Date:         Sun, 29 Nov 2009 13:09:09 -0800
Reply-To:     Peter DiFalco <peter.difalco@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Peter DiFalco <peter.difalco@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: vanagon speed
In-Reply-To:  <586a66170911290731p4edcdef5jd9c010db7ed90096@mail.gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8

I have to agree about sidewalls! The Hankook RA8 tires made a huge
difference compared to what they replaced and I was very glad to have
them yesterday in the winds. Although I had to remain vigilant I never
felt like I was sliding or fighting a critical situation, but I did
pass a cargo trailer that had been ripped off its hitch and flung off
the side of the highway minutes before I passed because of improperly
secured tarps. I know my shocks are nearly kaput and I'm looking
forward to the Bilstein upgrade after I take care of the "must-dos",
maybe next year. And as soon as I wear out these new Hankook tires
I'll be ready to upgrade to 15 or 16 inch wheels to really give it a
nice ride.

On Sun, Nov 29, 2009 at 7:31 AM, Bob Stevens <mtbiker62@gmail.com> wrote:
> It's been expensive but I've eliminated almost all of that effect with the
> wheel/tire,
> suspension upgrades. The final "touch" was adding the Bilstein coil over
> fronts.
> Also having stiff sidewalls on properly rated and inflated tires is a big
> difference
> in dealing with traffic winds, cross winds and road changes in our "boxes".
> My van travels noticeably better when fully loaded. Drives like a "loaded
> truck"
> vs an empty one.
> bob