The 1978 Volkswagen Campmobile sits in the late Type 2 era, when the classic rear-engine bus had fully matured into a practical camper that still carries strong vintage character. Buyers looking at one today are usually balancing road-going usability with an appearance that still feels right for a period Volkswagen. This Campmobile uses a 185R14 radial tire on a 14-inch rim, so the main question is less about multiple fitments and more about selecting the right version of that size. Available choices include blackwall and narrow whitewall presentations from Michelin, Phoenix, and Vredestein. That makes wheel compatibility, sidewall style, and intended use especially important before putting the vehicle back into regular service.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1978 Volkswagen Campmobile
The 1978 Volkswagen Campmobile uses one primary tire size: 185R14 radial on a 14-inch rim. That same fitment carries across the covered Campmobile sub-model here, so the decision shifts from identifying size to choosing the right tire within that size, including sidewall style, brand, and restoration-oriented appearance versus a more understated road-use look.
185R14 is a Euro-metric radial size in which 185 refers to nominal section width in millimeters, R indicates radial construction, and 14 is the wheel diameter in inches. In this format, the aspect ratio is not stated, and it is commonly associated with an 80-series profile. For the 1978 Volkswagen Campmobile, this size is available in blackwall and narrow whitewall styles, with offerings from Michelin, Phoenix, and Vredestein across period-friendly radial lines. It is the right starting point for owners who want to stay with the correct basic fitment while refining appearance, rim-width compatibility, and driving intent.
Fitment is straightforward for the covered 1978 Volkswagen Campmobile sub-model, since the same primary tire size is used throughout. Checking the exact sub-model still matters because Campmobile owners often encounter wheel changes or restoration work that can affect what should be mounted.
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1978 Volkswagen Campmobile (Type 2) Standard Tire Reinforced
The 1978 Volkswagen Campmobile (Type 2) Standard Tire Reinforced uses the 185R14 radial fitment. Tire selection then comes down to choosing among blackwall or narrow whitewall presentations, comparing rim-width compatibility, and confirming that the wheel and overall vehicle setup still match the intended tire.
The tire sizes listed on this page assume factory-standard vehicle configuration. The following modifications may affect tire fitment and are not reflected in this guide:
Suspension changes (lowering, lift kits, spring replacements)
Body alterations (fender modifications, custom bodywork)
If your vehicle has been modified from factory specifications, verify tire clearance before purchase.
Best 1978 Volkswagen Campmobile Tires for Sale
Available 185R14 choices include Michelin, Phoenix, and Vredestein radials in blackwall and narrow whitewall styles. The product grid is most useful for comparing period-style appearance, tire series, and rim-width specifications within the Campmobile’s primary 14-inch fitment.
These FAQs focus on 1978 Volkswagen Campmobile tire size, 14-inch rim fitment, radial selection, sidewall choices, restoration-minded appearance, and the inspection points that matter before regular road use.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1978 Volkswagen Campmobile?
The 1978 Volkswagen Campmobile uses a 185R14 radial tire. That is a Euro-metric radial size designed for a 14-inch wheel, and it is the primary fitment for the covered Campmobile configuration here.
Using the correct size is only the first step on a vintage Volkswagen camper. It is still worth confirming that the vehicle retains the proper 14-inch wheels, especially if it has seen replacement rims or restoration work over the years. Once size is confirmed, the next decisions are brand, sidewall appearance, and whether the tire’s rim-width specification matches the wheel currently on the vehicle.
What size rim does a 1978 Volkswagen Campmobile use?
The 1978 Volkswagen Campmobile uses a 14-inch rim with its 185R14 tire fitment. That wheel diameter is central to the vehicle’s tire selection, since a radial tire must match the correct rim diameter before any further fitment decisions are made.
Rim diameter should be verified on the actual vehicle, not assumed from appearance alone. Many older Campmobiles have been modified, stored for long periods, or fitted with replacement wheels, and a different rim can change the entire tire decision. After confirming 14-inch wheels, compare the wheel width against the tire’s approved rim-width range so the chosen 185R14 is suitable for the wheel in service.
Does the 1978 Volkswagen Campmobile (Type 2) Standard Tire Reinforced use the same tire size?
Yes. The 1978 Volkswagen Campmobile (Type 2) Standard Tire Reinforced uses the same 185R14 radial fitment. That keeps the basic size question simple, because the covered sub-model does not branch into a different primary tire size.
Shared size does not mean every surviving vehicle is still configured the same way. Campers often pick up replacement wheels, suspension changes, or cosmetic alterations during long ownership lives. Even with the correct 185R14 size in mind, it is smart to confirm wheel width, inspect clearance at full steering and suspension travel, and choose a tire style that suits either a road-use driver or a more restoration-oriented presentation.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 185R14 tire for a 1978 Volkswagen Campmobile?
