Date: Fri, 27 Dec 2013 15:33:49 -0500
Reply-To: Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@HOTMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@HOTMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: Tire observation
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8"
As others have noted this the correct tire. The 98 load index is the key. Staying around the 25.5 inch outside diameter tires for 14 and 15 inch wheels are becoming harder to find.
Dennis,
From my phone.
________________________________
From: Eric Caron<mailto:ecaron1@COMCAST.NET>
Sent: 12/27/2013 2:15 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM<mailto: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