Date:         Fri, 24 Dec 2004 15:41:16 -0500
Reply-To:     Scott Grillo <sgrillo@FLYTWA.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Scott Grillo <sgrillo@FLYTWA.NET>
Subject:      Discount Tires (and Snows!) for Vanagons / Vredestein vs. Hakka
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<< > Were the Hakkapelliitta's included in that tire test?

I just put the Hakka's on my Carat (with Alloys).  There are several
different versions, I'll have to look at mine when I get home.  My
observations

-  Calling VWoA and asking them what to use for the van (hey, they did sell
the thing), they referred me to call Haaka.
-  The Hakka regional rep said yep, the load rating is ok, but nope, there
are no 205's available.
-  My local dealer worked the numbers, and figured the 195's as ok.
-  They are NOISY!!.  That being said, you get used to it quickly.  However,
they stick very well in the rain, unlike the auto Firestones the previous
owner had put on the van.  Also, with the stiff sidewalls, it doesn't blow
around in the wind.  Closest I've had to this were the old Michelin's that
are no longer available (had these on my other Carat with alloys)
-   Van definitely sits higher on these, very aggressive looking tire (you
may not like that look)
-   Haven't had a chance to run through snow, but I'm figuring this will be
the best of anything I ever had on any of my three vans.

If you're looking for a very aggressive reinforced sidewall snow, these are
them, however I'd think long and hard again before buying them, as I think
they are almost too aggressive for day-to-day driving.  However, at the rate
I drive my van, they will be on it for the next 5 years!