According to the tire calculator on www.1010Tires.com; yes, the industry standard rim width range for a 285 series tire is 7.5" -- 9.0". So, we are only asking the tire to suck up 0.25" on each side. Can the tire bead handle being squeezed an additional 0.25" on each side-- you bet, and maybe even a lot more. Tire manufacturer's have chosen that specific rim range width because it is the most comfortable for the tire and it is well within safe bead limitations; however, I would venture to say that it is far outside the danger parameters that the tire can actually tolerate before un-seating itself from the rim/bead.

I would not recommend anything wider than a 285 series or 11.5" width tire be mounted on a 7" wide rim. A 295 or 305 series tire would definately be pushing the stress factor on the tire bead to possible unsafe limits using a 7" rim. As Etlsport mentioned, there are a bunch of us that are using 285 series width tires on our 7" OEM rims with never a problem.

The fact remains that the Stock OEM rims of the VX (both 16's & 18's) are very unique in their offset/backspacing and were specifically designed for the VX. You will not find any commercial aftermarket wheel with the exact same spec's, unless it is custom-made to replicate the OEM rim.

A major problem our VX's have is the very tightly cramped confines of the front wheel-wells. The best we can do is take steps that help minimize rubbing and clearance issues when installing larger size tires. The strict use of OEM rims (whether 16's or 18's) greatly help in this regard to install larger tires with minimal fitment problems.

I'm still waiting for someone who has a "lifted" VX to someday install 285/75R18 (35" O.D.) tires using the Stock OEM 18x7" rims and see how they fit. That would be an awesome combination with maximum O.D., and minimal fitment issues.