18-inch road and camper
- Front and rear
- 18 × 8 inch, ET45 · 255/45 R18
Vanstyle lists this DRC package for T5/T5.1, including T32, with 880 kg wheels. Choose tyres whose load index meets the individual van’s plated axle loads.
2003–2015 · van / people carrier
Volkswagen Transporter T5/T5.1 wheel fitment
T5 wheel choices range from factory-sized work-van wheels to 18-inch and 20-inch camper upgrades. Wheel and tyre load ratings are as important as arch clearance, especially on T32 vans and heavy conversions.
5x120 bolt pattern · 65.1 mm centre bore · Stock wheels: 16 × 6.5, 17 × 7, 18 × 8 inch · Stock tyres: 205/65 R16, 215/65 R16, 235/55 R17, 235/50 R18
Updated 2026-10-04 · High source confidence. Check your exact trim and market. How we check specs
Quick specs
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Bolt pattern | |
| Stock tyre sizes | |
| Centre bore | 65.1 mm |
| Fastener and thread | Wheel bolt, M14x1.5 |
| Tightening torque | 180 Nm (confirm in your handbook) |
Stock wheels and tyres
Factory options vary by trim and market. Match your car to the row below and check its tyre placard before using it as a baseline.
| Trim | Axle | Wheel | Tyre |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transporter, 16-inch steel example | Front and rear | 16 × 6.5 inch, ET51 | 205/65 R16 |
| Transporter / Caravelle, 16-inch option | Front and rear | 16 × 6.5 inch, ET51 | 215/65 R16 |
| Caravelle / Multivan, 17-inch option | Front and rear | 17 × 7 inch, ET55 | 235/55 R17 |
| 18-inch factory option | Front and rear | 18 × 8 inch, ET50 | 235/50 R18 |
Explained in our guides
Read these before choosing wheels for the Transporter: they explain the offset, fitment and hub numbers in this guide.
- Wheel offset explained: choosing ET without guessingUnderstand positive and negative wheel offset, calculate inner clearance and outer position, and choose an ET using measurements from your own car.
- Flush, poke and tucked fitment: measure the whole tyreUnderstand flush, poked and tucked wheels, calculate how width and offset change the look, and check clearance beyond a parked side-on photograph.
- Hub-centric vs lug-centric wheels: choosing hub ringsLearn what hub rings do, how to specify their inner and outer diameters, and why centring, wheel seats and vibration need separate checks.
Popular community setups
Starting points for a build. Read the notes with each setup, especially if your car is lowered or has different brakes.
20-inch camper road setup
- Front and rear
- 20 × 8.5 inch, ET42 · 275/40 R20
A documented Wolfrace Munich package with 106 XL tyres. Intended for standard height or modest lowering; the supplier warns of full-lock rubbing with greater lowering. Check the change in rolling diameter.
Width and offset guidance
Offset range
Check the exact setup
There is no confirmed range for this car yet. Compare a known wheel with your proposed size and measure both sides.
Common width limit
Measure before ordering
A maximum width has not been confirmed. Tyre shape, ride height and alignment all change the available space.
These figures belong to the setups described here. Combining the widest wheel with either end of the offset range does not guarantee a safe fit. For how ET moves the wheel in and out, read wheel offset explained; for how far the tyre can sit out, see flush, poke and tucked fitment.
Clearance notes
- Volkswagen workshop data and Haynes specify 180 Nm. Generic pages quoting 140 Nm conflict with this T5-specific figure.
- The nominal wheel bore is 65.1 mm; some matching H&R products are described as 65.0 mm. Buy by the approved T5 application.
- Use wheels and tyres rated for at least half the relevant plated axle load per corner. A BMW 5x120 wheel is not suitable solely because the bolt pattern matches.
- Commercial tyre construction and load index are not encoded in the size strings above. Retain the required C/XL specification and load rating from the van’s approval.
- Brake size varies. Check whether the van’s front brakes permit 16-inch wheels before downsizing.
- Check full steering lock and suspension travel with the car loaded. Match wheel load rating, tyre load and speed ratings, fastener seats and brake clearance.
See it on your car.
Upload a photo and start with a look that suits the Transporter. Try the wheels, colour and stance before you spend on parts.
An AI preview shows the look. It cannot verify physical fitment.
Run the numbers
These tools start with the Transporter, 16-inch steel example front size. Choose your own trim or axle in the calculator if it differs.
Questions
What is the T5 bolt pattern and centre bore?
5x120 with a nominal 65.1 mm wheel centre bore.
What is the T5 wheel bolt torque?
180 Nm for the original M14x1.5 wheel bolt arrangement.
Can I fit 20-inch wheels to a T32?
Only with suitable wheel and tyre load ratings and verified clearance. Wheel diameter alone does not establish suitability for the T32 axle loads.
Will 275/40 R20 tyres rub?
They can, especially with substantial lowering. The documented package is aimed at standard height or modest lowering and needs full-lock checks.
What size tyres does the Volkswagen Transporter T5/T5.1 have?
Factory tyre (tire) sizes for the 2003–2015 Volkswagen Transporter T5/T5.1 are 205/65 R16, 215/65 R16, 235/55 R17 and 235/50 R18, depending on trim. Your tyre placard shows the size for your car.
What wheel size does the Volkswagen Transporter T5/T5.1 use?
Factory wheels are 16 × 6.5 inch, 17 × 7 inch and 18 × 8 inch, depending on trim. The stock table lists the offset for each.
Specs checked against
- VW T5 maintenance workshop manual
- Haynes: T5 maintenance torque
- Koleso: T5.1 factory wheel and hardware data
- MAK: T5 wheel approval and original bolts
- H&R: T5 hub and thread application
- Vanstyle: 18-inch DRC T5 package
- Vanstyle: 20-inch Wolfrace T5 package
This guide is a starting point, not a fitment guarantee. Specs can differ by market, trim and previous modifications. Confirm all sizes, clearances and fastener requirements with a qualified wheel and tyre professional before buying or fitting parts.
Related cars
More guides from Volkswagen or cars with the same bolt pattern. A matching pattern alone does not make a wheel interchangeable.