Date:         Mon, 3 Oct 2005 11:02:14 -0500
Reply-To:     rrecardo@WEBTV.NET
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Robert Cardo <rrecardo@WEBTV.NET>
Subject:      Re: Vanagon Tire Guidelines Report
Comments: To: Loren Busch <starwagen@GMAIL.COM>
In-Reply-To:  Loren Busch <starwagen@GMAIL.COM>'s message of Mon, 3 Oct 2005
              08:00:51 -0700
Content-Type: Text/Plain; Charset=US-ASCII

Larry's tire report is right on the money as per factory specs.

However, one problem exists.

How about the guys that have increased wheel / tire diameter?

Gone from 14's to 15" or 16'" wheels & tires?

The alleged advantage was to give the owner of the vehicle a broader
tire selection, which is absolutely true.

Now along with the broader tire selection, there is also a tire compound
/ construction selection which will meet or exceed the manufacture's
suggested specifications,with less of a sidewall rating.

The spec's that are published in Larry's report are what VW expected
then.

This is now, and tire's have come a long way in construction, compounds,
and will meet or exceed VW's antiquated requirements printed on that
door sticker.
The latest possible requirement VW stipulated for use on a Vanagon is 14
years old.

I for one know that tire manufacturing has advanced a bunch since that
last door sticker was printed in 91.

You guys have to be a little bit more flexible, and don't take things
verbatim, or as gospel just because it printed on a sticker, in the door
jam of a 14, 15, 19, 20 year old vehicle.
(if this was the case you'd all be running what VW recommended for oil,
the Mobil 1 would be a no-no just because that is what is sez in the
owner's manual )

Tire technology has advanced a bit since then.

Honestly.

Larry did a good job of reporting what was required for tire's back in
the last millenium.