Date:         Sun, 31 Jul 2005 11:24:00 -0700
Reply-To:     Otmar <otlists@EVCL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Otmar <otlists@EVCL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Tire pressure question 2
In-Reply-To:  <BF126BA8.2D16%camper@tactical-bus.info>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" ; format="flowed"

At 11:51 AM -0600 7/31/05, jimt wrote:
>With my van I did the add of 5 psi about three months ago after noting
>strange tire wear on the front that suggested under inflation as well as
>some strange handling.  The handling corrected and the wear pattern has
>halted.  Nice to see that I now have some support for the number I guessed
>at.  The guesstimate part was done by first inflating to 3 psi greater and
>looking at the contact patch area and sidewall bulge on one front tire.  I
>then added 2psi more and the tire shape looked much better and I then
>matched the pressure on the other three tires and checked appearance and
>then test drove on the highway.
>
>With any changes in tire pressure look for changes in wear patterns on the
>front tires.  This is where it will show most and soonest.

Has anyone Ever seen a radial tire on a Vanagon with signs of over inflation?
I certainly never have. Maybe I take the corners too fast. :)

I always run my cars at max sidewall pressure rating or a little
over. 55 PSI all around with my Agelis 205-65 15s on the Stretch. I
also usually run pretty heavy van (5800 to 6300 lbs trip weight) and
like the increased fuel economy that high tire pressure brings. In my
electric and hybrid cars I run 10 psi over the sidewall rating. They
roll really well.

In exchange the ride is a bit harsher than it would be with lower pressure.

Overall as I see it, high tire pressure reduces heat buildup and
therefore reduces tire failures but does make for a somewhat louder
and harsher ride. It can also reduce traction but seems to make the
van more stable. With those thoughts in mind, tire pressure becomes a
personal preference. I don't think I've ever even read the
recommendations on the door sticker. :)

--
  -Otmar-
82/86 Stretch Vanagon Westfalia GTI. "Power of two" Soon to be TDI.
http://www.evcl.com/vw
1 914 EV, 1 Insight Hybrid