Start with the correct 185R14 size and 14-inch rim fitment, then compare the available radial options by sidewall style, brand, tire series, and wheel-width compatibility. For this Campmobile, the main choices center on blackwall versus narrow whitewall appearance and the character of the available Michelin, Phoenix, and Vredestein offerings.
Selection should match how the vehicle will actually be used. A road-driven camper may call for a straightforward blackwall look, while a restoration-minded bus may benefit from a narrow whitewall presentation. It also helps to compare load information where stated, product weight when relevant, and the wheel’s actual width so the final choice supports both the vehicle’s look and its basic fitment requirements.
What sidewall styles are available for 1978 Volkswagen Campmobile tires?
The available 185R14 tires for a 1978 Volkswagen Campmobile come in blackwall and narrow whitewall styles. Blackwall options provide a restrained, utilitarian presentation, while narrow whitewall choices add a more styled period look without moving into a wide-white appearance.
Sidewall treatment influences the vehicle’s overall presentation more than many owners expect, especially on a large-body camper with exposed wheel openings. A narrow whitewall can complement a restoration-oriented bus, while blackwall tends to suit a simpler driver-grade look. Since sidewall style does not change the required size, the key is choosing the appearance you want after confirming the tire still matches the wheel and intended use.
What brands offer tires for the 1978 Volkswagen Campmobile?
Michelin, Phoenix, and Vredestein all offer 185R14 radial tires for the 1978 Volkswagen Campmobile. Michelin appears in both blackwall and narrow whitewall form, Phoenix offers a narrow whitewall option, and Vredestein provides a blackwall choice in the Sprint Classic line.
Brand choice is best treated as part of a broader comparison rather than the entire decision. It helps to look at sidewall style, tire series, rim-width specification, and any stated load information before choosing among them. That approach is especially useful on a vintage camper, where appearance and wheel compatibility can matter just as much as the brand name on the sidewall.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1978 Volkswagen Campmobile?
A period-style 1978 Volkswagen Campmobile should begin with the correct 185R14 radial size. From there, the most relevant choices are whether the vehicle looks better with a blackwall tire for a restrained factory-era feel or a narrow whitewall for a more styled vintage presentation.
The best appearance choice depends on the individual bus, its paint, trim, and the kind of restoration being pursued. Michelin, Phoenix, and Vredestein all bring different product personalities within the same basic fitment. Owners chasing exact historical authenticity should compare the chosen sidewall style against marque references or period photos rather than assuming any currently available treatment matches original delivery.
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 1978 Volkswagen Campmobile restoration?
Yes, correct tire fitment matters on a 1978 Volkswagen Campmobile restoration because tire size, construction, and sidewall appearance all affect how the finished vehicle sits and presents itself. Staying with the 185R14 radial fitment preserves the basic proportions intended for this Campmobile.
Appearance is only part of the story. A restoration can still be let down by the wrong wheel width, an unsuitable sidewall treatment, or an overlooked clearance issue after suspension work. Matching the tire to the actual 14-inch wheel and selecting a style that suits the vehicle’s era keeps the result more coherent, whether the bus is being shown, toured, or simply enjoyed on weekend drives.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1978 Volkswagen Campmobile?
Yes. Modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1978 Volkswagen Campmobile even when the intended tire size remains 185R14. Aftermarket wheels, altered wheel width, suspension changes, or body and brake work can all change how well a tire works with the vehicle’s current setup.
A Campmobile that looks stock is not always stock underneath, especially after decades of repairs and upgrades. Confirm wheel diameter first, then compare wheel width to the tire’s approved range and check clearance through steering and suspension movement. That extra verification is worthwhile before mounting new tires, because the correct nominal size still has to work with the vehicle as it sits today.
What should I inspect before driving a 1978 Volkswagen Campmobile on new tires?
Before driving a 1978 Volkswagen Campmobile on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage, confirm the 14-inch rim setup, and make sure the selected 185R14 tire suits the wheel width. It is also wise to check valve stems, lug hardware, and general wheel condition during installation.
A vintage camper deserves a broader road-readiness check as well. Look over suspension and steering components, verify that the tires clear properly, and set inflation to the tire maker’s guidance for the application in use. After the first short drive, recheck air pressure and inspect for any signs of rubbing, uneven seating, or vibration so small issues are caught early.
How should 185R14 tires on a collector 1978 Volkswagen Campmobile be maintained?
185R14 tires on a collector 1978 Volkswagen Campmobile should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and attention to age-related deterioration. Even low-mileage tires can develop issues from long storage, so tread condition alone is not enough to judge roadworthiness.
Collector vehicles benefit from routine inspection for cracking, bulges, cuts, and slow air loss, along with occasional checks for uneven wear that may point to alignment or suspension concerns. Storage conditions matter too, since prolonged heat, sunlight, and ozone exposure can shorten tire life. A Campmobile that is driven infrequently should still have its tires evaluated before longer trips rather than being trusted simply because it was parked indoors.
