EDITORIAL: I would generally agree with Steve's observations regarding the handling of passenger tires versus reinforced sidewall (aka "LT") tires. I had passenger tires for four years on my '70 Kombi. They performed well under all conditions. I now have "d" rated tires, which have 8-plys. They're pretty stiff, and combined with the new heavy-duty gas shocks, the ride is fairly firm. Now, that's the way I like it, natch YMMV. The roads here are pretty sketchy, in general, worse in the rural areas (about 95% of the state) so maybe there's a bit more of a need to have a stiffer tire. I'm usually hauling about 750-1000lbs of cargo (sheesh, that's me and 3 other humans(!) GENERAL: tire info (mine--but feel free to add/ignore): ;-) 1 Passenger: 2-4 ply, a "softer" ride, if you will 2 Reinforced Passenger: A little thicker, probably corners better 3 "C" load tires: 6-ply, stiffer, rides a little rougher (when jacked up to max. pressure; 4 "D" load tires: 8-ply, much stiffer, can put pressure at 65 psi (!) aka "LT" tires FOR BAYWINDOZE: The tire info (so sez Bentley): 1 All models thru July 1971: 7.00x14 8 PR (bias ply--?) 2 Campmobile from August 1971; Delivery Van and Station Wagon...thru 1972: 185 SR 14 Reinforced ("correct replacement tire must bear word REINFORCED...max press 40 psi") 3 Delivery Van and Station Wagon from April 1972: 185R x 14C ("correct replacement tire must bear the letter C...max press = 55psi") SO, if you're a hard-cornering, fast-lane-changing, rough-road-riding-with-full-load kind of bus-guy or bus-gal, maybe go with the thicker tire. Good Luck! JKH--New Mexico '70 Kombi
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