When you are thinking about giving your ‘van something of a makeover, the most obvious place to start would be to fit alloy wheels, if it doesn’t already have them.

You might also be able to increase the wheel diameter from 15″ to 16″, but this will incur additional cost, as both wheels and tyres would be required.

Many companies offer wheels for most base vehicles, including Fiat Ducato, Peugeot Boxer, Citroën Relay, Ford Transit, Renault Master and Trafic, Vauxhall Vivaro and Movano, VW Transporter and Craft, and Mercedes Sprinter and Vito. If your motorhome has an Al-Ko chassis, hubs, brakes and wheels will be as the base vehicle.

But your motorhome exerts extra stresses and forces, so you would be well advised (once lockdown is lifted) to seek the help of a specialist company that is familiar with these commercial base vehicles.

They will be able to explain to you about heat-treated wheels that are TUV, ECE or OE approved for the relevant weight of commercial vehicles, and what alternative sizes might be available to you.

Wheels are specified by their diameter, centre bore, PCD (pitch circle diameter) – this is the diameter of an imaginary circular line through the centre of the studs, bolts or fixing holes – and the bolt specification, which is the length, taper and pitch of the thread.

Many aftermarket wheels might differ from original steel wheels. On that subject, some suppliers might purchase your old steel wheels from you if they are still in good condition.

Do remember to retain a set of the old bolts if you intend to keep your steel spare wheel for emergency use.

Wheels are available from 15″ to 20″, but can be specific to the make/model, and finished in satin or gloss-black, silver, gunmetal or with polished sections.

To keep your smart new alloys where they belong, fit security lock bolts and, for safety, metal high-pressure valves.

Some suppliers

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