Date:         Wed, 8 Oct 2008 17:19:18 -0700
Reply-To:     mdrillock <mdrillock@COX.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         mdrillock <mdrillock@COX.NET>
Subject:      Sizes for T3 (Vanagon) tires
Comments: To: "Arthur,Dave" <Dave.Arthur@NSCC.CA>
In-Reply-To:  <C512AD17.2925%dave.arthur@nscc.ca>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed

To keep it simple there are 3 stock size tires. I only use M&S or All
Season type treads. My personal rules for tire strength on my vans are:

LT195/75/14 Load C / 6PR   --Must be Load C or higher! Rated for 50 psi
or higher!

185R14C  Load C /6PR  --Must be Load C or higher! Rated for 50 psi or
higher!

205/70/14  Load Index 97  --Must be Load Index 97 or higher! Rated for
44 psi or higher!

The Load Index does not apply to Load C or D as these are Light Truck
tires with letter ratings adequate in the stock sizes.

Load D /8PR are more than strong enough but handling can suffer from the
too stiff sidewall.
Avoid over-inflation when using Load D /8PR, use door sticker pressures
as a starting point.

Forbidden smaller weaker sizes listed below!
P185/70/14, way too weak
P185/75/14, way too weak
P195/70/14, way too weak

Never fit a tire that does not have at least 2 plies in the sidewall.
This spec is in tiny print molded on the sidewall.
Never fit a tire that does allow inflation to at least 44 psi.This spec
is in tiny print molded on the sidewall.

There some slightly larger tire sizes that can work but on 2wd these may
need stock alloy wheels and may not allow chains even then.
195R14C  Load C/D
205/75/14 Load Index 97 or higher, rated at least 44 psi


Mark




Arthur,Dave wrote:
> Any suggestions from the list as to what tires to use on a 1986 Vanagon
> Westfalia?
>
> I have seen discussions about a load range C being required, which is
> understandable. However, how does this relate to the current sizes and type
> of tires on the North American market? Iım guessing an LT class tire should
> be acceptable, but what P size?
>
> Thanks
>
> Dave
>
>
>