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Date:         Mon, 14 Mar 2005 16:07:56 -0800
Reply-To:     BenT Syncro <syncro@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         BenT Syncro <syncro@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: 15" Wheel/Tire Report - Caution
Comments: To: vanagon-rcampbell@usa.net
In-Reply-To:  <552JcNqY13984S03.1110819052@uwdvg003.cms.usa.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII

I have used the same tires on a 1987 2wd GL van with nearly disatrous results. After about 20,000 miles, I discovered cracking on the sidewalls on the INSIDE wall. The outer wall stll looks perfect.

I do drive a bit on the aggressive side and keep my tires inflated at about 38 PSI. The van is also lowered about an inch and a half with H&R springs.

NO cracking after nearly 30,000 miles with replacement C-ratred tires.

BenT

On Mon, 14 Mar 2005 11:50:52 -0500, Robert Campbell <vanagon-rcampbell@usa.net> wrote: > Wow, what a discussion -- but that's what we are here for.... But tires > always seem to bring out a debate don't they :-) > > Thanks for the info everyone, and I've put these wheels and tires on a CARAT > (non-camper) which is 3800 pounds (as per the local dump scale) with me in it! > So, I feel pretty safe with this combo. I do prefer, however, the reinforced > sidewall for anything with this much weight, but I think this setup is fine > for my application. AND, since GoWesty is "pushing" this setup for the > heavier Westy's out there, I feel even better. By the way, I replaced the > Yokohama Y356 from tirerack.com with this setup. Those tires were good, but > the narrow width of these tires doesn't add the ride of the Vanagon. I see > that BusDepot.com is offering a wider (195) 14" tire, but they won't have the > wider (I think 205 or 215) until late in the year or next year -- this is what > I was told on the phone. > > In the two+ years that I have been driving my '91 Carat (every single day), > I've not expierenced any issues with the tires --- except that with 185's on > the van would "wobble in the wind" behind tractor-trailers and it feels like > it would lean more when doing corners (as compared to my new 215's). Now, you > could say I'm a novice Vanagon driver, but since I'm in my machine daily I've > gotten quite a few hours behind the wheel now. > > This setup looks good, and you have many more options with a 15" wheel (the > wheels cost $550 from GoWesty.com). I love the look and the ride. If I > experience any issues I'll let the list know. > > -Robert > '91 Carat, Automatic, 158K Original Engine (but NEW wheels/tires! :-) >

-- BenT


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