Date:         Fri, 27 Jul 2007 19:04:21 -0400
Reply-To:     Mike <mbucchino@CHARTER.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Mike <mbucchino@CHARTER.NET>
Subject:      Michelin Agilis tires
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset="iso-8859-1";
              reply-type=original

  I just got back from picking up my new Michelin Agilis tires at my
friend's garage.  I had ordered them from TireRack on-line, shipped directly
to his shop.  I've bought tires this way many times from them in the past.
  When I was searching for replacements to match my 2 existing Michelin
Agilis 61's, I could only find Agilis 81's.  When I was checking out on the
TireRack website, a pop-up said that these tires where rated at a higher
rating (load D) than is required for my vehicle (load C), and may ride
stiffer and handle differently.  I couldn't find any other alternatives, so
I figured, what the heck, I'll buy them anyway and put the stronger ones in
the rear.
  Well, to make a long story even longer, I went to pick them up all mounted
and balanced, ready to install on the rear of my '87 Westy.  My friend, Russ
Shine (who's a VW/ Porsche mechanic extraordinaire and all-around great
guy!) has a nice repair shop near me, and he did the work for a deal.
  I was surprised to see that the tire sidewall says "185R14C", especially
when the TireRack website, and sticker labelling clearly says "D"! What the
heck?
  I'm all set now, but I did find this to be worth mentioning to you fellow
Vanagon tire buyers.......BTW, I do intend to contact TireRack about this
error.

Happy Vanagoning to all,

Mike B.