Date: Tue, 2 Jul 96 17:27:58 -0700
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@vanagon.com>
From: Bren Smith <bren@ccnet.com>
Subject: Re: 91 ride, (was:No Subject)
>> Well, here's the scoop: I'm riding Goodyear Regatta touring tires, size
>> P195/70R14 @ 36 psi all around. Based on the simple shock test mentioned
>> above, my shocks seem to be fine. How could I tell if the tires are
>> reinforced, or would that even make a difference?
>
>These tires are not reinforced nor are they even the correct size. Load
>capacity information is stamped on the sidewall. In addition, when using
>passenger car tire(size atarts with the letter"P", Light truck tires start
>with "LT") you need to derate another 10% according to the feds. Your tires
>are rated at 1332 punds -10% leaves a capacity of 1198 pounds. 4 X 1198 =
>4792. Your vehicles wieght (GVWR) is over 5500 pounds. Your tire
>combination is overloaded indeed. The Regatta's are available in 215/70 -14.
>These are rated to carry 1554 pounds each. Even with the derating, they
>will safely carry your Van.
To add to what Dennis has said, here's something for decoding tires that
I've found real helpful. Thanks to Jeff Berton for this info.:
===================
For tires using the P-metric designation (e.g., P245/50ZR16)
Format:
[Code][Width]/[Aspect][Speed][Construction][Size]
Code:
P = Passenger
LT = Light truck
T = Temporary
LTP = Light truck, personal use
Width:
Width at widest point, sidewall to sidewall, in millimeters
Aspect Ratio:
Tire height in mm, measured tread to bead, divided by width above,
multiplied by one hundred.
Speed ratings:
(The maximum speed the tire can maintain at its maximum load rating)
Q - 100 mph
R - 106 mph
S - 112 mph
T - 118 mph
U - 124 mph
H - 130 mph
V - 149 mph
W - 168 mph
Z - more than 168 mph
Construction:
R - Radial ply
B - Bias belted
D - Diagonal bias
Size:
The diameter of the wheel the tire is designed to be mounted on, in
inches.
Other information:
Maximum Air Pressure - This is the max pressure the tire is designed to
hold
(note this is more than the recommended inflation
pressure)
Maximum Load - Weight the tire can support
Load Index - A code that indicates the maximum weight the
tire can
carry at its speed indicated by its speed rating
Construction - Tells the number and type of plies used in the
construction of the tread and sidewall
DOT Serial Number - Identifies the plant, manufacturer, and date of
production
Tread Wear Index - A rating of the tire's resistance to wear. 100
is the
reference. A 250 rating indicates 2.5 times the
wear
resistance of the reference tire. This number
cannot
be accurately translated to mileage.
Traction Index - A rating of the tire's ability to stop on wet
pavement.
There are three grades, A, B, and C, with A
being the
best. This index does not reflect the tire's
traction
performance on dry, snowy, or icy pavement.
Temperature Index - A rating of the tire's ability to dissipate and
resist
heat. There are three grades, A, B, and C, with
A
being the best.
=========================================================================
Bren Smith |4 Orinda Way, Bld. C |510/253-3048 tel |'76 dual cab
Dantz Development |Orinda, CA 94563 |510/253-9099 fax |bren@ccnet.com
=========================================================================