Date: Thu, 6 Oct 2005 07:17:05 -0700
Reply-To: Larry Chase <roadguy@ROADHAUS.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Larry Chase <roadguy@ROADHAUS.COM>
Subject: Re: Passenger Car Tire Example 1
In-Reply-To: <000101c5ca2a$c2c673b0$6400a8c0@masterpc>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
Dennis,
Jaime's Sumitomo tire is very interesting.
Model: HTR 200
Size: 205/70 HR14
Load Index: 95H SL
Max Load: 1521 lbs
Max Inflation Pressure: 51 psi
It apparently has a SL (Not reinforced) sidewall and yet can handle 51 psi.
As you know, normally a SL sidewall tire only is only rated at 35 psi.
But since this is a passenger car tire, the load capacity spec would be
derated by 9% which would only give it a 1384 Load capacity.
That's the major issue that troubles me?
The OE Michelin MXL was an odd ball tire too, in that in had a "very"
reinforced sidewall and could actually handle 1580 lbs of load capacity.
BTW .... Several folks with original Michelin MXL tires responded to my OE
tire survey.
I don't recall very many being happy with that tire, low mileage was the
major compliant as I recall.
I agree with the folks that are looking for a tire that gives a better ride,
but I hope we are being careful and picking tires that can truly handle the
weight and stresses of Tall, Narrow, Heavy Vehicle with a small tire
diameter.
Some of these Vans have been pimped in very cool ways and only being used as
a mellow street only vehicle.
That's cool.
But tire reports like mine and Vanagon.Com, Syncro.org, Bus Depot, Type 2
List and such are focused on helping people pick safe tires that can handle
the Load Capacities specs of the vehicle in the manner the vehicle was
designed to be used.
Camping, exploring and adventures following questionable roads to unknown
destinations.
Now if we all moved up to 17" - 18" tires me would have plenty of choices.
But then we would need a major engine upgrade to turn the wheels.
Compromises :(
good tire,
larry chase
www.roadhaus.com
www.roadhaus.com/shops.html
www.roadhaus.com/tires.html
-----Original Message-----
From: Dennis Haynes [mailto:dhaynes@optonline.net]
Sent: Wednesday, October 05, 2005 9:02 PM
To: 'Larry Chase'; vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: RE: Passenger Car Tire Example 1
This tire is a better fit than most due to the 95 load index and 51 psi
inflation capability. I would still shy away though. If replacing the set,
go for a 215/70-14. This will get you to a 96 or 97 load index. The factory
used the 97 with the reinforced Michelin MXL's. Make sure the tire can be
inflated to 44 psi.
Dennis
