comfortz
VIP Member
VIP Trade Partner
- Messages
- 565
Hi Everyone, I just though I’d add my experience of upgrading the wheels on the Cali to Range Rover (RR) wheels (20”). The reason I’m writing this is post is after reading many threads on other forums the matter of alloys wheels seems quite a mine field! And little confusing to say the least.
This is my own view of why I went down this route but I appreciate there’s a massive choice out there, everyone has a different view and a different set of needs-in terms of how they use their California.
Personally I like to have something that looks a little different so the wheels were a good opportunity to put my own stamp on the Cali. My three main considerations were Cost, Style & Safety. I ruled out in my own mind aftermarket wheels pretty quickly as I wasn’t convinced on some of the manufactures claims or lack of them on weight ratings - upon asking the question. So I was really torn between the matt black 18” VW sportline alloys or the 20” RR alloys. The VW ones obviously fit no problem are load rated etc – job done. But I knew at the back of my mind I’d always be thinking "I wish I’d of gone 20’s"
So I bit the bullet and delved into the Range Rover (RR) option a little further. Most recommendations are that with the RR wheels the tyre option should be 275/35/20 and these apparently don’t catch but you still need to have RR/VW special bolts and spigot rings fitted, as the center bores are different. I think the 275/35/20 is the option that is preferred when lowering the bus quite a bit – but I don’t really plan on lowering mine too much - if at all - to be honest.
The other option is to have 275/40/20 tires but for these not to rub on full lock you need to have 10mm spacers fitted. I’d heard a lot of comments about how hard the ride would be with 20” wheels on so I wanted the biggest profile Tyre I could get away without any catching. So this is the option I went for, a little more expensive but it gave the results I was after.
So in summary,
I’m very happy with the look, the RR wheels are load rated (its clearly stamped on the back) but it cost a little more than expected in getting the good quality spacers, center bore adapters and longer wheel bolts and of course locking wheel buts. I’m more than happy with the ride, its marginally harder than before but I cant tell a huge difference. I was expecting it to be horrendous but that's not the case.
Here’s a couple of pictures of the spaces and bolts and final results. I’m booked in for a for wheel alignment check just to ensure everything’s ok.
Before
View media item 714
After
View media item 711
10mm spacers
View media item 713
RR to VW bolts
View media item 712
This is my own view of why I went down this route but I appreciate there’s a massive choice out there, everyone has a different view and a different set of needs-in terms of how they use their California.
Personally I like to have something that looks a little different so the wheels were a good opportunity to put my own stamp on the Cali. My three main considerations were Cost, Style & Safety. I ruled out in my own mind aftermarket wheels pretty quickly as I wasn’t convinced on some of the manufactures claims or lack of them on weight ratings - upon asking the question. So I was really torn between the matt black 18” VW sportline alloys or the 20” RR alloys. The VW ones obviously fit no problem are load rated etc – job done. But I knew at the back of my mind I’d always be thinking "I wish I’d of gone 20’s"
So I bit the bullet and delved into the Range Rover (RR) option a little further. Most recommendations are that with the RR wheels the tyre option should be 275/35/20 and these apparently don’t catch but you still need to have RR/VW special bolts and spigot rings fitted, as the center bores are different. I think the 275/35/20 is the option that is preferred when lowering the bus quite a bit – but I don’t really plan on lowering mine too much - if at all - to be honest.
The other option is to have 275/40/20 tires but for these not to rub on full lock you need to have 10mm spacers fitted. I’d heard a lot of comments about how hard the ride would be with 20” wheels on so I wanted the biggest profile Tyre I could get away without any catching. So this is the option I went for, a little more expensive but it gave the results I was after.
So in summary,
I’m very happy with the look, the RR wheels are load rated (its clearly stamped on the back) but it cost a little more than expected in getting the good quality spacers, center bore adapters and longer wheel bolts and of course locking wheel buts. I’m more than happy with the ride, its marginally harder than before but I cant tell a huge difference. I was expecting it to be horrendous but that's not the case.
Here’s a couple of pictures of the spaces and bolts and final results. I’m booked in for a for wheel alignment check just to ensure everything’s ok.
Before
View media item 714
After
View media item 711
10mm spacers
View media item 713
RR to VW bolts
View media item 712
trying to get things completed whilst we're quiet!
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