Date:         Thu, 3 Jun 2004 16:40:11 -0500
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: tire plys question
Comments: To: Bike Florida <bikeflorida@EARTHLINK.NET>
In-Reply-To:  <E1BVzU7-0007i6-00@mynah.mail.pas.earthlink.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii; format=flowed

I run Michelin XCA 205/75 R14 8 Ply Load range D tires on my 88 GL. I
run a tire pressure of 55 psi.

Tires on that order - 8 ply with tall and stiff sidewalls are the ticket
for these vans. That stiff sidewall reduces the roll, drift and tendency
to wander all over the road in gusty wind conditions they exhibit when
lesser tires are used. The Vanagons are after all a truck with a
small-car engine. The engine not withstanding, the vehicle needs tires
adequate for the purpose of the vehicle in order to be safe. Like I said
- it's a truck.

John Rodgers
88 GL driver


Bike Florida wrote:

>Well I am taking my first major road trip in my 87 Wolfsburg, we are driving
>from Central Florida to Tsali in NC to go mountain biking. The van came with
>nearly new passenger car tires on it rated at 1350lbs each, I figure with 4
>people, 4 mountain bikes on the roof and camping gear, cooler and such,
>these would be sketchy at best. I called my local tire store and they did
>say it is supposed to have 185 R14 6 ply reinforced tires.. which matched
>what the door panel says, nice to meet somebody who know their business, he
>found 8 ply tires made by YKS in that size and said they would be more than
>adequate, at $49.00 each, I let him order them, but I do want to make sure
>that 8 ply are ok. any suggestions?
>
>
>
>Jerry
>
>
>