Date:         Sun, 10 Dec 2006 22:16:55 -0800
Reply-To:     Rich Bennington <rich.bennington@CHARTER.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Rich Bennington <rich.bennington@CHARTER.NET>
Subject:      Re: Michelin Tire Experiences
Comments: To: Mark Drillock <mdrillock@cox.net>
In-Reply-To:  <457CD57B.6000908@cox.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"

> -----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