Date: Sat, 13 Feb 2021 09:15:21 -0800
Reply-To: Alistair Bell <albell@SHAW.CA>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Alistair Bell <albell@SHAW.CA>
Subject: Re: Search for tires
In-Reply-To: <CY4PR0801MB3731E7DCF2A679BC8703365CA08A9@CY4PR0801MB3731.namprd08.prod.outlook.com>
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Yup the rotivas look good.
One issue with nokian tires up here in Canada is that there is only one distributor. A monopoly. Prices reflect that.
I still think there will be a greater choice of suitable van tires with the recent surge in smaller commercial van types being sold here in Canada .
> On Feb 13, 2021, at 6:40 AM, Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@hotmail.com> wrote:
>
> A tires load rating is only slightly determined by how "stout" the construction is. The main limitation is the generation of heat and how much flex can the tire take. The ratings are based on standards which is why the ratings are consistent across brands for given tire types. So yes to get more capacity a given design becomes a larger tire. Increased diameter means decreased revolutions per mile so it can carry more weight at a given speed, inflation pressure, increased width means larger footprint reducing tread loading. Air volume and pressure can also be a factor.
>
> As a group we seem to get hung up on the need for commercial or truck type tires. With 16 inch wheels there are a number of choices in reasonable sizes with the XL ratings that for extended high speed travel are actually much better choices. For Syncros I like 215/65-16XL. The Nokian Rotiiva is a current favorite for AT/Winter use. For 2WD 225/60-16XL is my usual choice.
>
> Dennis
>
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com> On Behalf Of Alistair Bell
> Sent: Friday, February 12, 2021 10:20 PM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Re: Search for tires
>
> Hey Kim,
>
> I’m picking up what you’re laying down :-)
>
> I’ve been hoping, the last few years as more transits , ducatos, etc are sold up here in Canada , that we get a wider choice of tires.
>
> The geolander, bfg, general, etc seem to me to have the same carcass construction and only gain load rating with larger tires.
>
> Unlike the Hakka and some Michelin and Conti which do have the commercial van construction that’s so common in Europe.
>
> I’m hoping with more of the above mentioned vans being sold in North America we might get the tire choice you have already in Europe.
>
> So far it’s been mostly commercial van summer, all season and, snow. Maybe , maybe, we will get a good load rating all terrain for the vanagon.
>
> 16” anyway.
>
> Alistair
>
>> On Feb 12, 2021, at 10:30 AM, KIM BRENNAN <kimbrennan@mac.com> wrote:
>>
>> So, the other day, instead of searching tire sites for vanagon tires…I searched for cargo van tires. Lots more choices than I expected. And most are load 100 rated (or better). Just something for folk to consider when looking for tires the next time. I still can’t get my preferred brand/tire in the USA (Vredestein Winter Comtrac 2), unless I go via eBay from Italy and pay through the nose, but Nokian has a similar winter tire that is available. Not the 225/70R15 size, but the 215/75R15, which is acceptable. My current Vredesteins are still good for this winter, and probably through next summer…but for next winter I’ll have to be prepared.
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