Date:         Tue, 31 Jul 2001 19:05:53 -0700
Reply-To:     jrbelknap <jrbelknap@EARTHLINK.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         jrbelknap <jrbelknap@EARTHLINK.NET>
Subject:      Michelin XCA tires
Content-Type: multipart/alternative;

Hi,
I am new to the list but saw all the mail on tires recently. Not to rehash, but I saw no mention of the Michelin XCA tires which I had mounted recently in Whitehorse to replace my trashed 205/70-14 MXT's. The Michelin dealer there did not stock a 14" Agilis and offered me a choice of the LTX in a LT195/75-14 93/90 with a capacity of 1470lbs/tire, which I did not consider adequate, or the 205/75-14 XCA 109/107 which is an 8-ply rating at 2270lb. I asked to see them both and there is no comparison if you want beef. The XCA is bigger and heavier, excellent load capacity, and has a more traditional truck tread and stiffer sidewalls. Made in France. It is 26.5" tall, about 1.5 inches taller than my old 205/70's, plus, with a much stiffer sidewall, they do not squat as much, so the van sits easily 1.5 inches higher and they fill the wheel wells better. They are slightly wider/taller than the 185-14's I have seen on some vans.

Yes, the ride is a bit stiffer, but they are much quieter in terms of road noise, especially on the bad pavement that is so prevalent all over the north country. Not nearly as much "drumming" on those chip-seal roads. They also corner extremely well - less lean in corners. You can run them up to 65lbs press, although I have mine at 46/52 and they are working great. I had them as low as 32/40 when on really bad roads but they wander in sidewinds at that pressure. Due to the added circumference, my speedo (which used to read high) now reads dead on, and my odometer is slightly under-reporting miles.

Also, the van does seem a bit more sensitive to sidewinds now, with them pumped up, probably due to the greater ride height and sidewall height over my old 70-series, and the only other drawback I can think of is I do not think they would be very good in snow, based on the tread pattern, which is a traditional rib-style pattern, and the lack of an M&S rating. I know that would preclude many from using them, but for my usage they are perfect, and I  feel secure knowing I don't have to worry about my tires.

I paid $170 Canadian each at a tire store in Whitehorse, which translated into about $110 US, including mounting/balance but not tax. Available here at Tire Rack online for $93. If anyone want a pic let me know.

regards, john

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