Date:         Sat, 10 Sep 2005 22:30:24 -0400
Reply-To:     Don in North Carolina <vanagondon@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Don in North Carolina <vanagondon@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: michelin agilis tire pressure
Comments: To: Michael Snow <mwsnow@gmail.com>
In-Reply-To:  <43238C4E.3090402@gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1

On 9/10/05, Michael Snow <mwsnow@gmail.com> wrote:
> The model numbers are incorrect here.
> 
> The Agilis 51 is a 205/65R15 tire, which is the stock size for some
> (maybe all) Eurovans.
> 
> The Agilis 61 is 185R14C.  Both Michelin customer support and Tire Rack
> told me that the 61 is no longer in production or available.  I have a
> set on my '82 Westy with a lot of tread life remaining.  Tire rack still
> shows the 61 on their web site, but you get the 81 if you order them.
> 
> I have a set of the Agilis 81 on my Syncro.  The labeling on the 81 is
> confusing.  The tire says 184R14C in large letters ont the sidwall, but
> the fine print says load range D.
> 
> I have driven the Syncro about 800 miles with these tires, mostly on
> pavement, but about 30 miles on graded dirt/gravel roads.  I have them
> inflated to 40/48, per the silver sticker.  I would definitely buy
> another set.  I was concerned about the D rating causing an overly harsh
> ride.  I find the ride to be very comfortable.
> 
> --
> Michael Snow
> 1987 Syncro GL camper
> 1986 GL
> 1982 Westfalia 1.9D

Michael,

The Agilis 81 would be as follows:

Model: Agilis 81
Size: 185R14C
Load Range: 102
Load Index: D
Max Load: 1875 lbs
Max Inflation Pressure:  65 psi

The "C" in 185R14C stands for Commercial, not the load range - from
the tire rack web site:

If a Euro-metric sized tire ends with a "C," it signifies the tire is
a "Commercial" tire intended to be used on vans or delivery trucks
that are capable of carrying heavy loads. In addition to being branded
with the "C" in their size, these tires are also branded with their
appropriate Service Description and "Load Range" (Load Range B, Load
Range C or Load Range D).

I use the Agilis 81's on my '88 GL, and have not found the ride to be
harsh either.  I inflate to 45 front and 50 rear, unladen.

-- 
Don in Reidsville, NC
1986 Kawasaki Concours
1988 Vanagon GL (Sylvia)
"I reject your reality and substitute my own." - Adam Savage