Date:         Fri, 19 Mar 2010 10:49:06 -0600
Reply-To:     Richard A Jones <Jones@COLORADO.EDU>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Richard A Jones <Jones@COLORADO.EDU>
Subject:      Re: Syncro All-Terrain Tires: 14" vs 15" ?
In-Reply-To:  <201003191506.AUO32448@Colorado.EDU>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed

> I should clarify: While I have both a
> set of 14" and 15" wheels, the set I don't use will likely go on
> another van or be sold.  So I'd like to stick to one set of
> tires/wheels for my Syncro.  Since this is my dedicated travel-mobile,
> and any road trip might (if I'm lucky) entail off-highway driving,
> tires should ideally serve dual purpose.
>
I went from 14" rims to 15" about 1.5 years ago.  On the 14"
I had run Michelin Agilis and Hankooks--both 185R14.  Plus
another tire on the van when I bought it.  It is a Westy Syncro.
I never liked to go about about 60-65 in it.  It just didn't
feel good to me.

On the 15" rims I put Nokian Hakka Cs--205/65-15s.  This is the
single best change/upgrade I have made!  I was on I-10 in
west Texas last week--80 mph speed limit and a headwind.  I
was cruising at 80*, passing the semis, and it was rock solid.

I went with 205/65-15s because the diameter is exactly the
same at the 185R14s.  I didn't want to change my gearing or
speeds per rpm or the low range characteristics.

The tire is directional and I bought six.  It has been very
good to me on rough roads and sandy ones.  It seemed to gum
up some on the one very muddy road I drove but I got out.  In
general, on back/rough roads it is far superior to the narrow
185R14s.  It is about 1" wider, plus the agressive tread.  As
I recall, they cost $132 mounted and balanced here in Boulder.

* with a subie 2.5 engine.  ;-)

Richard