Date: Sat, 9 Nov 2002 08:39:50 -0700
Reply-To: Larry Chase <lchase@ATTGLOBAL.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Larry Chase <lchase@ATTGLOBAL.NET>
Subject: Tire Matrix Creation Task Force - Test Case
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
Volks, please bear with me just a little bit longer on this issue.
The reason, I'm really concerned that enough people find this issue confusing.
I have seen first hand evidence of many Vans with what I believe to be inappropriate tires. When I've spoken to many of these owners, I hear .... "I didn't know." "This was the tire recommended by my tire shop, a VW Vendor or a another Van owner."
If a little more discussion could prevent just one person from having an accident maybe it's worth it.
Tire Matrix Creation - The responses I received ... 25% great idea and 75% what confusion.
One of the 25% was one of our most respected Vanagon/ Eurovan Vendors.
To quote the 75%:
"It's a simple decision ... just take your vehicle tire specs to any reputable tire shop and get a set of tires."
The "Tire Spec" was then suggested to be:
Load capacity
Sidewall Construction (Reinforced Sidewall)
Tire pressure
Which seems to correlate to Vanagon.Com & Syncro.Org tire info
Then several folks suggested:
"When using a P-metric tire in a light truck application, the tires
weight rating as listed on the Sidewall has to be reduced by 10%."
For the benefit of the 25% and myself let's see if I can model this advice.
Test vehicle: 1987 Syncro Westy
GVWR: Approx. 6000 lbs. /3000 lbs. per axle / 1500 lbs per wheel.
Note.... 6000 lbs GVWR estimation is within a few lbs of actual.
According to: Syncro.Org Tires & Wheels Page .... http://www.concentric.net/~Sxs/Tires.shtml
"VW Spec. Tire Sizes : 205/70R14 Reinforced (36 front & 40 rear PSI)
Spec Load Index: 97 (1609-1652 lbs.) or Higher
VW specs are used as one criteria for size evaluation. The tire manufacturer is used as the only other criteria. Thus, tires that do not meet exact VW size spec, but which the tire manufacturer has represented meet vehicle specs, are deemed to Meet Syncro Specs. "
- - - -
According to: Vanagon.Com Tires & Wheels Page .... http://www.vanagon.com/info/tires/index.html
"The Syncro Westy of 1987 called for minimum load index (L.I.) of 97. Later models have been reported to me to call for 99 minimum on 14x5.5" rims and 107 for 14x6" rims.
Here is a chart of load index (L.I.) ratings:
L.I.
97 730kg 1609-1652 pounds
99 775kg 1709-1763 pounds
107 975kg 2149-2200 pounds
- - - -
A slight inconstancy.
Do we use the vehicle GVWR 1500 lbs per wheel or the Syncro.Org recommendation of 1609-1652?
Now to apply the SPECS to the test vehicle.
87 Syncro Test Vehicle Tire Spec:
Load capacity 1500 or 1609-1652? >>> What should we use?
Sidewall Construction (Reinforced Sidewall) >>> How do you determine if a tire has a reinforced sidewall?
Tire pressure: Original tire called for (36 front & 40 rear PI) >>> What spec do we use?
When using a P-metric tire in a light truck application, the tires weight rating as listed on the sidewall has to be reduced by 10%. >>> Do we all agree?
Please help answer the "specs" questions above for this vehicle and I'll then apply them to a couple of potential tire choices.
I'll use four tires ..... two being sold by one of our Vanagon/ Eurovan Vendors and two tires I got the most recommendations from the list for my own needs.
Michelin MV4 Rainforce
Michelin X-One
Michelin LTX C M/S
Bridgestone Dueler 689
Larry
