Date: Mon, 30 Oct 2017 08:18:33 -0700
Reply-To: David McNeely <davmcneely40@GMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: David McNeely <davmcneely40@GMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: Vanagon weights
In-Reply-To: <3225F531-C95D-4130-99C7-E6C20534C2A6@mac.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="UTF-8"
For factory specification tires, the tire psi is on a placard inside the
driver's side door. For my 1991 Volkswagen Vanagon GL Campmobile, with
185R14C (what is commonly called "six ply rating"), the recommended
pressures are 43 psi front, 53 psi rear. I run 195R14D, but since this is
a listed alternative, with no different psi recommendation stated, I run
the pressure recommended for the 185R14C.
There is a calculation for pressure as loaded weight increases, up to a
maximum of 65 psi, based on loaded weight. BTW, the tire placard
recommended pressure assumes two adults and a modest amount of cargo to
give a loaded weight well under maximum capacity. Until I really load up
for camping, I just use the placard pressure. But when I do load up, I add
up to 5 psi depending on how much extra weight I have. I have never had
any problem with the handling of the camper, or the behavior of the tires.
I have never run the camper without at least "C" rated tires, usually D.
Load rating for my current tires is 105 (Vredestein Comptrac all weather
with mountain snowflake symbol). Someone posted that these tires are no
longer available, however. If so, that is a disappointment.
mcneely
On Sun, Oct 29, 2017 at 3:58 PM, Edward V Barger <edvbarger@mac.com> wrote:
> So what tire pressure F & R do you recommend?
>
> The same when it is fully loaded?
>
> The VW reconditioned?
>
> Have 14 inch wheels
>
> Ed
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
> > On Oct 29, 2017, at 1:59 PM, Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@HOTMAIL.COM>
> wrote:
> >
> > The front is close or heavier with the vans nearly empty. The front
> passengers sit directly over the front wheels but after that everything
> added adds weight to the rear. The recommended air pressures should
> accommodate the fully loaded permissible axle weight ratings which are
> slightly higher for the rear axle. The other reason for a lower pressure in
> the front is to provide a better ride, effect the steering response and
> induce some understeer.
> >
> > Dennis
> >
> >
> > From: David McNeely [mailto:davmcneely40@gmail.com]
> > Sent: Sunday, October 29, 2017 3:13 PM
> > To: Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@hotmail.com>
> > Cc: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> > Subject: Re: Vanagon weights
> >
> > So, if the front is heavier than the rear, why the 10 psi higher tire
> pressure recommendation for the rear? That is certainly counter intuitive.
> > mcneely
> >
> > On Sun, Oct 29, 2017 at 8:07 AM, Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@hotmail.com<
> mailto:d23haynes57@hotmail.com>> wrote:
> > As some may recall I recently acquired a vehicle weighing system. Scales
> for all 4 wheels going go the wireless display. Recently I did a suspension
> upgrade on an 88 Westy using Schwenk Springs and T3 front bushings and
> stuff. The owner was nice enough to pretty much have it emptied for me as I
> was doing a lot of interior electrical work. It does have a house battery
> under the driver's seat. To my surprise the van weighed in at 970 pounds
> all 4 corners. 3,880 pounds. Adding weight, My 190 pounds going in and
> walking around, it was amazing to see how the weight gets distributed to at
> least 3 wheels. Adding shim to the left rear to take out that sagging look
> also took weight off the left front and threw some 200 pounds on the right
> front. As I always thought one should not just shim one corner. Now I know.
> What really surprises me is the front-rear balance. On empty 2WD the front
> has actually been heavier than the rear. Explains the lack of snow
> performance.
> >
> > Dennis
> >
>
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