Matching rims with an off road van

[baldryk Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close baldryk]

We have a Goldstream offroad van, and I want to match the wheels so that van/Prado spares are interchangeable in an emergency for more remote stuff and I don't need a second car spare. Both are 16" but the Prado is 6 stud and the van 5, so the van hubs need replacing.

Anyone done this?

The van is currently running LT 245/75R16 but is jacked up really high so am sure would take a taller tyre. The Prado has Cooper LT 265/75R16s. My main concern is spending money to get the van hubs changed, only to find that the offset means that they aren't compatible with the Prado at the hub side of the wheel. The van shop obviously does the noncommital thing, can't tell until they get the new hubs etc.

Second question: if it's a goer, where best to get steel 16" rims in Adelaide? Being for the van I'd be happy with second hand, but the wreckers still charge $60 per. $110 ea new from a shop.

[croozza Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close croozza]

Re: Matching rims with an off road van

We have a Goldstream offroad van, and I want to match the wheels so that van/Prado spares are interchangeable in an emergency for more remote stuff and I don't need a second car spare. Both are 16" but the Prado is 6 stud and the van 5, so the van hubs need replacing.

Anyone done this?

The van is currently running LT 245/75R16 but is jacked up really high so am sure would take a taller tyre. The Prado has Cooper LT 265/75R16s. My main concern is spending money to get the van hubs changed, only to find that the offset means that they aren't compatible with the Prado at the hub side of the wheel. The van shop obviously does the noncommital thing, can't tell until they get the new hubs etc.

Second question: if it's a goer, where best to get steel 16" rims in Adelaide? Being for the van I'd be happy with second hand, but the wreckers still charge $60 per. $110 ea new from a shop.

Yep, go for it, there will be no problem in the wheel arch, as the vans wheels will not articulate like your vehicles. Most of the work is actually done at the hitch, when one of the wheels drop into, say a hole, the whole van will tilt in that direction, and the pivot will be at the hitch.

[baldryk Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close baldryk]

Re: Matching rims with an off road van

Thanks croozza. I'm more concerned with different offsets. If the offset is too positive for the van, can the inside of the wheel contact (say) the van suspension?

[croozza Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close croozza]

Re: Matching rims with an off road van

Thanks croozza. I'm more concerned with different offsets. If the offset is too positive for the van, can the inside of the wheel contact (say) the van suspension?

There should be no problem there mate as the vans spring will not allow that much wheel travel, and the offset of the prado should bring the wheel out more on the van so there should be more room between the wheel and spring.

[Chriso57 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Chriso57]

Re: Matching rims with an off road van

baldryk,

Unfortunately mate I think your only way around this is to grab a tape measure and a straight edge and measure it all up.

I understand your concerns re the offset. Another option would be to talk to a dedicated trailer manufacturer as opposed to your RV centre. They will have the expertise you require and will also be able to source a range of different offset wheels - normally at a good price too.

Worst case scenario an axle change may be required to sort it all out but that would be worse case.

Chriso

[baldryk Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close baldryk]

Re: Matching rims with an off road van

OK thanks for the insights.

We did it, got the hubs changed and picked up 3 rims from a 4x4 wreckers Gepps Cross way. We now have 8 x 265/75R16 wheels. Funnily enough, I think that the previous van owner did the swap the opp way to fit his 4wd. Anyhoo, off this w/e to road test.

[Willo77 Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Willo77]

Re: Matching rims with an off road van

Just for info for anyone considering this same change, it is very easy to check. Remove the spare from your prado and lay a staight edge across the rear of the tyre and measure to the back of the wheel hub. Repeat this on the Wheel/tyre from the trailer and compare the two. Depending on the current clearance on the camper, you want the two measurements to be the same or the measurement on the trailer wheel/tyre to be greater than that of your spare.
Cheers