Date:         Thu, 6 Nov 2003 11:05:42 -0600
Reply-To:     John Rodgers <jh_rodgers@BELLSOUTH.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         John Rodgers <jh_rodgers@BELLSOUTH.NET>
Subject:      Tires:  Michelin XCA 205/75R14
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii; format=flowed

I have these tires on my van. The full description is

Michelin XCA - 205/75R14 8-Ply (actual - not 8 ply rated)-(6 bottom, 2
Sidewall) Load Range D, 65 PSI Maximum

This tire is readily available through Michelin, but is a tire from
their commercial truck tire line. You may get told it isn't available,
or is not listed, but if you give the tire dealer the full description
above, they can find it.

This "75" tire stands just a  bit taller than the "70" tire, but there
isn't enough difference to make a really significant difference in
overall performance although some may notice a reduced getaway athe stop
light when dragging with the local Corvette.. Once I drove with them for
a while any acceleration differences I don't even notice. This tire size
may be available in a 15 inch size as well.

The one thing I have noticed is that with the new tires, my speedometer
- according to the local highway radar units that tell you how fast you
are going - is dead-on balls accurate. No more of the built-in VW fudge
factor in the speedometer.

These tires were a bit pricey - $122 ea. balanced and installed, but
they seem to be really good tires, and since I often carry heavy loads -
1000 to 1500 lbs in the van, they are definitely the tire for me.

Regards,

John Rodgers
88 GL Driver
Chelsea, AL