Date:         Mon, 22 Mar 2004 13:23:16 -0500
Reply-To:     Tracey Estevez <boatshop@INTERCOM.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Tracey Estevez <boatshop@INTERCOM.NET>
Subject:      Re: Better handling in windy conditions?
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"

I am thrilled with all of the p-mail replies I recieved on this topic! So I
know I am not the only Vanagon driver sweating out the windy days and the
gusts from those tractor-trailers. Long trips in the van are so tiring for
that reason alone...you have to fight to keep it straight.
I currently have the tires that the PO installed and they need to go. They
are Dunlop 205/75 14" on standard VW rims. I haven't done all my homework on
what the various specs printed on the tires mean, but I can give this
info...they are "Standard Load" , rated for 35 psi, and have 3-ply
sidewalls.
They do feel "mushy" as Hans Achter had mentioned...almost like there is a
bounce on the sidewalls.
Worn steering parts may be a concern for me too, but the front end is well
aligned. These tires have some uneven wear from the front not being aligned
properly by the PO.

I don't really need the snow handling capabilities of the Hakkapeliitta C2
reccommended by a few folks.
What about using a lower profile tire?
Installing Wolfsburg shocks to lower the suspension a few inches is an
interesting idea too.
From the info in the archives, it looks like I will need to spend a good
amount of cash on proper tires, so I wanna make sure I make the right
decision and attempt to solve a big problem at the same time. I think my van
is dangerous the way it handles in the wind...although , as jesse johnson
said, it keeps your mind on the road and not into the usual zoning-out
driving mode.
I really don't intend to stir up yet another tire thread here so p-mail me
anything that isn't already in the archives.
Thanks everyone for all the input!