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Date:         Mon, 17 Mar 1997 12:03:17 -0500 (EST)
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@vanagon.com>
From:         SyncroHead@aol.com
Subject:      Re: Alloy Wheels - again!

In a message dated 97-03-14 13:54:14 EST, Thomas.Forhan@mail.house.gov (Forhan, Thomas) writes:

>>Why would VW spec out and use Michelin MVX radials of the 205 70/R14

>The 205 70/R14s is cited on the '90 Carat sticker as being "Reinforced" >and having the 97 rating. Michelin could have made two tires in the same >physical size and "line", one with a higher load rating than the other.

They DID make both of these. Vanagons came with the MXL (not MXV) model that was reinforced. The Michelin MXL 205 70/R14 was made in a standard version AND a reinforced version. As I recall all the size/model lettering on both tires is the same, except the reinforced version has the word "reinforced" molded into the sidewall also, and higher ratings shown in the fine print.

Michelin no longer makes the MXL tires and I suppose the MXV is being discussed as a potential replacement. I'm not certain of MXV "reinforced" vs "non-reinforced" details.

With regards to the "passenger vans" vs Westy vs Syncro vs Syncro Westy, I would bet that they all carried the same recommendation from VW about tires. This would be true, because I suspect that they all carried the same Gross Vehicle Weight Rating. This rating is the maximum safe rating for the total weight of the van, the passengers and the cargo. In the heavier vans, the maximum stays the same, but their passenger + cargo decreases by the additional weight that the van already has built into it because of the added Syncro and/or Westy parts. If you have the lightest van (a 2WD passenger model) and you never will load it near the GVWR, you can likely get by with a tire with a lower load rating. VW surely would never put its corporate butt on the line by recommending this though. They planned for worst case conditions. You could opt to plan for less at your own descretion.......

Regards, Jim Davis 87 GL Syncro 88 GL Wolfsburg

Regards, Jim Davis 87 GL Syncro 88 GL Wolfsburg

Since the


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