Date:         Wed, 11 Jul 2001 16:12:00 +0100
Reply-To:     dmc@CYBURBAN.COM
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Dave M <dmc@CYBURBAN.COM>
Subject:      Re: Kirkland tires
Comments: To: wilden1@juno.com
Content-type: text/plain

>I really hate to get started in another tire thread but I've just put a
>set of Michlein Agilis 61s size 185x14c on my Westfalia.
>I've been only about 600 miles on them and that was mostly in a straight
>line down I-45 South and then back.
>So far I've noticed that the van seems to center its steering quicker
>after a turn, I have less swoosh when I'm passed by an 18 wheeler on a
>two lane and an overall firmer, possibly more controled ride. They do
>make a little more noise going over expansion joints.
>The tread groves between the ribs are a little wider and they pick up
>small stones for wheel-well ammunition and that occasaional ping is going
>to happen with these tires. Well OK! Boing! or Ching.
>I've been running under specified Michleins for seven years and they've
>been throwing tread off between 6 and 10K; I've just been going back for
>warranty and they were very good about free replacement but I still
>dropped 10$ each for road hazzard, 2.25$ each on Valve stems and 7,50$
>each on balancing. So each time it cost me about 40$ a pair for warranty
>(if one goes bad they will replace the pair for matching purposes) or at
>least thats what the dealer has been doing in my situation.
>Since I'm breaking in a new engine I can't comment on higher speeds than
>65 MPH or any fuel use improvement.
>If you can get a tire with a C or D load rating thats the way you want to
>go.
>Previously to this Michlein did not have a 14" x 185 tire with a C or D
>rating. (said the Michlein Rep.)
>
What is the 'load index' stamped on the sidewall say?
It will be a 4-digit number in lbs.