Date: Sat, 9 Mar 2002 10:58:59 -0500
Reply-To: "Barry E. Muller" <bmuller@UOFT02.UTOLEDO.EDU>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: "Barry E. Muller" <bmuller@UOFT02.UTOLEDO.EDU>
Organization: Home
Subject: Re: reinforced t-i-r-e-s
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I really appreciate that info.
A great followup would be information and suppliers/vendors that actually stock
bloody 14" tires that fit the Vanagon's specs (for my application, it would be
the 205/70 R14 LI99). Best I've seen listed on the web (don't even now if the
exist in fact) have an LI of 95. But I have a lead on Vredestein 205/75 R14
with an LI of something like 106! If anyone is intereted I'll let them know
were this leads via pmail.
bem
Steve Lashley wrote:
> In a message dated 3/5/02 10:32:20 PM, mike_l_f@HOTMAIL.COM writes:
>
> << Chris -
>
> Tires used to have 4,6 or 8-ply sidewalls, as well as tread (bias-ply tires,
> many moons ago). I believe (but have not been able to find any confirmation
> for this) that 'Reinforced' tires are those which can carry a higher
> pressure, and so are stiffer. Most P rated tires say 35 psi maximum.
> Heavier duty tires say 44, 50 or more.
>
> Running a 50 psi 205/70R-14 Load Range 97 tire at the recommended 40 psi on
> the rear of my '87 Westy means it can support less than the maximum weight
> rating, but it is still stiffer than a 35 Psi P rated passenger tire would
> be.
>
> Have you ever seen an official definition of reinforced? >>
>
> Yes reinforced tires carry a higher load rating, but not all higher load
> rated tires are reinforced. Generally speaking, the higher pressure tires
> are stiffer, and give a firm ride.
>
> You need reinforced sidewalls to limit tire roll and sway. The stiffer side
> walls help you keep better control over your van while turning and cornering
> as well as in windy conditions. They limit the amount of lean the tires have
> and prevent tire blowouts. Reinforced tires are needed on tall heavy
> vehicles like our vans. They should also be required on SUVs, but that's
> another story. (remember the 35psi Firestone tires on the Explorer?)
>
> When you take a curve, weight is shifted to the inside tires and a lot of
> stress is put on the tire sidewalls.
>
> Ply ratings anymore are just that, a rating. They don't actually stand for
> the number of plies. You can have 4 ply tires that carry a 6 or 8 ply
> rating. In the old days tires were rated by the number of plies they had.
> Today you can get the same strength with less, but the rating is still used.
>
> Steve Lashley
> SKL Enterprises Inc.
> http://EuroCampers.com
> 636-797-9015
> 636-789-2127 fax
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