Date: Fri, 26 Jul 2002 08:29:13 -0700
Reply-To: Todd Last <Rubatoguy@MINDSPRING.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Todd Last <Rubatoguy@MINDSPRING.COM>
Subject: Re: Alternative tire sizes for 14x6-inch rims
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii; format=flowed
You're missing a great tire!
Michelin XCA 205/75R14 Load Range D, load index (drumroll please) 107/109P!
I have these on my van and love them. I got them a few months ago.
You will have to ask your tire dealer to order them, as it is a model
that they are not usually aware of.
See photos AT:
http://rubatoguy.home.mindspring.com/xca.html
Todd
Rob Scott wrote:
> 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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