Date: Thu, 20 Feb 2003 08:26:26 -0800
Reply-To: TJ Hannink <tjhannink@YAHOO.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: TJ Hannink <tjhannink@YAHOO.COM>
Subject: Re: Original Carat Alloys in 15 inch size
In-Reply-To: <4f.2b7337c5.2b864b55@aol.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
--- Mfgavia@aol.com wrote:
> Does this mean someone has determined that these
> wheels were built to specs
> that encompass the weight of a vanagon westfalia,
> fully loaded for a weeklong
> camping trip? Can I find this info somewhere and
> confirm it?
Someone had sent me a copy of a TUV compliance
document for the BBS model 237 wheel for use on a
Transporter, I don't know if I have it anymore, but I
will look for it. This wheel is very similar to the
model 217 wheels that I have on my van (they look like
the same casting), the differences being the finish
and the lughole/seat size (12mm vs 14mm).
AFAIK, Audi and VW sedan wheels aren't load rated for
use on Vanagons. Most passenger car wheels are rated
at 600 kg (1,323 lbs)
Another thing to look at is the GWVR of the vehicle
that the wheels were originally mounted on to see what
the max load at the heaviest wheel position is.
For aftermarket wheels, ask the manufacturer or look
on the wheel itself, some of the wheels have the max
load stamped on it.
BTW, both the Carat and the Camper I owned had the
same GVWR sticker in the door jamb with a total GWVR
of 5,160 lbs (2,866 lbs. rear) with a maximum of 1,433
lbs. allowed on each rear tire (front tires allowed
less). The wheels and tires you use should be rated
for at least this amount.
The Carat had a larger payload since it had less
built-in equipment and weighed less to begin with. My
camper has a dry weight of 3,670 lbs. giving me a
payload of around 1,500 lbs. By the time I put in 4
adults, 1 child and their luggage, a large dog, fuel
and tools like I did on my last trip, I'm pushing
2-1/2 tons GWVR.
Weigh your loaded and unloaded camper to find out what
your actual payload is and to make sure that you
aren't overloading it.
I feel safe with the wheels I have on my van, but in
the end, its your decision to make, but do your
homework.
Good luck,
=====
TJ Hannink
Goldibox - 1987 Vanagon Camper, Wolfsburg Edition
Winter Park, Florida
http://home.earthlink.net/~tjhannink/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/wolfsburg_campers
http://photos.yahoo.com/tjhannink [Vanagon] Album
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