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Date:         Thu, 19 Apr 2012 08:21:54 -0500
Reply-To:     mcneely4@COX.NET
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Dave Mcneely <mcneely4@COX.NET>
Subject:      Re: Tires
Comments: To: Steven Sittser <ssittservl@AOL.COM>
In-Reply-To:  <8CEEBFB887ECA6F-13E0-33430@webmail-m061.sysops.aol.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8

---- Steven Sittser <ssittservl@AOL.COM> wrote: > > From: Dennis Haynes > > Stock wheels, steel 14 x 5.5 or Alloy 14 X 6? > > I forgot there were multiple options for "stock". I have steel wheels. My tires have all been size 185R14, and I'm unclear about what other sizes (if any) are appropriate. > > - Steven Sittser

Steven, look on the plate on the driver's side door frame. It gives the tire sizes that are recommended from the factory. Your van probably came with 185R14 D. I think the plate also allows, as an alternate size, 205/65R14, but only if the tire is reinforced and provides the load range required. Some folks (me included) use 195R14D, which is ever so slightly taller than the 185 but otherwise is just the same as the stock size. Be careful if buying the tires from a dealer who just wants to get a sale. Some of them will sell 205/65-14 unreinforced passenger car tires because they have them. Most dealers have to order the tires you need in from a warehouse.

I have been pleased with Kumho tires on my van, and I live in a similar climate to yours (a bit hotter in summer here, maybe you get a little more snow and rain in winter, but both of us have mostly clear winter conditions). I got them from Discount Tire. In the US the tire is sold mainly as a trailer tire, but that is because of the odd size. In Europe and Australia, where the size is more common, it is listed as being for buses and vans. I'll look at the specific model and let you know if you want me to. Right now it slips my mind. Or you can look at the list archives.

mcneely

> > -----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 > > > > > -----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

-- David McNeely


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