I went to 27x8.5R14 so I could get the more aggressive tread of the BFG A/T KO. Excellent tire, both on and off road. About the only complaint I have is the sidewall is not as stiff as the load range D Yoko Y370 195/75R14 I had before. But I have driven 3 long trips in them fully loaded (5500lbs+) with no problems. Even my grossly underpowered '82 diesel Westy manages fine with them - the difference from stock is barely noticeable imho.

On 20 Aug 2005 at 9:03, Doug in Calif <vanagon@ASTOUND.NET> wrote:

> I run Bridgestone 215/75/15 Duelers on my 87 syncro with stock tired motor. > > And I pull a trailer to the dumps regularly. > > Sure its hurt the power somewhat, but the 27/8.5/14s would feel like stock > to me. > > If you see some dirt or gravel roads the extra size and LT tread is "better" > IMHO > > Doug > > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "George Goff" <THX0001@AOL.COM> > To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM> > Sent: Saturday, August 20, 2005 4:39 AM > Subject: Re: 27X8.5QR14 VS 185/R/14 ? > > > > In a message dated 8/19/05 10:02:25 PM, > > aircooledchris@EUCASAFARI.VENDIOWEB.COM writes: > > > > << Is there any difference? >> > > > > Yes, the 27X8.5 is three quarters of an inch wider and about 1 1/4 inches > > greater in diameter and it is not recommended for mounting on a Vanagon. > With > > the 27X8.5 size mounted to a Vanagon with stock gearing, the van's > drivability > > will suffer. > > > > It is best to mount the size tire which is displayed on the tire sticker > > affixed to the car. The manufacturer of the car has certainly expended > more than > > a little effort selecting the size tire which will work the best on the > car. > > An unknown quantity on the internet will not come up with anything as > good. > > > > George >

Shawn Wright http://zuiko.sls.bc.ca/~swright '85 Jetta D '88 Westy 2.1L, soon to be 1.6TD 5 speed (see progress at http://members.shaw.ca/vwdiesels) '82 Diesel Westy