Vanagon EuroVan
Previous messageNext messagePrevious in topicNext in topicPrevious by same authorNext by same authorPrevious page (March 2009, week 2)Back to main VANAGON pageJoin or leave VANAGON (or change settings)ReplyPost a new messageSearchProportional fontNon-proportional font
Date:         Fri, 13 Mar 2009 15:23:23 -0400
Reply-To:     Chris S <szpejankowski@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Chris S <szpejankowski@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Tires - Why oh why NOT?
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8

I've been a Vanagon Westfalia ownder since 2001 and I have ALWAYS agreed that Vanagons should have reinforced tires on their stock 14'' wheels.

Now, what happens when you upgrade to larger wheels? Take this for instance:

A 1990 Mercedes 560 SEC weighs about 4000lbs. It rides on 205/60 R15 tires. The tires are not reinforced. The US version of that wonderful car had only 236hp and it would push it to nearly 150mph, with the Euro engine having closer to 300hp. The car is over engineered in true M-B fashion. It can take 5 adults down twisty mountain roads in comfort with poise belying its portly weight. Can you say TIRE LOADS?

So my question, on this wonderful Friday: Why oh why are Mercedes 15'' tires NOT good enough for our camper?

My answer is that our tiny concrete-filled 14'' donuts need to be reinforced because nothing else in that size can handle 4000lbs of van and furniture, and the 15'' Mercedes tires and wheels are just fine.

Take it away, list! FLAME SUIT ON!

-- Chris S. Disclaimer: "Death and serious injury may occur"


Back to: Top of message | Previous page | Main VANAGON page

Please note - During the past 17 years of operation, several gigabytes of Vanagon mail messages have been archived. Searching the entire collection will take up to five minutes to complete. Please be patient!


Return to the archives @ gerry.vanagon.com


The vanagon mailing list archives are copyright (c) 1994-2011, and may not be reproduced without the express written permission of the list administrators. Posting messages to this mailing list grants a license to the mailing list administrators to reproduce the message in a compilation, either printed or electronic. All compilations will be not-for-profit, with any excess proceeds going to the Vanagon mailing list.

Any profits from list compilations go exclusively towards the management and operation of the Vanagon mailing list and vanagon mailing list web site.