Date: Fri, 6 May 2016 21:10:17 -0600
Reply-To: Jon VO <jondvo@GMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Jon VO <jondvo@GMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: 16" Wheels, Tires, Big Brakes
In-Reply-To: <CAEwp_cRptU79yDY60HMAVT5h_95BxcpkwyhHUXG2muHSvC5KTw@mail.gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8; format=flowed
Living in Colorado, I had an eye-opening ride down Floyd hill in my
loaded Vanagon. Bigger brakes are a necessity in my mind for full
campers, if only for the fade resistance. However that means bigger
wheels,etc, down the path of modifications.
Just m2c
Jon
On 5/6/2016 7:35 PM, Marc Perdue wrote:
> You know, I'm starting to rethink this idea, given the complexities of
> matching up wheels, tires, big brake kit, etc....
>
> Reminder: 1987 Westy 2.1 L, Auto
>
> I currently have 195R14, or something comparable, on my van, two
> Michelin LTXs and two Yokohamas. I was looking at Bus Depot's site and
> seeing that they're getting the Hancook RA18's in around May 16th.
> They also point out that the 195's make your speedometer wrong by
> about 2.5 points, which mine is. I never realized that I didn't have a
> stock size tire on my van.
>
> I'm considering switching out my non-stock-size 195's with some new,
> correctly sized Hancook 185's, with the correct sized spare, keeping
> the stock steel wheels, forgetting about the big brake kit, but
> definitely investing in the PowerFlex Upper Control Arm bushings and
> the Koni shocks. My feeling has always been that you always want good
> rubber between you and the road and you always want good suspension
> parts to keep that rubber on the road.
>
> Do you all think this set up would give me a good solid ride, with
> good handling? It is understood that handling is, of course, a
> relative term; it is a Westy after all . . .
>
> Thanks for your feedback and advice!
> Marc Perdue
>
> On Mon, May 2, 2016 at 2:44 PM, Jeff Schwaia <vw.doka@gmail.com> wrote:
>> The Ronal 17" wheels sold by Van Café were designed for the Vanagon and are a perfect fit. I've run these on several vans (and a Tristar Syncro) and they're great. We usually run 225/50 R17 with an XL rating. Good ride, excellent handling. Unlike a lot of other 17" wheels, these are 7" wide, which is what you want on a Vanagon.
>>
>> The last two sets we installed we got these Nokian tires from Amazon:
>>
>> http://www.amazon.com/Nokian-eNTYRE-All-Season-Radial-Tire/dp/B0100OG63A/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1462214504&sr=8-1&keywords=225%2F50r17&refinements=p_89%3ANokian
>>
>> $68 and free shipping is a screaming deal...
>>
>> Cheers,
>>
>> Jeff
>>
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of Marc Perdue
>> Sent: Sunday, May 01, 2016 6:37 PM
>> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
>> Subject: 16" Wheels, Tires, Big Brakes
>>
>> My Michelin LTX's are running low on tread and 14" tire options are limited at best. I'm thinking about moving up to 16" wheels/tires this summer because, given discussions here, there appear to be more tire options available. This stuff is ridiculously complex. I've been trying to do my homework. I don't want to be drilling out wheels, messing around with spacers, having my sliding door rubbing, having my tires rub when I turn corners, or any of that other nonsense. I don't care for the look of the Merc wheels. I loved the look of the American Racing AR95T ones that Dennis Haynes recommended back in 2014, but they've been discontinued.
>>
>> Add into this mix that I'm planning on installing the GoWesty Big Brake kit on the front of my van and things probably get a little more complicated, right? Or do I really even need the big brake kit? People seem to think that it helps when you put bigger wheels and tires on and that the wheels you get depend on whether you have this kit installed or not. True?
>>
>> So, what attractive wheel options are available that will work without modification? What actual tires are available that are decent and that will keep my speedometer accurate?
>>
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