Date:         Thu, 18 Mar 2010 17:45:59 -0700
Reply-To:     Al Knoll <anasasi@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Al Knoll <anasasi@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Syncro All-Terrain Tires: 14" vs 15" ?
Comments: To: James V <tornadored@gmail.com>
In-Reply-To:  <817a54131003181658y6e53a8aep9aebe3671c0a2dc9@mail.gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1

I may have mentioned the tire and braking issues earlier.  If you go
to 5% larger radius tires you will decrease your braking capability by
a corresponding 5%.  So at the very least have your brakes adjusted by
a competent vanagon mechanic, if you intend to upgrade permanently,
consider upgrading the brakes too.

Pensionerd.

On Thu, Mar 18, 2010 at 4:58 PM, James V <tornadored@gmail.com> wrote:
> A slightly different tire question, I think:
>
> I'm in the market for some all-terrain tires for my Syncro Westy with
> stock 2.1L.  I have some off-road experience, but none in my new
> Syncro.  I'm eager to explore back country and moderate 'wheeling
> trails, but also know the majority of miles will be paved. I already
> have both 14" and 15" wheel sets that I can use. I don't want to "plus
> size," as I want to retain sidewall height for off-road.
>
> Should I:
>
> a) Go with 14" wheels and the newly available 195/75R14 BFG T/A KO
> tires?  (I've found few if any other suitable 14" AT options)  The
> primary benefit of this being the size is close to stock, so it would
> have little effect on gearing.
>
> or
>
> b) Go with 15" wheels and 215/75 or 225/70 15" tires?  The increased
> size has its benefits off-road, but it would increase the gearing
> about 5-8%.  I'd have a few additional tire options in addition to the
> BFGs (including some lighter, slightly less aggressive, yet very
> capable treads).
>
> All input welcome, but I'm specifically interested in
> comments/experience from Syncro owners about the cost/benefit of
> gearing vs tire size off road.
>
> Thanks!
>
> James V
> 86 Syncro Westy, etc
>