Date:         Fri, 23 Jun 2000 15:58:08 -0700
Reply-To:     sknowles@usgs.gov
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Scott Knowles <sknowles@usgs.gov>
Subject:      Tires for Synchro
Content-type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

Question for ya'll.  I've been using Goodyear steel belted (SBL) Wrangler
Radials (P205/75R14) since 1992 and love the tire for my Synchro.  They
have a 1840 lbs load rating, the only tire I found that exceeds VW
recommendations for Synchro's and the only one that exceed the original
equipment tire (Continentals with a 1710 lb rating) when I bought it in
1991.

I went to buy a new set this week and found Goodyear doesn't make that size
anymore in the SBL Wrangler Radial.  I did find a dealer (chain) that found
some in a Denver warehouse and he's ordered them for me.  But I'm wondering
what other tires do other Synchro owner use and what success you've had
with wear, ride, and load.

I've found a few other tire recommendations on VW/Vanagon and other tires
on Company Web sites which fit, but none had a rating over 1600 lbs, such
as another Goodyear tire, Michelin, and BF Goodrich.  I'm wondering if
15-inch wheels are avaiable for the Synchro to go to a P215/70R15 tire in
the future without increasing the overall diameter too much.  And if that
would hurt the 4/AWD system.

If the Goodyears are real this time (another dealer ordered them but none
arrived) I may buy an extra set for the next time, until I can find another
tire.  The Wrangler Radial really make the Synchro handle nice on any road
and in any condition and ride well with the high load capacity, and they
use only 36 lbs pressure.

If this topic has been discussed, I apologize, just tell me to check the
archives (which month-year would help).

--Scott--

Scott M. Knowles        "Opinions expressed are entirely my own."
sknowles@usgs.gov
Hydrologist, MS-Geography

           "All things merge into one, and a river runs through it."

- Norman MacLean