Date:         Mon, 19 Aug 2002 19:59:42 -0700
Reply-To:     mark drillock <drillock@EARTHLINK.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         mark drillock <drillock@EARTHLINK.NET>
Subject:      Re: SURVEY - I need a metal fab. project
Comments: To: Clive Smith <clive.harman-smith@NTLWORLD.COM>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

Clive, where are you finding 15" tires in 195 widths that have a
sufficient load rating for Vanagon Campers?

As for the quest for robust 205/70/14 tires here in NA, that is the
stock original size many of our Vanagons came with.

Mark

Clive Smith wrote:
>
> A kit to allow 15" x 6" wheels with 195 tyres to fit under the front, like
> where they should for better mass distribution.
> I understand reading around that provided the tyres are not greater than
> about 205 width , this can be done.
>
> On the same note I think its time for some FLAMES about large wide tyre
> sizes.
> Seems a helluva lot of people looking for 205 tyres, why this fascination
> with a little bit of extra width and ridiculous width rims?
>
> If its for looks alone then I can't really argue, do your own thing. But as
> far as unsprung weight, suspension loads, smooth ride, shock absorber loads
> and performance, etc etc etc , all except maybe absolute roadholding forces
> on theoretically perfectly smooth roads I
> have always found there is a happy medium and that all the points mentioned
> are rapidly degraded for zero nett gain in roadholding and
> negative impact on handling, suspension wear etc. 15" and 16" wheels are
> heavy enough (many alloys are no lighter than steels), without going to
> extreme widths as well. Think engineering, think mass and the original
> suspension design.
>
> OK FLAMES over, so I know my Kunho 15" 195's will fit under the front with a
> neat job done on the frame, and cross-wind handling will
> be improved a little too, no rear tyre carrier and more room inside.
>
> Think about it chaps, aren't you all making a rod for your own backs going
> to 205's and larger?
>
> Clive
> '88 Syncro Transporter