Date:         Mon, 10 Mar 2003 09:04:24 -0800
Reply-To:     zampano <matthias.k@ATTBI.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         zampano <matthias.k@ATTBI.COM>
Subject:      Re: Simple tire qurestion
Comments: To: TJ Hannink <tjhannink@YAHOO.COM>
In-Reply-To:  <20030310162936.37031.qmail@web80402.mail.yahoo.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII; format=flowed

I used to have Pep Boys tires on mine (205/70-14) that were rated at
1615lbs, but think were passenger car tires. Hated the handling. I just
put on Kumho 857s 185/70-14. They have stronger sidewalls (not sure how
many plys) and are rated at 1865lbs, which puts them in the "D"
category. At first I thought I won't like the look and feel of narrower
tires, but I was wrong. They're great!! What a difference in handling,
too. They can be inflated to 65psi. Perfect if you load up your rig
once in a while.
The only drawback would be that they make the ride a bit more rough,
but you could cure that by lowering the air pressure to 50 psi or so,
which I think would still be safe and not wear out the tires if you're
not loaded with cargo..

cheers

m
On Monday, March 10, 2003, at 08:29 am, TJ Hannink wrote:

> --- John Rodgers <j_rodgers@CHARTER.NET> wrote:
>> Also make sure you have at least an LT (light
>> truck) 6 ply sidewall. Be sure it is not a 4 ply
>> rated to 6. That is bogus for vanagons and Westy's.
>> You need the stiff sidewall of the LT
>> tire for stability on these vehicles.
>
> 6-ply rated sidewalls are available on both passenger
> car (P-Metric) and light truck tires. I have a set of
> P215/70-14 Kumhos on my van that have a 6-ply sidewall
> rating. You will need to ask tire manufacturer to
> provide the ply-rating information as it is not
> commonly available from distributors and dealers.
>
> 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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