Date:         Fri, 27 Dec 2013 15:12:47 -0500
Reply-To:     Jack R <jack007@COMCAST.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Jack R <jack007@COMCAST.NET>
Subject:      Re: Tire observation
In-Reply-To:  <F01588F1-F370-40D7-B148-288960A435F8@comcast.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"

These are XL Rated... and can handle PSI of 51.  They are on "Close-out"
however.

One review on TireRack's site with a Vanagon install stated " Tires are
installed on a 1990 VW Vanagon Camper and handle the extra weight well.
Cornering and stability in crosswinds is far superior to the Bridgestone
tires these replaced. Ride is smooth and tire noise is very low. Van hasn't
been driven in heavy rain and is stored for the winter so I can't attest to
how the tires would perform in those conditions. Price is very competitive,
too."

They sound like a great alternative to the OEM 185R14's too.

Hard to beat $67 per tire.

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Eric Caron
Sent: Friday, December 27, 2013 2:15 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: Tire observation

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