Date:         Fri, 28 Jul 2023 22:22:00 -0500
Reply-To:     Jeff Palmer <w.jeff.palmer@ICLOUD.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Jeff Palmer <w.jeff.palmer@ICLOUD.COM>
Subject:      =?utf-8?B?UmU6IFtWQU5BR09OXSBTbyDigKYgdGlyZXMgOik=?=
Comments: To: Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@HOTMAIL.COM>
In-Reply-To:  <BL0PR05MB49168D7FD7CC9007DA0C0908A001A@BL0PR05MB4916.namprd05.prod.outlook.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8

Thanks Dennis.  I’d already ordered the 16 inch GoWesty wheels when I had written this so I think I will stay in that direction.  I used to have Michelin LTX tires and was happy with them (back when I drove in winter too) so a bit surprised to hear of your experience.

I am thinking of the 215/65-16 for a bit taller height (for my 85).  Also thinking about the GoWesty springs (or others) that add 1.5 inches of height apparently … any reason I don’t want to do that?

I was reminded of the main reason I wanted larger tires - crazy crosswinds like I experienced today.  Hoping that larger tires will help.  Raising the ride height is counter productive then, right?

Thanks
Jeff

> On Jul 27, 2023, at 6:47 PM, Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@HOTMAIL.COM> wrote:
> 
> Over the years I have had Michelins in various models and on many types of vehicles including RVs. Rare to have a complete set last long enough to wear them out. Out of round, tread separation, and sidewall failures. 
> That said I don’t believe the defenders are the best choice for the Vanagon and 15" really limits choices. 
> 
> The GW alloys are based on 80's era Mercedes vehicles and are reproductions of wheels from that era. The larger series cars were all 4,000 pound empty so these wheels are somewhat up to the task. 225/60-16 will have a 98 or 101(XL) load index. This will give you a diameter ~1 inch taller than stock. If you want taller use a 215/65-16, just over 27 inches.
> 
> My preferred choice is 17 inch wheels with 225/55-17XL. There are a lot of tires available in this size. For Syncros 235/55-17XL also works. Wheel shopping you need space for the front hubs, adequate weight capacity including inflation pressure and offset.  Most aftermarket wheels are made for modern front wheel drive based cars so wheel spacers can be considered for the offset. 
> Use quality machined spacers drilled for the bolt pattern. Not the die cast crap stuff. 25 to 30 mm offset after spacers should work 7 to 7.5 inch wide wheels. 
> 
> Dennis
> 
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com> On Behalf Of Steven Brower
> Sent: Thursday, July 27, 2023 3:30 PM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Re: So … tires :)
> 
> I got the Michelin defenders on 15” alloy wheels from go westy- they seem to be wearing- I’m not that happy with them. I have gotten two flats so far, and only really been driving on them since the spring. One flat was a sharp metal object- might not have penetrated something like a general grabber- and the other was a sidewall tear from a curb- definitely not expected. Anyway I’m not sure if my dissatisfaction is justified but I’m going with some heavier tires next time. 
> 
> Steven Brower
> 
> 
> BPL R & D
> Brooklyn Navy Yard
> 63 Flushing Avenue
> Building 280, Suite 521
> Brooklyn, NY 11205
> (347) 223-8877
> brower@browerpropulsionlab.com
> browerproplab.com
> 
>> On Jul 27, 2023, at 2:54 PM, Jeff Palmer <w.jeff.palmer@icloud.com> wrote:
>> 
>> Greetings from Quetico Provincial Park in northwestern Ontario!
>> 
>> The time has come to get new tires. I think the writing is on the wall for 14 inchers so I am looking at the GoWesty 16 inch alloys. They sell them with Michelin Defenders but don’t specify which model. Anyone have any feedback on the Defenders or any others? I am looking for good highway mileage primarily. 
>> 
>> Thanks
>> Jeff
>> 
>> Sent from my iPhone