Date:         Thu, 24 May 2001 03:23:08 -0000
Reply-To:     Mike Finkbiner <mike_l_f@hotmail.com>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Mike Finkbiner <mike_l_f@hotmail.com>
Subject:      Re: comments on Michelin Rainforce MX4
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed

Dan -

A couple of days ago I proposed the theory that the reason VW specified a
load range 97 for the 205/70 size was that they had a max pressure of 50
psi, and could only support a lower maximum weight at the reduced pressure
of 40 psi, making them effectively the same as the 185R14 load range C tires
(generally load rating 93).

After reading your note, I went to look at the (US) michelin site and, using
their tire selector, found that they specified the Rainforce MX4 as the
correct tire for the Vanagon, listing 48 psi rear for the 185 or 40 psi rear
for the 205, as your door sticker says.  But there was an interesting note -

      "Pressure greater than 35 psi for P-Metric or 36 psi for Metric
required for this application."

When I went to look at the specs, they didn't list a maximum pressure for
the tires.  However, on the e-tires.com site, they list the specs as
"Maximum Pressure 35 psi"

I guess if Michelin says that's the right tire, I would go for it, but if
the e-tires site is correct, and the sidewall max pressure is 35 psi, I find
it fascinating that Michelin's web site would specify 40 or 48 psi when used
on the Vanagon.

Probably more than you wanted to know, eh!


Mike Finkbiner
'87 Westy
Moscow, Idaho

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Date:    Wed, 23 May 2001 19:31:22 -0300
From:    86 Westfalia <scotiawesty@ns.sympatico.ca>
Subject: comments on Michelin Rainforce MX4

<SNIP>

I checked michelin.com.  The only tire they seem to produce now that meets
OEM in the Rainforce MX4.  Two sizes are available, 185R14 91T or 205/70R14
95T

From my readings, I see that  the load rating the 205s should be 97.  I
cannot understand the the 185 tire size (205/70R14 97R and 185R14C 6 PR are
on the tag on the van).

Soooooo, are these MX4s safe and acceptable?  What is the prefered size for
highway driving and generally mucking about town?

Thanks,

Dan

DJ Landry
Bedford, Nova Scotia
1986 Vanagon Westy
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