Date:         Sat, 11 Oct 2003 14:52:11 -0700
Reply-To:     Todd Last <Rubatoguy@MINDSPRING.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Todd Last <Rubatoguy@MINDSPRING.COM>
Subject:      Re: GoWesty wheel / tire package
Comments: To: Kevin Mulligan <mulligan_kevin@YAHOO.COM>
In-Reply-To:  <20031011205311.35134.qmail@web80704.mail.yahoo.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=windows-1252; format=flowed

I always find it amusing that Michelin is not aware of its own tires.
I would suggest that the Michelin XCA 205/75x14 load range D tire with a
load index of 107/109P (Max load of 2270lbs),
Is an excellent replacement tire - but I'm biased because I have these
tires and think they are great.

My guess is that since they are considered commercial truck tires, most
of the Michelin reps are not aware of them. (Because they are only
looking at passenger car/truck tires?)
I had the experience of talking to a Michelin rep who gave the same LTX
recommendation - when I asked about the XCA, the rep had no knowledge of
the tire, but after researching it, told me that the XCA would be
perfectly acceptable for the Vanagon.

Todd
'88 Westy



Kevin Mulligan wrote:

>Folks,
>
>I’ve spent the last several weeks looking into tires
>for my 90 Syncro camper and have the following
>observations. These may apply only to campers or
>Syncros from the 90 model or similar years, so take
>them for what their worth. Sorry for the lack or
>brevity.
>
>Until recently I still had my vehicle’s original
>spare, the "P205/70R 14 Reinforced" Michelin, whose
>sidewall clearly stated its load index of 97. Although
>the 97 load index is associated with 1,609 pounds
>within the industry, the tire clearly stated that its
>maximum load was 1,570 pounds.
>
>While tire shopping, I talked to my local Michelin
>dealer, who called their national office in response
>to my inquiry about tires. He told me that the only
>tire recommended by Michelin for Vanagons is the “LTX
>MX” LT 195/75R 14 (load rating C). This tire has a
>load index is 93, or 1,433 pounds at 50 psi – much
>less than the original tire’s 1,570 pounds.
>
>
<snip>