Date:         Sun, 4 Sep 2011 15:12:59 -0600
Reply-To:     Robert Stevens <mtbiker62@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Robert Stevens <mtbiker62@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: What are the Mercedes wheels that fit the vanagon?
In-Reply-To:  <CAFnDXk0wxn50prQk=XznAfMN8v+=Ec5U2e3R8SWwNXX2_zGajQ@mail.gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

On Sep 4, 2011, at 2:30 PM, Jim Felder wrote:

> Really? The whole reason for considering 15 inch tires in the first place is
> that when I recently went to replace a Kumho 14 inch tire they guy at the
> tire store said he couldn't get them at all any more, and didn't have
> anything else to fit it either.
> 
> Jim
> 
>> 
>> You will have FAR FEWER choices in a 15" tire than in 14.  The 15s or 16s
>> are good if you want a larger tire and more ground clearance.

That's contrary to my experience. 8-9 years ago when I went from 14" to 16",
it was true then, that there were more choices in 15" than either 14" or 16".
Now there are more Vanagon-appropriate tire choices in 16" than either 14" or
15". AND, you don't have to sacrifice engine performance (larger tire diameter
with a subsequent "gearing" change) in order to use 15" or 16" tires/rims. But,
you end up using aspect ratio's that lower sidewall height, but again, especially
with Hakkapeliitta tyres, the sidewalls are so robust there is no worry about
pinch flatting or rim/bead damage if off roading.
Bob