Date: Wed, 24 Jul 2002 18:05:32 -0400
Reply-To: Dennis Haynes <dhaynes@OPTONLINE.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Dennis Haynes <dhaynes@OPTONLINE.NET>
Subject: Re: Alternative tire sizes for 14x6-inch rims
In-Reply-To: <5.1.0.14.0.20020723224254.036ee9a0@unixguy.com>
Content-type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII
The 215-70's will work fine. You can also use a 225/70 which will have a
load index of 98 or 99. I would avoid using the 205's with the standard
load rating.
Dennis
-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf
Of Rob Scott
Sent: Wednesday, July 24, 2002 2:30 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Alternative tire sizes for 14x6-inch rims
So, I'm looking for tires for my 1990 Vanagon MV with the 14x6-inch
rims.
Long live the Michelin MXT with its load index of 99, but it has gone
the
way of the dinosaur. Unless there are some hidden away in some dusty
warehouse, they are quite unavailable. Michelin currently recommends
only the Rainforce MX4 (according to their web site), which is a measly
load index of 95.
So far I have found lots of 205/70R14 tires, but most have a 93 LI. The
best choices with a 95 LI (couldn't find anything higher) seem to be:
Michelin Rainforce MX4 (95T)
Bridgestone BT70s (95S)
Bridgestone Daytona Metric Radial (95T)
Firestone F-570 (95T)
Cost-wise, the Bridgestone BT70s at around $50-$55 is much preferable
to the Michelin at $90 per tire. Bridgestone's have a reputation for
stiffer sidewalls, too.
So, other than the speedo being off (it already is, reading 2-3mph lower
than actual speed =:-0 ) is there any reason why a 215/70R14 would not
do the job? I've found several of these that have a 96 load index. I
have also found a few P-rated (P205/70R14) that may have a 96 LI. Since
my speedo is already off by a good margin, I have no compunction against
throwing it off more. Traveling with GPS gives me a good calibration
that I can factor in.
Unfortunately, the FAQ at Vanagon.com seems a bit dated when it comes
to tires that are currently available. I would have searched the
archives,
but they aren't available at the moment, either.
I have an upcoming trip from Seattle to Minnesota/Wisconsin with kids,
and
we're leaving three weeks from now. Time to get some good rubber on the
rolling stock. Any and all advice appreciated. Advathanksnce.
Cheers.
Rob
It's never too late to have a happy childhood.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Rob Scott, mailto:rob@unixguy.com
Langley, Washington on Whidbey Island (a suburb with a moat)