Date:         Sun, 14 Apr 2002 11:49:27 -0700
Reply-To:     Todd Last <Rubatoguy@MINDSPRING.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Todd Last <Rubatoguy@MINDSPRING.COM>
Subject:      Re: Tire Ratings
Comments: To: Dana Morphew <kadm@PUGETSOUND.NET>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii; format=flowed

On my Vanagon Camper the tire sticker on the door, it states a 97
minimum load rating.
97 load rating translates to a max. load of 1609 lbs.  So it would seem
that the Kirklands, at a 93 - 1435lb max load, are not sufficient for
the Westys.

Perhaps the passenger Vanagons have lower tire requirements?

In any case, I feel safer adhering to the factory reccomendation - there
must have been a reason that they picked 97, even if the math appears to
suggest otherwise.

Todd
'88 Westy

Dana Morphew wrote:

>Tires, such as the Kirkland LT195 x 75R14 93/90Q rated for 1435 lbs. @
>50 psi, will easily allow you to exceed the gross vehicle weight of the
>Vanagon (~5200 lbs.) whether it is a "bare bones", a GL, a Westy, or a
>Syncro (Syncro might have greater gross capacity...not sure).   You can
>overload the Vanagon by 10% and still be within the safe limits of the
>exampled Kirkland tire (keep 'em inflated).  This doesn't even consider
>the designed in safety margin all tires have.  Of course if you have one
>of two corners abnormally overloaded (be aware of front and rear max.
>axle load specs) you may manage to explore the limits of these tires,
>but, if you consciously try to carry a reasonably balanced load, not
>exceed the gross vehicle weight of the Vanagon, keep the tires inflated
>according to your loading, and run tires that have at least a 2 mm.
>tread depth and are in good shape, you'll likely be fine.
>
>The Yokohamas, below, are well equipped for safety beyond what the
>Vanagon needs to carry its gross with a 7360 lb total weight carrying
>ability.
>
>-Dana-
>
>"Terry K." wrote:
>
>>The YoMamma Suv / light truck tire's I have on my 87 Westy ride real
>>nice, excellent in the wet, not bad in the snow---load rated--D, and
>>have a max load rating of 1840 psi.
>>
>