Date: Thu, 6 Oct 2005 20:45:04 -0700
Reply-To: Larry Chase <roadguy@ROADHAUS.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Larry Chase <roadguy@ROADHAUS.COM>
Subject: Tire Report - Summary Conclusion
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
Volks,
Thanks for the great feedback on my tire report,
http://www.roadhaus.com/Tires/Guideline.html
It's clear there are two categories of Vanagon Owners.
Back Roads Adventurers & Pavement Pounders,
For the Back Roads Adventurers,
This remarkable vehicle was designed and built to travel where our curiosity
leads us.
Around the next corner, over the next hill, along any unimproved, dusty,
dirt road that might even resemble a cattle trail.
My friend Richard Jones posted two photos earlier today that are worth a
thousand words.
Baja road, near nowhere!
http://jones.colorado.edu/jones/Baja/pix/roll4dx-4a.jpg
Utah-Nevada border 100 miles from nowhere:
http://jones.colorado.edu/jones/Oct2001/Oct01/roll5dx-26a.jpg
Do you really want to be unsure of your tires when you head off into the
unknown?
VW spent a lot of effort figuring out proper tires that allow us to pursue
our dreams.
Many dedicated enthusiasts have put a lot of effort into helping us all
understand VW's conclusions.
These enthusiasts are remarkably in agreement on the major parameters for
selecting a safe Vanagon.
I encourage you to read thru the fruits of their labor,
www.dualport.com/bustech/load_tires.html
www.vanagon.com/info/tires/
www.concentric.net/~Sxs/Tires.shtml
www.hrps.demon.nl/jwbus/T2-tires.htm
www.type2.com/library/tires/t2tirefq.htm
www.type2.com/rescue/tires.html
www.busdepot.com/details/tires.jsp
www.syncro.org/Tires.shtml
http://www.roadhaus.com/Tires/Guideline.html
For the Pavement Pounders,
It's clear that everyone's idea of adventure is not the same.
To create a ride that looks good and floats along the freeways in more
comfort, is very appealing.
Some of these efforts have resulted in cool pimped rides that we can all
admire.
As Terry Kay (aka Robert Cardo) stated,
"If I was drag racing, I'd have a set of slicks"
"If I was ice racing I'd have a set of studded tire's"
"The majority I'd say are pavement pounder's and don't require what you
suggested for hoops".
Well Terry, I don't think the majority of folks fall into your Pavement
Pounders category .. But certainly some do.
For those of you in this category, the suggestion I have, please make sure
your tire choices can truly handle the weight of these vehicles.
If you use passenger car tires, consider selecting ones that meet or exceed
the following specs,
* XL or RF designation.
* Load Range 100
* Max Load Capacity: 1604 lbs (after derated load capacity by 9%)
* Max Inflation Pressure:: 40 psi
- Don't load your vehicle to capacity
- Stay on those freeways and better secondary roads
- Keep your speed down
- Keep your air pressure at the proper level
- Inspect the sidewalls frequently for early signs of failure.
Be Safe.
This concludes our most recent Tire Debate.
We now return to our regularly scheduled programming.
larry chase
www.roadhaus.com
www.roadhaus.com/shops.html
www.roadhaus.com/tires.html