Date:         Mon, 14 Mar 2005 16:08:37 -0800
Reply-To:     jbange <hfinn@INGRATES.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         jbange <hfinn@INGRATES.NET>
Subject:      Re: 15" Wheel/Tire Report - Caution
In-Reply-To:  <20050314225748.75CBE43@sm4app03.siteprotect.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"; format=flowed

>if we didn't have several good tire choices
>available .... perhaps we would need to take such
>risks.
>
>
>But that's not the case ... there are several that
>meet or exceed the minimum specs.
>
>Why not simply use those tires.
>
>I really don't get it.

I guess it all comes down to whether one feels it's better to be within the
manufacturer's spec on an "adequate" light truck tire, or be a couple
percent over the "calculated downrating" of a superior performance "car"
tire. Some look at the P-metric formula that calls for a 9% downrating
whether it's a Toyota mini-truck or a 1/2 ton cargo van and say the
downrating methods are overly conservative when applied to a Vanagon. I
personally feel the better tire is preferable, but then I don't have a
Westy and I'm never over even the downrated limit.

John Bange
'90 Vanagon "Geldsauger"