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Date:         Tue, 23 Jul 2002 23:29:48 -0700
Reply-To:     Rob Scott <rob@UNIXGUY.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Rob Scott <rob@UNIXGUY.COM>
Subject:      Alternative tire sizes for 14x6-inch rims
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"; format=flowed

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)


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