Date:         Tue, 23 Apr 2013 19:23:28 -0500
Reply-To:     mcneely4@COX.NET
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Dave Mcneely <mcneely4@COX.NET>
Subject:      I hate to get a tire discussion
In-Reply-To:  <517704D0.9090409@turbovans.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8

going, but ................... .

I need to get tires, and I have the original 14" steel wheels.  Right now, I have Kumho 857 radials.  Some folks have complained that the tires are described as "trailer tires," by some dealers.  However, the Kumho web site describes them as being for vans and transporters, the load range is appropriate (LT rated D), and there is no trailer restriction on the sidewall.

Hankook RA08 tires have been recommended on here, including by one of the list vendors.  I looked them up on the Hankook web site, where, guess what, they are listed only under the designation for "trailer."  They do not show up as LT tires, SUV tires, anything else.  The description says, however, that they are for vans and transporters, and the load range is suitable for our vehicle.

So, before I buy a set of these, I want to know that they are not restricted to trailer use.  That would not be good.  On the Kumho 857s, I and at least one other list member actually contacted Kumho and learned that those tires are listed for trailers simply because almost no other vehicles in the U.S. call for an LT tire on a 14" wheel, and so trailers are where the market is, but that the tire is sold elsewhere for use on vans.  Is the same thing true of the Hankook RA08?

Thank you,

David McNeely