Date: Wed, 18 Oct 2006 13:04:33 -0700
Reply-To: Jake de Villiers <crescentbeachguitar@GMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Jake de Villiers <crescentbeachguitar@GMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: What tires for 91 Westy?
In-Reply-To: <101820061714.17714.453660E30004A11A000045322207020653979A09019B0E0D9A9D@comcast.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed
The dispute comes down to this;
Guys who have tried car tires vs guys who have not!
Those who have put car tires on their vans are really happy, those who
haven't are waiting with bated breath for some tire-related carnage. Hasn't
happened yet.
You'll have to make up your own mind on this one.
On 10/18/06, Todd Last <rubatoguy@comcast.net> wrote:
>
> Its been said before but is worth repeating...
> Make sure you get the correct load index for your tires.
>
> At very least your tires should have a load index rating equal to 1/2 the
> GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating) (Each wheel takes 1/2 the total axle load.)
>
> Roadhaus has a great tire review section on his website
> http://www.roadhaus.com/tires.html
>
>
> -------------- Original message ----------------------
> From: Paul Terry <paulterry@EARTHLINK.NET>
> > Pat,
> > I'm in the same boat, but I had 14" rims with street tires. I have
> purchased a
> > 15" rim set but can't decide whether top purchase the Michelin Hydra
> Edge 215 65
> > 15 (as recommended by the folks at GoWesty) or the Michelin Agilis
> 205's.
> >
> > PAUL
> >
> > -----Original Message-----
> > >From: Pat Little <redtail@CABLESPEED.COM>
> > >Sent: Oct 17, 2006 6:58 PM
> > >To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> > >Subject: What tires for 91 Westy?
> > >
> > >I recently bought a nice 91 Westy and have been driving it around on
> short and
> > medium trips. Now I'm
> > >preparing for longer jaunts and want to get better tires before I set
> out. I
> > plan on driving a lot
> > >of driving dirt roads and probable mountain snow conditions.
> > >
> > >The tires I have now are Jupiter SV-820 185R14 C,
> > >and the spare is different - a Michelin MXL 205/70R14
> > >
> > >The symptoms I have which I would like to change are:
> > > - van sways in crosswinds or behind large trucks
> > > - tread noise when on smooth surfaces
> > > - lots of noise traveling on dirt roads or Seattle's badly eroded
> concrete
> > highways
> > >
> > >From what I can gather online the Michelin Agilis is highly
> recommended,
> > although it has poor snow
> > >traction. Bus Depot says the Hankook RA08 is way better than the Agilis
> > (suggesting the Agilis is
> > >the standard to beat?). I can get the Agilis for $127 and the RA08 for
> $75. So
> > I'm thinking the RA08
> > >is the one to go for.
> > >
> > >My questions:
> > > - how "bad" are my current tires (i.e. will switching tires fix some
> or all of
> > my problems)?
> > > - any thoughts on RA08 vs Agilis? especially in snow/mud (I'll be
> carrying
> > chains, of course)
> > > - is it important to have a spare that is the same type of tire as the
> main
> > ones? (is driving with
> > >3 of one and one of another safe?)
> > > - what pressures should I use - VW recommended or can I go lower for a
> > smoother ride, if I buy
> > >"good" tires with stronger sidewalls?
> > > - is 185R14 the 'best' size for my needs or would I be better looking
> for a
> > 205/70R14 (the other
> > >"official" size according tot he tire pressure plate inside the
> driver's door)?
> > > - do I need to consider upgrading my shocks as well? (no idea what is
> on it,
> > but I expect is
> > >original factory gear)
> > >
> > >Regards,
> > >Pat Little
> > >Seattle
>
--
Jake
1984 Vanagon GL
1986 Westy Weekender "Dixie"
www.crescentbeachguitar.com
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