Date:         Thu, 15 Mar 2007 10:33:51 -0800
Reply-To:     Mark Keller <kelphoto@TELUS.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Mark Keller <kelphoto@TELUS.NET>
Subject:      Re: Tire Choice Question
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed

I'm satisfied with these: KUHMO IZEN STUD KW 11 Snow radial. 1532lbs at
44 psi.  95Q.  The size is 205/75 R14, this is an slightly taller than
the 70. So this a slight trade off in sidewall stiffness, but my speedo
is exactly on..  Quiet, excellent in rain, mud snow and dry pavement.
Pd $79 Canadian, think list is $120. At OK Tires. My 91 Carat van
sticker says weight 3400 lbs empty plus my load of 1900 is 5300 Total.
1532lbs x 4 is 6128 lbs less the 10% I've heard of derating Passenger
tires on a "truck" leaves me at 5515 lbs or a margin of 215 lbs.  I keep
my van as empty as possible If I had a need to routinely carry more
weight I'd have to re think this.  Last tidbit is the sidewall on these
clearly state 1 ply polyester, Tread is 2 steel  one polyester.  My seat
of the pants feel is a slight noticeable tire  sidewall flex over my
previous 70 series tires. The CARAT sits lower so that may be better for
these tires and not so good for a syncro westy.

No I didn't stud them.  Yes I know they MAY not last  as long.  My
impression is they will last acceptable.  I only do two tires at a
time.  So I've had the rears on for about 5000 - 8000 miles,  and the
fronts are new-- ok I'll go measure the tread difference.  New Fronts
are .032 and the 5000 rears are at .027. The tread wear bars I think I
measure at .023,  so only that much is usable on the rears and .028 on
the fronts.  I never go to the tread wear bars though,

So thats my slice of the tire issue The intangibles:  My drive is
basically Vancouver Island from Victoria to Nanaimo. Pavement is smooth,
one "mountain" type road  of 20 miles is included in the figures since I
drive to Victoria regularly AKA the Malahat. this is my main reason for
the snow tire approach.  Speeds are 90 kph

Mark Keller
91 Carat