Date:         Sat, 19 Apr 2003 01:01:55 -0400
Reply-To:     Kim Brennan <kimbrennan@MAC.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Kim Brennan <kimbrennan@MAC.COM>
Subject:      Re: 15" Wheel Question
Comments: To: George Thorburn <thorgk@ACCESSCOMM.CA>
In-Reply-To:  <002001c3062a$43b786c0$f84e4818@accesscomm.ca>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII; format=flowed

Sigh. The reason so many folks recommend the 215/75R15's is because
there is a lot of selection at that size. Once you step away from that
size the selection becomes considerably smaller.

For instance, at the Tirerack, they only list 2 tires in the 215/65R15
size for light trucks. The Wilderness HT (Firestone) doesn't have the
load rating. The Continental, however, does. They also have a 195/70R15
(a bit smaller than stock, though close) and a 215/70R15. Excellent
load ratings.

Don't know anything else about the tire though.

On Saturday, April 19, 2003, at 12:15 AM, George Thorburn wrote:

>>> Tire choices always seems to be overly confusing.
>
>
> So what is a good tire to use with 15" rims?  I do not want to go to a
> larger diameter so 215/75x15 is out (my 1.9L motor works hard enough
> already).  Most of the 215/65x15 tires do not have a high enough load
> rating (tell me what tire has the correct rating if there is one).
> 205/65x15 tires have a smaller diameter than the stock 185R15 tire so
> the engine will rev higher.
> I drive a two wheel drive Westfalia so the load carring capacity is
> important.  I drive in the mountains so I do not want to oversize the
> tires,  I am leaning toward the 205/65x15 tires but would like to find
> a set of 215/65x15 tires with the right load rating.
> I have a set of 15" Audi rims with machine work done and a set of
> spacers and longer bolts/studs ready to go.  I just need to find some
> tires.
> Thanks for any help.
> George
> '85 Westfalia
> PS  Does anyone know the revs/mile or kilometer for the four sizes
> mentioned. (185R14, 205/65x15, 215/65x15 and 215/75x15)