Campervan modifications for larger tyres

Richard Kovac replied:

Jam

way now go to there web site? http://www.jayco.com.au/rvs_camper.html#outback Thumbs UpThanks 0

Peter 2 replied:

I can think of two reasons for not doing it, same as 4wd's actually.
The bigger rolling diameter will decrease the braking capacity which may require larger brakes to be fitted.
The biggest thing would probably be the increase in unsprung weight and whether the van suspension and frame can cope.
Also what will it do to the height, will annexes etc still reach the ground and what will the increased height do to handling.
It will probably depend on what size tyres are fitted standard and if they will physically fit. Thumbs UpThanks 0

DIO replied:

Yep it works, my (late) brother in law had Cruiser wheels/tyres fitted to his Jayco Swan Outback 20 odd yrs ago. Although it made the step higher to get into van, otherwise worked like a treat. Thumbs UpThanks 0

Martyn (WA) replied:

Jamohamo,
I'm going through exact same dilemma, I'm waiting for the arrival of my Jayco Eagle, been waiting since October, getting a bit desperate now missing going out on the open road. Anyway, I sold My old Kimberley Camper and decided to go for the Eagle outback, I just could justify the expense of buying another Kimberly, even thought they are a fantastic unit. I was hoping to fit the old 265 /75/16 Nissan rims and tyres onto my new Eagle outback. The diameter seems to match or is at least close to the Jayco 16 inch wheel option so I'm not to phased about braking capacity etc. I was more interested in the stud pattern and the offset which is where I suspect I'll come unstuck, have you looked into this one, any answers or words of wisdom ????
Thanks for any assistance rendered. Thumbs UpThanks 0

Doggy Tease replied:

I did this with our Dove Outback, but only with 265/75r16's on standard Nissan Ute steel rims,,the 16x8's.
Remove the slipper spring's and get reset one inch higher with a helper leaf.
At the rear of the wheel arch, where the mudflap is,,,remove the jacking point and bracework, reattach a few inches rearward,,,four inches should do it,( if you dont move this back,,they tire will foul on it every time you hit a bump offroad.
Fit the wheels,,,,they fit neatly,,just inside the body line,,,with just enough clearance between the tire and the chassis.
We used this setup for a few years and never had a problem,,,even when on the beach with the tire's at 18psi.
There was no real effect with the annexe at all and the step wasnt that much higher.


meow.
rick.
rick. Thumbs UpThanks 0

jamohamo replied:

Thanks for the replies guys. I was pretty sure standard LandCruiser tyres would fit. Mine aren't standard! The standard size is about 31 inches. My tyres are 35 inches.
I went to Jayco the other day and they said NO WAY!
I then went to Goldstream (their Storm model looks pretty good) and they said they probably could do it but of course that means a new van. It seems they'll consider any mod I want.
I'll keep you posted. Thumbs UpThanks 0