Date:         Mon, 15 Mar 2004 09:42:10 -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:      Re: I see steel belts and tire threads
Comments: To: "Townsend, Michael D" <Michael.Townsend@SONYERICSSON.COM>
In-Reply-To:  <BA5C447DC963F549A58E5BF7474475780189BE5A@usrtmsx02.corpusers.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii; format=flowed

Townsend, Michael D wrote:

>Hi all,
>
>Well, my Carat's Michelin MXT tires are showing threads, so it is time
>to start the tired tire thread!  :-)
>
>
Michael,

I run the Michelin XCA 205/75R14 Load Range "D" , 8 ply, 65 psi tires on
my 88 GL and have been very happy with them. I will stay with that tire
for the 14 inch rims I have, as long as the tires are available.

You might note that the tire comes from Michelin's commercial truck tire
line. Some dealer's may not carry the tire. The first time I tried to
buy the tire, the local Michelin dealer said the tire didn't exist.
After persisting, they said they couldn't find it in their catalog. I
finally had to point out to them that it was a truck tire, it was most
likely in their commercial truck tire line, and they then hunted the
tires down.

One thing about the XCA. The tire has all that the Vanagon needs in the
way of a tire. Strong, carries a high load rating per tire. Has 8 actual
plys as opposed to an "8 ply rating". Has a stout, stout sidewall that
stands straight up and does not belly out significantly. This is very
good to avoid rock damage to the sidewall - a vulnerable place on lesser
tires. I have lost many a tire due to side wall damage, and hardly any
to tread damage. That very stiff sidewall does not want to roll, and
there fore lends itself very well to reducing or eliminating instability
in a wind. Reduces significantly that tendency in a Vanagon to wander in
wind gusts.

Good luck with your tire search.

John Rodgers
88 GL driver