Date:         Sun, 10 Aug 2008 08:48:08 -0600
Reply-To:     Richard A Jones <jones@COLORADO.EDU>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Richard A Jones <jones@COLORADO.EDU>
Subject:      Re: Need tire and wheel recommendations
Comments: To: paul@TAKINGFLIGHT.NET
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1

> The size is not as critical a factor as their durability and safety using
> them the way I do, namely on rough rock roads.

Paul:

I put Nokian Hakka CS tires on my new 15" rims last
winter--205/65-15.  I think they are a great improvement
over prior Michelin Agilis and Hankook 185R14s on
my old rims.

I see there is a Hakka CS in both 185R14 and 195R14:
http://nokiantires.com/en/tire_hakkacs.aspx?season=winter
They have the load ratings we need on Vanagons.
If I were buying for 14" rims now, I would buy one of
these sizes without a second thought.

I drive rough back-country roads, including some 4x4, and
the Hakkas have been great.  Thirty five miles of really
rough, rocky 4x4 into Wheeler Geologic Area and I looked
at the sidewalls and there were not even any marks from all
the rocks.

Richard
Boulder