|1996 - 2003|SWB|1480kg|1230kg|2710kg|98
Caravelle, Eurovan|1996 - 2003|LWB|1600kg|1330kg|2930kg|100
Multivan|1996 - 2003|SWB|1510kg|1230kg|2740kg|99
Kombi|1996 - 2003|SWB|1510kg|1330kg|2840kg|99
Kombi|1996 - 2003|LWB|1600kg|1490kg|3090kg|100
Chassis Cab|1996 - 2003|| 1510kg|1490kg|3000kg|99[/TABLE]

*Based upon highest loaded axle

Whilst it is possible to run lower rated tyres than your maximum axel weight doing so could result in legal ramifications and invalidate your insurance in the case of an accident.

 

[Vantage]

Good post!

 

[vwbuzzers]

Glad i have an 800T: now i can fit my new wheels with 92 rated tyres

 

[tl1000gussie]

Hi JIm,
brilliant usefull item, where will i find the plate/details on my van, as i have looked at the sticker by driver door, and it has 15 as wheel size and 102 rear and 104 on front.
My van is a 98 s reg 102bhp 1200.

I am looking for tyres and have found some 100 load rated ones that gives me slighly over, but wanted to check on the van itsself.
thanks in advance.
gussie.

 

[tl1000gussie]

My van is a 98 2.5 102. 1200swb van, where do i find the plate/sticker that tells you what the tyres should be.

I have looked at the only one i can find says 102 rear and 104 load on front. help needed urgently as i am trying to get some new tyres ta.
gussie

 

[FinM]

Its right up there dude……102 would be ok I think. The plate with axle weights is on the crossmember panel to the right/left of the bonnet catch when you lift it. I was having a discussion about tyres weights tooHERE
I point in particular to Fatboys post, this helped me find out exactly what tyres my van "should" have on. Try it and see what you come up with…….if you google "tyre load index" you'll find various charts as to what weights are for a given load rating number. Hope this helps

 

[paul20v]

Glad i have an 800T: now i can fit my new wheels with 92 rated tyres

I have an 800 and my front axle weight is 1360kg so that chart is wrong T:

 

[Abyss]

I have an 800 and my front axle weight is 1360kg so that chart is wrong T:

I would say that the guide is just that, and your van could well be a cross over type? Still it shows people ideally need to check and not rely just on this T:

 

[andymacdonald30]

You must go by the manufactures plate in the vehicle

Many same kind of vehicles differ

I had a tranny on a 2000 reg and when I got the next one that looked exactly the same ,I found the vehicle was 220 kg heavier

I would say if in any dought ring VW and ask them

After all THEY SHOULD KNOW ????? well, I would hope so ???

 

[shanecrehan]

Great post lots of info to take in.... I'm new to the T4 game and would like to settle some rumours that I've heard ( by non van drivers mind) however I've heard I shouldn't put any wheels on that are bigger than 16" as apparently this can push the drive shaft out??? I actually don't understand at all what this chap means by this, so I guess my question is, except for load rating, what else should I be aware of when looking to change the wheels on my T4??

 

[BessieW]

Hello all,
I have some lovely 17 inch mercedes mekab alloys that were going to go onto my 51 kombi but I am struggling to find load rated tyres to go on the van to give the correct load rating any suggestions I am after 225/55 or 50 with a 100 load rating.
Also need some alloy wheel bolts with 50mm thread x16 and 4 locking wheel bolts and cheapest I have been quoted for these is £68.00
Any suggestions would be gratefully received

Regards Keith

 

[JWatson]

ive just bought these bolts from ebay. i had no luck finding a 225/50/17 above 98 load, 225/55/17 has more on offer but is slightly taller than stock.

 

[paul20v]

Great post lots of info to take in.... I'm new to the T4 game and would like to settle some rumours that I've heard ( by non van drivers mind) however I've heard I shouldn't put any wheels on that are bigger than 16" as apparently this can push the drive shaft out??? I actually don't understand at all what this chap means by this, so I guess my question is, except for load rating, what else should I be aware of when looking to change the wheels on my T4??

What a load of tosh , push the drive shafts out by fitting bigger wheels ,
Some people really need to keep there mouths such when they know absolutely nothing about what there talking about
I would love to know why he reckoned this would happen
Theres no mechanical reason for a wheel of any side to possibly push a drive shaft out :*

 

[caleebra]

I remember reading something about determining for load rating tyres that applied a 25% increase to cater for dynamic loads under cornering, braking etc.

So you have max laden axle weight x 1.25.

So for an 800 T4b that's approx 775kg per corner, so 99 rating and above.

Any thoughts?

 

[m7ohn]

I have a set of 18 x 8J Audi Alloys on my T4 with 235/40/18 tyres.

I've recently had the van raised (from it's previous owners lowering kit) to a new 45mm lowering kit.

I found the ride a bit too hard.

Having had the van raised, I now have a bigger gap above the tyres in the wheel arches.

In the new year i'll be getting a set of new tyres all round as my current tyres came up as an advisory on last weeks MOT being near their legal limit.

What I would like to know is can I buy a tyre with a higher profile i.e 235/50/18 to close the gap above the tyres and fill the space around the tyres a bit more without affecting the driving characteristics of the van?

Many thanks for any help.

Cheers, Marcus

 

[Yellow Campervan]

That chart is good information

 

[SuperGrover]

Wow,
So much to take in ! And such a small brain with which to do it... ?

Ok ... I've had a look, and my van is
A 1998 800 Special TD SWB panel van, which is obviously undergoing a full conversion.

Looking at the table, am I right in thinking that 92 load rating tyres are the minimum standard ?
And as it currently has
225 40 ZR18 92W on does that mean I'm just within the limits of acceptability?
Being a complete novice, is it just a case of searching for a tyre by just amending the weight rating?
My head is starting to hurt already ! Lol !
SG

 

[Hanke]

Hi

Just started a long held wish to get a van and go camping! Got the van and it is a work in progress. To start I am simply trying to make sure all the basics are there as far as the van and safety goes.

Onto the subject in question.... The wheels and tyres I am told are from a passat car. Question 1 What size wheels and tyres did the T4 start out with??? Van is a SWB, 2.5TDI RH Drive.

I am planning to use the van for general transporting use and camping (easily removable pods) and aim to get a trailer to use as well.

Having tried various sources of information I am now completely confused as to what I should be looking at. Q2, 3 and 4; Steels or Alloys, 15" or bigger. What tyre size and rating needed.