Date:         Sat, 20 Jun 2015 12:00:41 -0400
Reply-To:     Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@HOTMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@HOTMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Tires.. Again
Comments: To: Tyler Hardison <tyler@SERAPH-NET.NET>
In-Reply-To:  <CAP_YzpK21J4KRPUSfjd_yzx2RokaOBkADGPAAsXuMKVqiL9Q_A@mail.gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8"

There are some tires still available for the 14" rims. There are still the skinny hard high capacity sizes such as the 185/80-14 hankooks and the like. In 87 VW began offering the 205/70-14XL tires as a handling and comfort upgrade. These are getting harder to find. There are still some General Altimax tires available but they are out of production. Tires-easy.com has some choices in this size and load rating and they are very reasonably priced. 

If willing to go for a wheel upgrade avoid 15's unless you want to increase diameter. Few choices with adequate capacity without going taller. Going to 16 or 17 gets choices with needed capacity and true modern performance options. Favorite size is 225/60-16. This is only 3/4-1" taller and the 225 width is a substantial improvement. Normal load index is 97 0r 98 and XL 102 is readily available. This is a very common size. For Syncros a 215/65-16 is a tad taller and can be made to fit in the spare compartment. There are a number of outstanding winter and all season with winter capability tires with the XL rating available. Going to a 17;s you can go 225/55-17 with the same advantages and even better handling although you will feel the bumps more. American Racing offers the AR95T wheels in both 16 and 17 direct fit for the Vanagon with a 2,200 lb. load rating.

Dennis
 

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of Tyler Hardison
Sent: Saturday, June 20, 2015 10:49 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Tires.. Again

My weekender has the original 14" steel rims and the chrome VW hubcaps. But tires seem impossible to find.

Is there a last ditch hope to find the correct tires? Or should I remove her original feet to upgrade and just not worry about it.

I know, personal preference.

Those that have upgraded, was the upgrade that noticeable in the vans stability?