Date: Sat, 15 Jan 2011 10:43:09 -0500
Reply-To: Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@HOTMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@HOTMAIL.COM>
Subject: Tires and wheels!
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Of all the decisions and upgrades one does on a vehicle, nothing is more
critical than tires selection and as far as improvements go can be one of
the most rewarding and cost effective improvements we can make. This can
also be the worst decision we can make.
Simply going to a larger wheel is not an improvement. There are many factors
to consider. Why did VW stay with a 14" wheel? For so many years all their
vehicles were designed around that 25.5" tire diameter. Think about it. All
the beetles, busses, Vanagons, Type 3 and 4, and even the Eurovan used that
tire size. At one time busses did have 15" wheels. Back in the 60"s when
increased capacity was needed they went to the 14" wheel to get increased
load capacity within the 25.5" diameter tire envelope. Back in the old days
this was the 7.00 or 7.35-14 load range C or D tire. When letter sizes came
out the fit was E-78-14. The P-metric equal is now the 185/80-14. Coinciding
with the introduction of the 2.1L I guess VW realized that this really was a
poor choice for ride and handling but didn't want to do the re-engineering
for a larger diameter tire so they went with the 205/70-14 XL or reinforced
sidewall tire. There are many vehicles that require this type of tire
especially in the lower profiles. When the Eurovan came out they went to
15" wheels most likely due to the larger brakes and front wheel drive high
offset wheels. They still stuck with that outer diameter though and proper
tire choice is now a custom event. Later they realized the error of their
ways and went to a 225/60-16XL tire.
The 226/60-16 is probably the best normal use size for these vehicles,
especially the Vanagon. The native load index is 97 or 98, XL will be 101.
Both are sufficient for the van. You have almost an additional 1' of with
and slightly increased tire diameter which helps the gearing a little but
enough to be problem. Ride and handling is exceptional and there are so many
tire choices in this size. The down side for Vanagons is the spare will not
fit in the tire carrier.
For the Syncro owner that wants a bit more height the 215/65-16 is 27" tall
and with some work can get into the tire carrier. If we want to do the
"staggered" look you can use the 215/65 in front and 235/60 in the rear.
17" tires have now come a long way and I am looking to do some experimenting
there. 225/55-17 is available in XL ratings of 102. I may even try 245/50-18
someday. Who needs to open that sliding door?
Point is all the brake and suspension upgrades don't mean anything if the
tire cannot maintain the traction. Except for a few flaws the Vanagon really
has a great suspension. Not many vans have 4 wheel independent. If you
going for rims, go for 16 or 17. Avoid the 15 unless tall off road is part
of the goal. If winter use is part of the plan be sure to get the M+S
rating. In many no M+S, illegal to drive during snow emergency. Look at the
tread and rubber compounds. Will the tire even flex below freezing? Can the
tread deal with snow and slush. If mostly dry highway, ribs type tires
offer quiet and directional stability.
Dennis