Date:         Mon, 14 Sep 2009 12:19:21 -0400
Reply-To:     mcneely4@COX.NET
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Dave Mcneely <mcneely4@COX.NET>
Subject:      Re: Dare I start a Tire thread? 15" Tires for Westy
Comments: To: Karl <tdiguru@WESTYVENTURES.COM>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8; format=flowed; delsp=no

Karl, thanks for this communication.  I think that the original
confusion may have resulted from someone at Kumho being aware that there
is a limited market for 14" and 15" truck tires in the U.S., and so
marketing those sizes for trailer use.  From that, a page promoting
trailer use of the tires got created, and the confusion built from
there.  Kumho does have, on its U.S. web site, pages that list the truck
and bus uses of the tire, but if one simply looks up the tire, one gets
the trailer page.  Kumho web sites for other countries provide
comprehensive information about the tire.

I first learned of the tires from Discount Tire (called America's Tires
on the west coast), but only bought them (eventually from Discount)
after confirming that the tires are indeed made for truck use, and that
they fit the camper specs.  BTW, I find Discount Tire to be a superb
tire supplier.  They will meet on-line prices, and one is dealing
directly with a human being in a face-to-face transaction.  I have no
connection with them except that I am a satisfied customer.

I also appreciate your having been concerned enough with your fellow
vanagon driver's safety to look into this.

David McNeely


On Mon, Sep 14, 2009 at 10:35 AM , Karl wrote:

> It took a few weeks but I did get a response regarding the Kumho
> 857's,
> from the Kumho tire engineer:
>
> "Sorry for the delay getting back to you, but I wanted to hunt down
> the
> reason for the wording of our ad copy. Basically, the copy is a bad
> translation and this tire does not get any attention from the
> marketing
> guys. The bottom line is that it should be an excellent choice for the
> Westy.
> Fran"
>
> So, looks like Tire Rack's info is incorrect! Good to know that there
> is
> indeed another good tire choice.
>
> Karl