Date: Wed, 18 Apr 2012 20:55:29 -0400
Reply-To: Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@HOTMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@HOTMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: Tires
In-Reply-To: <8CEEBD198EDA20E-6F4-44C3F@webmail-m101.sysops.aol.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"
Stock wheels, steel 14 x 5.5 or Alloy 14 X 6? The 5.5" wheels limit you to a
width of 215 where the alloys can take a 225. Nokian make a 225/70-14 that
is a great all season tire with good winter capabilities. While not a
reinforced or LT tire that size gives a 98 load index and is slightly wider
and taller than stock.
Dennis
-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Steven Sittser
Sent: Wednesday, April 18, 2012 7:25 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Tires
It's time for new tires, and I'm looking for advice.
I know, there's lots of tire discussion on the list and elsewhere. I've
read through much of it. It's hard to distill it down to what's currently
available and appropriate for my van, though. The variety of sizes and
options, and the consequences of using different sizes, are somewhat
bewildering
Here's what I'm looking for:
I have an '88 Westy with stock wheels. I don't want to change to new
wheels. These roll. I like them.
What's most important to me is good, safe handling and traction. I want
good traction in the rain. We don't get enough snow here (St. Louis) to
justify snow tires or chains, but, when we do get snow, I'd like to be able
to drive to work safely, even when the roads aren't quite cleared yet, or if
it's a bit icy.
I guess I'm OK with not-quite-stock-size tires that make my speedometer read
slightly differently, if it's worth the bit of extra trouble. The
speedometer's 10 mph off now anyway. (I need to open it up and fix it.)
I've used Michelin Agilis 61's in the past, and mostly been happy with them.
I would have liked better rain and snow traction, though.
My most recent set of tires is Hankook RA08's. I think I like them a little
better than the Michelins - I think the rain and snow traction might be a
bit better. They didn't last nearly as long as the Michelins, though: the
Michelins lasted seven and a half years but the Hankooks lasted only three
and a half years.
I guess my current plan is to get the Hankooks again - I guess the possibly
somewhat better traction is a good trade for the durability.
However, I wondered if there might be a better choice out there somewhere.
Does anyone have experience with a different tire that they'd recommend, for
stock wheels, ideally with better rain and snow handling? Greater
durability and lower price are always a plus, too.
Best tires I ever had (not on the Vanagon): Bridgestone Turanza T's. Great
traction and handling in all weather.
Worst: Dean Quasars. Inexpensive, and wore like iron, but pretty slippery
in rain or snow. I was excited when they finally wore out, and I replaced
them with the Turanza T's (which I'd already grown to like on my wife's
car).
Thanks for any help!
- Steven Sittser
