Date:         Sat, 4 May 2002 07:42:00 -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 Size Recommendation for a 1991 Carat
Comments: To: dave bowers <dave@SPARKPLUG.COM>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii; format=flowed

I think the XCA only comes in a 205/75R 14 size - so your choice is
first limited to what sizes are made by the manufacturer.

A few things to keep in mind:

Diameter will effect the speedometer reading and your gearing- getting a
tire that is much taller from the factory will make your acceration more
sluggish, but lower RPMs at speed,
Shorter tires will have the opposite effect. At the bottom of your
speedo is a number, like 805, which will tell you what the factory  tire
diameter was estimated to be. (805 revs per mile)
The 205/75R14 XCA's are rated at 787 rev's per mile, so they are about
2% taller - probably not enough to make a noticible difference.

Width needs to be considered because larger sizes have the potential to
rub on suspension, body and the opened sliding door. Wider generally
handles better, however there are some situations where a narrow tire is
actually better, for example in snow.


Todd
'88 Westy

dave bowers wrote:

>Hi Folks,
>
>After doing a lot of research on tires for my 1991 Vanagon Carat, with alloy
>rims, I have settled on Michelin XCA's for my tires.
>
>Seems now, the last decision I need to make, is tire size.
>
>I have hear of folks putting a variety of tire sizes on their vans, from
>175's, all the way to 225.
>
>I was considering settling on 205/75R14's.
>
>Can anyone speak to an "optimal tire size" for the Carat, if there is indeed
>one?
>
>Is wider better?
>
>I'd rather not make a bad choice, and would love input from anyone who has
>success mounting their ideal tire size on a set of standard alloys.
>
>Thanks much!
>
>dave bowers
>vancouver, wa
>