Tire Replacement - 98 dodge caravan

[lubin it up]

I have a 1998 dodge caravan with 215/65/15 tires. Can I replace with 205/65/15. I am looking to replace the 2 front tires and Goodyear has a great sale but not on my original size. Van travels around 4,000 miles per year

 

[eljefino]

Probably not due to load rating being less. Check your door sticker.

 

[CharBaby]

205-65-15 would be too low of an overall diameter.
205-70-15 would keep you closer to your OE overall diameter and may(MAY) have a similar load reating. What other sizes does G/Y have on sale that you can buy?

OE 215-65-15 = OD 26.00

205-70-15 = OD 26.30

205-65-15 = OD 25.50

 

[lubin it up]

They have a 215/70/15. Could I use this?

 

[KitaCam]

As for sizing, use this activated chart to compare...
http://www.rimsntires.com/specspro.jsp

Keep in mind you have to match speed rating and weight load as well....

 

[JHZR2]

So youre trying to have two mismatched size tires on your vehicle?

If load rating was acceptable, Id consider it as a set of four, but not two.

 

[CharBaby]

Originally Posted By: JHZR2
So youre trying to have two mismatched size tires on your vehicle?

If load rating was acceptable, Id consider it as a set of four, but not two.


215-70-15 = 26.85" - A little tall but, may just fit if you have the extra 1" clearance! Yes, I'd get 4 new tires in any size unless you're staying with what's on there now!

 

[lubin it up]

The rear two are in great shape

 

[Oldmoparguy1]

Originally Posted By: lubin it up
I have a 1998 dodge caravan with 215/65/15 tires. Can I replace with 205/65/15. I am looking to replace the 2 front tires and Goodyear has a great sale but not on my original size. Van travels around 4,000 miles per year

Is this a Caravan, or a Grand Caravan? If it is a GC, there is only one size allowed. Check your door sticker. The GC is heavy! mismatched tires can cause odd handling, depending on the brand and size. On my 2000 GC even a low tire, 25psi, would cause it to pull to one side, especially on the rear. Stay with the same make & model if possible. The standard tires are at their limit with a fully loaded van. I put 153K miles our GC, I speak from experience. On my first new set of tires, I had one with a sidewall bubble, I got a new tire on the warranty, this gave me 3 different tire diameters. I had one heck of a time getting it track straight. I finally just got a new set of 4 and put the old ones on my 94 GC.

Wayne

 

[Cardenio327]

Originally Posted By: lubin it up
They have a 215/70/15. Could I use this?


215/70R15 is the go to size for any minivan with 15" rims. They have just enough extra load capacity and just enough extra sidewall height to perform better in areas with lots of potholes or when you use the van with a full load.

I would definitely not use the 205/65R15. The only minivan I can think of that is small enough to use that size is the old tiny 4 cylinder Odyssey.

Up there in the states your tires are usually priced according to size, but here in Mexico the 215/70 is considerably cheaper than the 215/65, 205/70, and 205/65 because it is a size that sells in much higher volumes.

 

[Wilhelm_D]

Originally Posted By: lubin it up
I have a 1998 dodge caravan with 215/65/15 tires. Can I replace with 205/65/15. I am looking to replace the 2 front tires and Goodyear has a great sale but not on my original size. Van travels around 4,000 miles per year


215/65R15 is 96 load rating (1565 lbs) diameter 26.1" section width 8.7 rim s/be 6-7.5"

205/65R15 is 94 load rating (1477 lbs) diameter 25.7" section width 8.2 rim s/be 5.5-7.5"

215/70R15 is 98 load rating (1653 lbs.) diameter 27" section width 8.9 s/be 5.5-7""

You probably ought not to go down in load rating. If the 215/70R15 would fit, you may have speedometer accuracy issues.

All four tires s/be the same size and aspect ratio or you'll have some potential for nasty handling issues.

 

[The Critic]

I would be very surprised if Goodyear installs the incorrect size on your vehicle for you.

 

[bdcardinal]

I hope if you somehow get the wrong size on that you are not in an accident. If someone had that here, the lawyers would be all over that.

 

[CharBaby]

Originally Posted By: lubin it up
The rear two are in great shape


Your best bet is to stay with the same size as are on the Caravan now!
Or buy 4 new tire of your choice and sell off your 2 rear tire on Craig's List