Date:         Wed, 19 Apr 2000 20:04:19 -0600
Reply-To:     Kent Christensen <lkchris@USWEST.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Kent Christensen <lkchris@USWEST.NET>
Subject:      Re: Michelin LTX - why is it a great tire?
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

Most folks don't think this makes any difference, but the Michelin LTX
is an "American" vehicle tire and not a "European" tire.  I believe it
is not sold in Europe.  75-series tires I think are only rarely seen
specified for European vehicles.  The LTX is not available in either
Vanagon size, i.e. 185/80-14 or 205/70-14.  According to the (old)
brochure I have, both "P" and "LT" versions are available, with weight
number of 92 or load range C respectively.  The weight number for the
reinforced 184-14 Michelin MX I'm running (which are not M-S) is 94.
None of this necessarily means the LTX won't be fine, especially the
"LT" version, but it is unquestionably not the kind of tire
recommended by VW.  Of course a big part of why VW recommends what is
does is because it tests with tires locally (in Germany) available and
does not test with "American" tires.  Finally, the brochure notes the
"LT" version is available in either "outline raised white letters" or
"outline raised black letters," and the "P" version is just ORWL.