> -----Original Message----- > From: Mark Drillock [mailto:mdrillock@cox.net] > Sent: Sunday, December 10, 2006 7:50 PM > To: Rich Bennington > Cc: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM > Subject: Re: Michelin Tire Experiences > > We have beat this topic to death so many times over the years. You are > misstating the load rating system as it applies to our vans. Passenger > car tire load ratings are not treated the same as Light Truck tires like > the Michelin LTX Load C tires. Passenger car tires need to be derated > when used on our vans. Load C Light Truck tires don't. Yes, I know this, but we are still not talking the same rating as Agilis. > > As long as you don't overload the vehicle Load C 14" tires are rated > enough for most of our vans, when kept properly inflated. If you > constantly load at or near the maximum vehicle weight you should > probably buy heavier rated tires. I use 15" Load C tires on my heavy > duty use Syncros and Campers. > > While load rating is an important factor in tire safety it is not the > only factor. There are plenty of our vans running around with very heavy > duty tires that handle and brake poorly in some situations because of > their tread design and compound. Are they safer tires just because they > are index 99 or 102? Not really. > Then why did Volkswagen spec a higher load index for a 14" wheel? As I said in my prior response, there are those that don't believe in the spec and those that do. I modify a lot of things on my vanagon, but when it involves safety, I will follow the manufacturer's recommendation/opinion over yours. You can choose not to. I believe other people can make their own decisions. Rich |
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