Date: Fri, 27 Dec 2013 14:14:56 -0500
Reply-To: Eric Caron <ecaron1@COMCAST.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Eric Caron <ecaron1@COMCAST.NET>
Subject: Re: Tire observation
In-Reply-To: <BAY407-EAS1859E7AA1EA2208BE911D90A0C30@phx.gbl>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
Hi Dennis and others,
I'm planning to stick with my original 14 inch rims. I called around and the General Ultimax is discontinued but I can still get the 205/70/14 RT. Is this the correct tire?
I don't know what the RT stands for or if it is a sign that this is the correct or incorrect tire. the sales person at tire rack said it had reinforced side wall but I didn't hear true confidence in his voice. I suspect he sells tires but doesn't know tires.
If this is the correct tire they are selling today for $67 plus shipping. for me the shipping is $55 for 4 tires. I'll probably get 5 and rotate often as well as have a spare if disaster strikes.
If you can, please confirm this is the correct tire.
Eric Caron
85 GL Auto with 14 inch rims.
On Dec 25, 2013, at 2:31 PM, Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@HOTMAIL.COM> wrote:
> The 205/70-14 tire was never all that popular a size. Many Mercedes vehicles
> used it but not with the XL requirement. Obsolete it is becoming. That
> Altimax was a surprising good all-purpose replacement for the original
> Michelin MXL in that size. If wishing to stay with that size stock your next
> set now.
>
> Dennis
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
> Richard A Jones
> Sent: Wednesday, December 25, 2013 11:07 AM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Re: Tire observation
>
>> What helps the most in my experience with non-PS Vanagons is front
>> tires with tall new tread.
>> when the Wildcat 195/75 R14 LT was available..
>> and I still have a few with lots of tread..they steer quite nicely
>> without PS.
>
> I went from stock tires (185R14) to General Altimax RT 205/70-14 on my
> '81 air-cooled Vanagon with no PS. Just that little extra width of tire is
> noticeable when parking. But I love those tires in every other respect.
> However, as most things stock Vanagon, I see they are "closeout" at the
> Tirerack and the Altimas RT43 doesn't have that size....
>
> Richard