Date: Wed, 20 May 1998 11:53:53 -0700
Reply-To: Jim Arnott <jrasite@EONI.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <Vanagon@vanagon.com>
From: Jim Arnott <jrasite@EONI.COM>
Subject: Tyre questions
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Scott,
I'll answer your questions based on experiences on both a '77 type 2 and
an '84 Vanagon...
1) Don't light truck tires by their very nature produce more road
noise?
With a 5000 mile trip, I don't want to introduce any more
aggravation than the two teenagers, wife, cat and
pomeranian......
1. No more noise than any other tyre IF one purchases a highway tread
tyre. Typically, many truck tyres use a more aggressive tread pattern
which is noisier. Shop around.
2) With the high pressure and rigidity of the truck tires,
doesn't
the ride comfort suffer?
2. Comfort is a relative term. If you want a Cadillac ride, put
passenger car (load rate B) tyres on it. However, be aware that you MAY
suffer unexpected tyre failure at any time. The tyres WILL be operating
beyond their design load. Vanagons are HEAVY. If you want precise
steering and lessened sensitivity to cross winds, A truck (load range C
or D) tyre is required. I personally prefer steady handling to a
floating sensation. If you look at the pressure requirements on the
vehicle sticker, you'll see that the load range B tyre will not take the
pressure. " Reinforced" tyres are an option, though they are very
difficult to find.
3) Being consigned to retaining my 14 x 5.5 inch wheels, what
is
the best size light truck tire to use?
3. I run 27/8.50-14 highway pattern truck tyres on my '77 (ASI Riviera
Campwagen) which weighs 4700 lbs. empty. These tyres are stocked by
just about every tyre store around as they are typically used on
Japanese mini trucks. On the Vanagon L I have been running 185-14
Reinforced radials manufactured by Kumho (Korean.) They are difficult
to find and ALWAYS are special order. When it's time to "retyre" I'll
put the 27/8.50-14s on the Vanagon too.
4) I am looking at the Goodyear Wrangle GS-As which are on
sale at
Sears right now....has anyone bought these? If so, how do
you like 'em?
4. No comment on the Goodyear tyres. Many listmembers have had good
comments about Yokohama tyres purchased from the Tire Rack. Search the
archives for "Tire Rack" and you can read the comments yourself. This
subject is discussed in depth about every six weeks or so. Been that
way since the v@l days.
In summary, buy tyres with at least a load rating of "C" ("D" is even
better.) You probably won't notice a difference in ride, but you will
notice a difference in handling. (Unless of course you go with "B" rated
tyres, lose one and ride it on it's side or roof.) ;)
You also MUST read the Inuvik Journals. http://www.chaco.com/inuvik/ The
comments there about tyre use are invaluable. These comments are by
people who have BTDT.
Best of luck.
Jim Arnott
Union, OR
'77 ASI Riviera II
'83.5 Vanagon L
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