VW rear tires and rims...

[CaveManDave]

Lets talk tires and rims. I have 215/70-15 $ 15x7 tires/rims on my trike. I have seen lots of different tire/rim combos and wonder what really works best for VW based trikes. I notice the back spacing on my rims look off. There is a lot of wasted rear wheel spacing for a smaller tire to stick out of the fender. What would be the best back spacing to start with? Do you like a smaller 7" rim or larger 10, 12 or even a 15" width?

 

[peteg59]

I'm running a fairly narrow 155/80/15 on similar to what is on yours, solid disc, 5" rims.
Unfortunately the offsets currently available for stock VW 4 lug rims, leave little choices without going full on custom made rim$$.
I don't like adapters or spacers. Just a personal preference, & unfortunately that limits the choices in rims even more.
The narrow tires do give a bit better fuel mileage, and with my 5 gallon fuel tank, fuel mileage is a concern.
Wide tires look cool on some trikes, but the narrow rims/tires I'm running also fit inside the rear fenderwells.

What are you looking for on your ride?

 

[stinger608]

From the looks of the rear end I would have to guess they installed some of the adapters to them hubs. They look like they are moved out an inch or so which gave me that indication.

On mine, like Peteg59, I am running a couple of EMPI 5" wide 15" rims. Of course my trike is fitted with a stock VW body in the back that I have cut down some. I don't have a whole lot of choice short of putting fender flares on the body.

I have seen a few VW trikes running extremely wide wheels and tires and they look awesome. However I don't know for sure if it helps or hinders the handling of the trike.

 

[DeathBySnuSnu]

I am with the other guys.
I only run as much tire as the hp requires.
I do not run huge tires. I think my rims are 7 inch wide 16 diameter. I am 200hp or less.

Huge wide tires look cool, no doubt about that. It makes you think it has the 1000hp those tires can take.
But if you dont need that huge tire you will just be wasting hp to turn the heavy things. I personally don't like wasting hp, I like a bit of gitty up.

 

[CaveManDave]

.

I will get the tires off this weekend and see what the previous owner had to work width. I would like to have 7-8"" rims tucked inside the fenders...

 

[peteg59]

From what appears in your pics, it looks like you've got the IRS, (independent rear suspension), on your trike.
IF the previous owner kept drum brakes on it, you likely have adapters to go from 4 lug/bolt to 5 lug pictured.
When I built mine I ordered a rear disc brake kit, as I wanted the best possible stopping power.
As an option, I could have ordered the rotors drilled & tapped for Chevy bolt pattern rims.
That option would have given me a much greater wheel selection, with almost infinite rim width & offset choices.
If you are looking to keep the bodywork as is without adding fender flares, and want 7~8" rims, the Chevy option on rotors would make sense.
I don't know if it would be possible to have the stock drums drilled/tapped to accommodate the 5 lug wheels you have now. If so, you could lose the adapters which would possibly bring the tires back inside the wheelwells.
It is a chunk of change to convert to disc in the rear, so unless you absolutely can't live with what you've got, I'd ride this season as it is. It still looks good as it isThumbUp

 

[CaveManDave]

It has the stock drum brakes I will take some pictures in the morning.

 

[DeathBySnuSnu]

This is what peteg59 is talking about.
I got mine blank/no holes and put the bolt pattern on it to match the wheels I had.
Mine is a swing and i have a lot of offset to the inside.

 

[CaveManDave]

 

[stinger608]

Yep, that is stock drum brakes on a IRS suspension.

They still work great.

 

[CaveManDave]

Breaking seems

Breaking seems solid. Air shocks also hold firm or soft.

 

[stinger608]

Damn sweet that it included a set of air shocks! :clapping: