Date:         Thu, 15 Apr 2010 12:48:48 -0700
Reply-To:     James V <chimivee@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         James V <chimivee@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: 205/70/14 General Altimax Tires (no need to start a big
              thread)
Comments: To: "Joe T." <vanagon85@gmail.com>
In-Reply-To:  <r2j373d06d61004151048lca715665qfe88d53c23430a8a@mail.gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1

2010/4/15 Joe T. <vanagon85@gmail.com>:

> That being said, here's a pretty negative opinion of the General Altimax
> from The Samba:
>
> http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=367121&highlight=altimax

That reviewer states the Altimax is a load index 96, load range C
tire. The only Altimax 205/70R14 that I'm aware of that meets spec is
a 98T XL rated passenger tire. I also disagree with his statement
about sidewalls, ply rating, and "tires made for the vanagon."

That aside, I've run the 205/70R14 Altimax RT XL on a 2WD Westy and
was pleased. They're inexpensive, and handle fine. From all the rave
Nokian reviews, my assumption is that they are superior. If budget
allows go for Nokian. If your budget is half that, get the Altimax.

I think recommendations aren't very useful without first-hand
comparison, so for what it's worth...

In terms of on-road performance, I've found the Altimax to be: better
than the under-rated LTX's I've had; similar to the MXL's I've had;
similar to the MXT's I've had; similar to the Destination AT's I have;
and worse than the plus-sized under-rated Hydroedges I've had.

But alas, I'm just a guy that drives a van.

James V
86 Syncro Westy, etc.