Date: Sun, 20 May 2001 17:16:10 -0500
Reply-To: wilden1@juno.com
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Stan Wilder <wilden1@juno.com>
Subject: Re: Tires and Pressure
Content-Type: text/plain
Reference Michlein Tire USA.
Westfalias with GVW of 5093 Lbs should be running a tire equal to the
original equipment.
1. Right diameter makes spedo correct.
2. Right diameter assures proper braking.
3. Right tire makes for the best ride comfort.
4. Right tire assures proper tire life.
5. Right tire helps in crosswinds and steering emergencies.
Proper Size: 185 SR14 Reinforced, 185 SR 14 6PR, both of these are six
ply tires.
This tire size relates to both standard Vanagons and Westfalias.
My current Michlein tires are not adaquet for the weight or inflation of
the Westfalia.
Both front tires say max inflation 35PSI, although they are the right
size. Not Suitable they say.
Both rear tires say max inflation 44 PSI, although they are the rigyh
size. Not suitable they say.
They are giving me full purchase credit for the price of the tires,
mounting, valve stems, lifetime balance, sales tax , disposal fee and
road hazard warranty towards a new set of Michlein tires that they have
discounted 25% to eleminate the dangerous tires installed by their local
dealer.
Check the archives at type2@type2.com and you'll find 100 posts in this
within the past 30 days.
To make it real simple: People driving Vanagons are most likley using the
right tires for their 3200 Lb. Vehicles, the Westfalia folks are riding
on dangerous tires in most cases because of the 5093 GVW although they
may seven hundred piunds fully loaded.
Stan Wilder 83 Westfalia Air Cooled
----------------------------------------
On Sun, 20 May 2001 16:33:01 -0500 Joel Walker <jwalker17@earthlink.net>
writes:
> > About 33 Front, 40 Rear. Check your front door frame for specifics.
> > My Westy is heavier on the drivers side but it sort of compromises
> with
> > the cap in the road.
>
> folks, please be careful with that door frame sticker!!!! it applies
> ONLY to the original tires!!!!
>
> if you put any other model/brand/size/color tires on your bus, use
> the
> TIRE for the info about pressure!! it's stamped on the sidewall of
> the
> tire ... Max Load xxxx lbs at Max Pressure zzzz psi. that's the
> maximum amount of pressure you want to ever put in THAT tire.
>
> and if, for example, the tire says Max Pressure 50 psi, you do NOT
> want to run 33 psi in it!! that would be, in my opinion,
> UNDERinflated. the rule of thumb i've always heard is never never
> never inflate a tire below 80 percent of the max pressure (which in
> this case would be 40 psi).
> <except when trying to get unstuck in sand. but that's another story
> and a good reason to always carry a small air compressor or good
> quality bicycle pump with you on trips! :) >
>
> so don't believe everything that's stuck on your van, especially if
> someone previously has replaced the tires. check the tire itself for
> more info, and use your noodle!! :)
>
> unca joel
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