Wheels & Tires...

[kasparsport]

Hi all...Im going to be purchasing new tires soon (before winter), I currently have 14" tires on my 1999 Caravan base model. I want to get bigger rims & tires so I was wondering how big a tire will fit this model before it rubs the fender...Thanks.

Also I was on this forum a few months ago because I was having problems with the belt coming off the pulley in rainy & snowy conditions. Dodge claims they have a fix for this problem (as it effects A LOT of Caravans 1996-2000) I had my van serviced about 2 months ago drove through alot of rain & so far so good. I will post exactly what the dealer did as soon as I find the receipt.

[RIP]

I own a 96 GC LE with 16 inch wheels. I don't think you have a problem going with 16 inch wheels. To confirm I would check with the dealer before you fork out the bux. If the dealer won't help any reputable tire shop will let you know.

Good to hear your pully problem may be fixed. I've heard of many having the same problem. They'll be glad to hear your fix. Why are so many going through this and so many are not? I wonder if there is a common thread.

[neon_rt]

A good size of wheel is 16" on these vans. With 16" wheels you can use 235/55 -16 tires. These are low profile, maintain the correct diameter and are relatively inexpensive. If you want to go lower price you can use 225/60 - 16. Your speedometer will be off a little. You will be going 61-62 when your speedo reads 60. I usually use the 225/60 because there are a lot of tire choices ranging from $40 each to $200 each. With the 235/55's you will spend $100-$250 each with only three or four choices among all of the various brands. You can go to 17's but there is really no advantage of doing so and the tires are really expensive.
Another issue you may run into, is that Caravans that came with 14" wheels only have light duty 10" disc brakes. All others come with a standard duty 11" disc. When you put bigger tires/wheels on, it causes a lot more strain on your undersized brakes. I found that I no longer had enough brakes to lock up the tires even with two feet on the brake pedal. The brakes on these van stink anyway, they should not be allowed to put such feeble brakes on a Minivan.

[kasparsport]

Thanks for the info guys, i would have never thought the brakes would be effected by the bigger tires, but it does make sense. I was more worried about the tires rubbing than anything. Those 14 " tires have to go though. Thanks again.