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Date:         Mon, 28 Nov 2016 19:31:38 -0800
Reply-To:     Neil N <musomuso@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Neil N <musomuso@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Kumho 15" AT51 Tires?
Comments: To: Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@hotmail.com>
In-Reply-To:  <CY1PR20MB0029A346471BFE127DB217D0A08D0@CY1PR20MB0029.namprd20.prod.outlook.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8

Thanks Dennis.

My intention is to use this tire all year. And, there's times when I "off road" a little. This tire carries the snow flake symbol but I realize that isn't the only factor in choosing a winter tire and i'm sure there's better choices for a dedicated winter tire.

I did some homework on big brake kits and am certain I will find one to fit the 15" Mefro. Installing later model year suspension parts and a big brake kit is near the top of my list!

I hadn't thought about braking in terms of tire size. Is the potential issue a reduced amount of engine braking capabilities when coasting in gear down hill?

The General Grabber 205/75R15 AT2 is a tire I"m still considering but with a loaded down Westy, cross winds etc. I do wonder if it would be as effective as something like the BFG AT KO2.

I've ordered 5 Mefros so am committed but had certainly considered running a stock 14" as a spare tire.

On 11/28/16, Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@hotmail.com> wrote: > > > -----Original Message----- > From: /O=FIRST ORGANIZATION/OU=EXCHANGE ADMINISTRATIVE > GROUP(FYDIBOHF23SPDLT)/CN=RECIPIENTS/CN=0006BFFD9B0F4717 > Sent: Monday, November 28, 2016 9:06 PM > To: 'Neil N' <musomuso@GMAIL.COM>; vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM > Subject: RE: Kumho 15" AT51 Tires? > > A number of points. > The Mefro 15" wheels may be a bad choice for future brake upgrades. Even for > 15" it has less available space inside and some big brake kits won't fit. > For stock gearing and brakes a 27.7 inch tire is large. The inline engine > will mask some cruising and acceleration issues due to higher horsepower and > torque. However it is my opinion this is too much for those earlier front > brakes. > > While AT tires may look cool most are not real winter tires and the > compromise a lot for highway travel. The high void ratios while maybe > beneficial for evacuating water or snow they provide less actual rubber on > the road contact so therefore less traction. The stiff sidewalls generate > heat unless operated at high inflation pressures further reducing contact > patch and on rough roads can add to ride harshness. For highway travel rain > or shine a properly sized performance tire is a much better option. > > When investing in wheels 16 or even 17" is a much better way to go. A > 225/60-16XL puts you at 26.6". You won't get that size the spare compartment > due to the width. For some I have been putting a 195R14 on a 14" alloy wheel > to use as a spare, like a donut. If they have big brakes up front they will > need to first put the spare on the rear and then move the rear to the front. > This works well on non Syncros or Syncros with drive shaft disconnects. > > Dennis > > >

-- Neil n

Blog: Vanagons, Westfalia, general <http://tubaneil.blogspot.ca>

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