Date:         Sat, 9 Dec 2006 09:38:27 -0800
Reply-To:     Evan Mac Donald <macdonald1987@SBCGLOBAL.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Evan Mac Donald <macdonald1987@SBCGLOBAL.NET>
Subject:      Re: Wheels and Tires
Comments: cc: Jack R <jack007@COMCAST.NET>
In-Reply-To:  <000301c71bab$f7254180$0100a8c0@jackamdx2wsu24>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1

Two things -

  How far north of Detriot? I am in Warren.

  Bigger wheels are just about always a better choice, because you can cut down on the sidewall height, for a given rolling diameter. This will lower any "sidewall sway" issues. It also can open up your "safe" tire choices widely. Especially lately, when so many light truck / SUVs are running 16" and even 17" from the factory. The downside to less sidewall height is there is less room for safe tire response on uneven surfaces, like off-road or just heavy gravel. If you don't go there, then that may not be a consideration!

  If you want to go with larger tires, and thus a larger rolling diameter, again, your choices are far greater with larger wheels. and, you don't lose as much in the off-road department, either. Too large a diameter increase may seem to lead to loss of torque response at highway speeds, because of the gearing effects of bigger tires.

  I went from 215/75 14" on stock wheels, to 235/75 15" on Audi wheels on my van. The ride difference was amazing! Smoother, less sway, and much less bother from gust/crosswind. When I take a drive in my other van with my old tires on it, I remember why I went to so much trouble to get the 15" wheels!



  Any words of advice is appreciated.



IF I go with the new wheels option, I will have a set of 4 BRAND NEW tires,
rims and OEM wheel covers for sale.



Thanks,



Jack

84Westie N. of Detroit