Campervan Wheels & Tyres
Upgrading your wheels and tyres is one of the most impactful visual changes you can make to a van conversion. Here's everything you need to know — from alloy brands and all-terrain tyre options to tyre sizes for every popular van.
Steel vs Alloy Wheels
The factory standard on most commercial vans
Advantages
Cheaper to replace if damaged
Stronger in off-road situations
Easier to repair if bent
No corrosion issues
Often come with the van
Disadvantages
Heavy — increases unsprung weight
Unattractive utilitarian look
Prone to rust if paint chips
Limited style options
Best for:
Budget builds, serious off-road use, working vans
The upgrade choice for most van conversions
Advantages
Dramatically improves aesthetics
Lighter than steel (better handling)
Better heat dissipation (brake performance)
Wide range of styles available
Increases resale value
Disadvantages
More expensive
Can crack on serious impacts
Kerbing damage is more visible
Corrosion possible if coating damaged
Best for:
Most van conversions — the visual upgrade is significant
Popular Alloy Wheel Brands
Spain · Off-road / Adventure
Braid are the go-to choice for serious van lifers wanting a rugged, adventure-ready look. Their wheels are lightweight alloys designed for off-road use, popular on Sprinters and Transits. The Fullrace MT is particularly popular in the UK van conversion community.
Popular Models
UK · Rugged / Utilitarian
Calibre offer excellent value for money and are widely available in the UK. Their Dominator and Navig8r styles suit the adventure van aesthetic well. Available in matte black and gunmetal finishes that complement van conversions perfectly.
Popular Models
UK · Classic / Retro
Wolfrace is a classic British wheel brand with a long history in the van and motorhome market. Their Explorer range is specifically designed for light commercial vehicles and campervans. Good quality and widely available from UK retailers.
Popular Models
Germany · Modern / Clean
Dotz offer a range of modern, clean-looking alloys that suit more refined van conversions. Their Kalahari range has an off-road aesthetic while maintaining a premium look. Popular choice for Transit Custom and Sprinter conversions.
Popular Models
All-Terrain & All-Season Tyre Options
All-Terrain · £120–£200 per tyre
Pros
Excellent off-road grip
Aggressive sidewall look
Very durable
Good wet weather performance
Iconic adventure aesthetic
Cons
Noisy on motorway
More expensive than road tyres
Slightly increased fuel consumption
Heavier than road tyres
All-Terrain · £90–£160 per tyre
Pros
Excellent value for money
Good all-round performance
Quieter than BFG KO2
Good wet weather grip
Available in van sizes
Cons
Less aggressive look than BFG
Not as capable in deep mud
Less brand recognition
All-Terrain · £100–£180 per tyre
Pros
Excellent wet and snow performance
3PMSF rated (severe snow)
Good motorway manners
Attractive aggressive look
Good value
Cons
Less off-road capable than BFG
Newer brand — less established reputation
All-Season · £80–£140 per tyre
Pros
Excellent year-round performance
3PMSF rated
Low road noise
Good fuel economy
Continental reliability
Cons
Road tyre look — not aggressive
Less off-road capability
Not the adventure aesthetic
All-Season · £100–£160 per tyre
Pros
Best-in-class wet performance
3PMSF rated
Excellent longevity
Low rolling resistance
Premium Michelin quality
Cons
Most expensive option
Road tyre look
No off-road capability
Tyre Sizes by Van Model
| Van Model | Standard Size | AT Options | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mercedes Sprinter (LWB/MWB) | 235/65 R16C | 235/65 R16 / 245/70 R16 | Most AT tyres available in 235/65 R16C. Some builders upsize to 245/70 R16 for more ground clearance. |
| Ford Transit (L2/L3) | 215/75 R16C | 215/75 R16 / 225/75 R16 | 215/75 R16C is the standard size. General Grabber AT3 and Falken Wildpeak available in this size. |
| VW Transporter T6/T6.1 | 215/65 R16C | 215/65 R16 / 225/55 R17 | T6 is popular with 17" alloys and 225/55 R17 for a sportier look. BFG KO2 available in 215/65 R16C. |
| VW Crafter | 235/65 R16C | 235/65 R16C | Same platform as Sprinter — similar tyre options. AT tyres readily available. |
| Fiat Ducato / Peugeot Boxer / Citroen Relay | 225/75 R16C | 225/75 R16C | The 225/75 R16C size has good AT tyre availability. General Grabber AT3 is a popular choice. |
| Ford Transit Custom | 215/65 R15C | 215/65 R15C / 215/60 R17 | Smaller van — 15" wheels standard. Some builders fit 17" alloys for a more aggressive look. |
| Renault Trafic / Vauxhall Vivaro | 215/65 R16C | 215/65 R16C | Good AT tyre availability in this size. Falken Wildpeak AT3W is a popular choice. |
Where to Buy in the UK
Black Circles
TyresUK's largest online tyre retailer. Excellent range of AT tyres for vans. Fit at a local garage.
Visit WebsiteDemon Tweeks
WheelsGood range of Braid and off-road alloy wheels. Performance and motorsport focus.
Visit WebsiteWolfrace Direct
WheelsBuy direct from Wolfrace. Good range of van-specific alloy wheels.
Visit WebsiteCamskill Tyres
TyresSpecialist in van and 4x4 tyres. Good stock of AT tyres in commercial van sizes.
Visit WebsiteATS Euromaster
FittingUK-wide tyre fitting network. Good for fitting tyres purchased online.
Visit WebsiteAmazon UK
Wheels & TyresGood for budget alloy wheels and some tyre brands. Check reviews and load ratings carefully.
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