Recreational Vans
Tire fitment consultation starts with the math behind space and geometry. Tire size defines overall diameter and section width, both of which influence clearance at fenders, liners, and control arms. Wheel width and offset set the stance and scrub radius, which affect steering feel and bearing load. Backspacing translates offset into a measurement you can visualize against brakes and suspension hardware. Together, these variables determine whether a tire will sit inside the arch, poke outward, or contact something during travel.
Rolling diameter matters for more than looks. A larger tire increases ground clearance but changes effective gearing and speedometer readings. Expect slower acceleration, more brake demand, and possible transmission shift pattern changes on modern vehicles. A smaller tire can sharpen response but may reduce approach angles and lower load capacity depending on construction and rating.
Load index and speed rating are non negotiable. A van or tow rig must carry its gross vehicle weight, and the rear axle often sees the highest static load. Always choose a tire with a load index that meets or exceeds the vehicle placard when set to proper inflation. Speed rating should match your use case and legal limits while maintaining adequate heat tolerance on highways.
Static fit does not guarantee dynamic fit. A proper consultation accounts for suspension compression, rebound, and steering lock. During hard turns at low speed, a wide tire may kiss the liner at the rear of the front arch. On compression, larger diameter cases often contact pinch seams, crash bars, or body mounts if geometry is not addressed.
Assess these pinch points:
Wheel spacers are sometimes used to clear calipers or arms, but they shift load outward. A safer route is to choose a wheel with the correct offset and barrel profile for your brake package. If spacers are required, hub centric hardware with proper stud engagement and torque specification is critical.
Alignment completes the picture. Caster affects self centering and clearance at the rear of the arch. Camber influences how the top of the tire moves under compression. Toe settings change tire wear patterns and stability. After any fitment change, a full alignment to a use based spec protects handling and tire life.
Tread design and construction change how a tire fits and performs even at the same size. An all terrain often has square shoulders and stiff sidewalls, which can run wider than a street tire with the same label. Mud terrain casings may be heavier and taller under load. Light truck tires with stronger load ranges handle more weight but add unsprung mass that can impact ride quality and braking distance.
Consider:
Legal and safety checks matter in every state. Tires must not protrude beyond fenders where laws require coverage. Speed rating and load index must be appropriate for the vehicle class. Tire pressure monitoring systems need to function, and the speedometer should be within acceptable error after diameter changes. Document your final specs for inspection and service.
A thorough fitment plan verifies all the details before money changes hands. That includes checking hub bore size, center cap depth over hubs, and valve stem access on beadlock style or deep dish wheels. Brake template check is essential for large calipers. On trail focused builds, cycle the suspension with jacks or ramps and turn the steering through lock while observing clearances with chalk marks on suspect areas.
If anything touches, note where and how much. Solutions include a wheel with a slightly different offset, a narrower tire, a minor liner trim, or a carefully planned suspension change that preserves steering geometry. The best result balances clearance, load capacity, traction, and handling with the fewest compromises.
When you want the guesswork removed, our team in Fayetteville Arkansas performs hands on measurements, brake template checks, and alignment planning tailored to vans and overland builds. We translate your travel style and payload into tire size, construction, and wheel specs that match real roads and real trails in Northwest Arkansas and beyond. You get a signed spec sheet, torque values, and an alignment target so your setup drives right from day one.
Building a new adventure van. Explore our recreational vans to see how proper fitment ties into suspension, brakes, and off grid reliability. Planning a ground up interior with exterior upgrades. Our custom build van program pairs tire and wheel choices with weight distribution, gear storage, and power systems. Want a proven starting point with financing options. Review our mainstream vans platforms that accept smart fitment without the trial and error.
We serve Northwest Arkansas travelers and out of state customers who fly in, pick up, and set off with confidence. Your fitment plan should feel as solid as the first turn of the wheel.
Ready for a fit that drives straight, clears clean, and carries the load. Send us your vehicle details, goals, and photos of the current setup. We will schedule your tire fitment consultation in Fayetteville Arkansas and return a complete plan that connects size, offset, and alignment to how you actually drive.
What we do
Ready for dialed fitment without guesswork. Book your tire fitment consultation with OZK Customs in Fayetteville Arkansas. We evaluate your use case, measure clearances, verify load ratings, and design a complete wheel and tire plan around your van or overland rig. Submit the form to get your personalized spec, timeline, and quote.
ADDRESS:
6159 E Huntsville Rd, Fayetteville, AR 72701
PHONE:
(479) 326-9200
EMAIL:
info@ozkvans.com