Best 19-inch tyre size and pressure for VW T6

The Problem

The owner was unsure which tyre size to fit on 19-inch aftermarket wheels for a VW T6, and whether the tyres would rub the arches on rough roads. Several owners had also suffered rapid centre wear from running incorrect pressures. Note that the T6 (2015–2019) and T6.1 (2019–present) have minor arch and trim differences that can affect fitment confidence, so confirm which generation you have before ordering.

Solution

1. Fit 255/45R19 tyres as the primary recommended size for 19-inch wheels on a T6. For T32-spec vans, this is the size with confirmed adequate load ratings. Owners of lighter-spec T28 and T30 vans should still verify the tyre's load index meets or exceeds the figure on their door-pillar placard, as load rating requirements differ from the heavier T32 — confirm with a VW dealer or tyre specialist if unsure.
2. 245/45R19 is an acceptable alternative if you want a slightly narrower fitment. This was confirmed rub-free even on rough Highland roads with standard ride height. Be aware that wheel offset (ET value) is just as important as tyre diameter for arch clearance — two wheels of the same size with different ET values can sit very differently in the arch, so check that your wheels' ET matches the offset of the wheels these sizes were proven on before assuming a rub-free fit.
3. Set tyre pressure to a 36 PSI starting point all round and check it regularly. This is a community-derived figure — cross-reference it against the official VW tyre placard inside your driver's door pillar, which lists the correct pressures for laden and unladen states. Note whether 36 PSI is above or below your sticker figure and adjust for your actual load. Running over-pressure, even briefly, causes the front tyre centres to wear rapidly and can cut expected life from 14-15k miles down to 10-12k miles.