Tyre Size

[barrybarry]

I take delivery of my first Bongo next week, 2002 TD. It has steel rims and I have ordered 15" alloys. I was considering Continental tyres, 195 front & 215 rear. I have been advised that due to the poor availability of 215 it would be best to put good quality 195's all round. Michelin Agilis are recommended. Would 195 on the rear cause an issue?

[Muzorewa]

I'd suggest it would cause a major issue in the event you crash the van and the insurance wriggle out of the claim saying you had non-standard (and possibly unsuitable) tyres fitted according to the handbook....

Go for 195/70R15 104/102R Continental Vanco Contact 2 (or Barum Cargo or Barum Vanis) on the front, 215/65R15 96T Goodyear GT2 on the rear

[Ian]

In any case 195s are probably too thin for the rear.

[MountainGoat]

If you still have the original wheelbarrow size skinny spare that is now over 15 years old and limited to 50miles usage at 50mph max, then you are going to need another 215 tyre for your spare.

Tony

[MountainGoat]

Opps! but it is still a skinny spare. who wants to poodle along with one on their back axel with a full load. Are they really load rated at 96 or will you have to suffle your tyres around? Dunslair has a similar Bongo and he changed his, gave him one of my 215's.

Tony

[David Edwards]

I and many others have 215's all round, dont know why you think there is a shortage of 215 tyres, plenty here in Wales, £40.00 fully fitted.

[francophile1947]

I and many others have 215's all round, dont know why you think there is a shortage of 215 tyres, plenty here in Wales, £40.00 fully fitted.

Indeed, they're easier to find than the 195s

[Tony Hunt]

Some people have suggested fitting different size tyres on the back to the front. Surely if this vehicle happens to be a 4wd diesal it needs the same size tyres all round otherwise somethings going to break.

[francophile1947]

Some people have suggested fitting different size tyres on the back to the front. Surely if this vehicle happens to be a 4wd diesal it needs the same size tyres all round otherwise somethings going to break.

Mazda fitted 195/70 on the front and 215/65 on the rear on the early vans, which are pretty much the same size. I've fitted the same size all round on mine because it's easier for a spare