Date:         Wed, 15 Jul 1998 20:55:42 EDT
Reply-To:     FrankGRUN@AOL.COM
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <Vanagon@vanagon.com>
From:         Frank Grunthaner <FrankGRUN@AOL.COM>
Subject:      Correct Tire Pressures
Comments: To: Vanagon@VANAGON.COM
Content-type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1

I’ve been watching the list discussions concerning tires for some time. My ‘82
Westfalia and I have been together for a few days over 16 years and have seen
more than I care to recall. This includes the original Michelins and all of
the successor versions, Continentals, Bridgestones, Yokohamas, Kellys and now
B.F. Goodrich. I never got more than 20000 miles per set, and often less than
14000. About two years ago I converted my diesel to a ‘90 1.8L/8V Digifant
gasoline engine, significantly increasing my ground speed. Approximately 8,500
miles ago I replaced the Yokohamas (almost 14800 miles) with the BFG
27-8.50x14 LT tires specifically to reduce engine rpm (I still use the diesel
tranny). Best thing I ever did. I just checked the tires, and I have more than
90% tread left!

But to my question. The installing dealer put both front and rear at 40 psi
cold. I run the Westfalia at full gross tonnage when traveling, and am
currently planning a trip up the Pacific Coast to Banff, by way of Oregon and
Washington. The handling at speeds (this thing runs up past 90 mph true) is a
bit on the light side. I am sure that a front to rear pressure bias should be
used, but I can’t find an informed number to use. B.F.Goodrich says that they
haven’t tested the car with these tires so they can’t offer anything but an
opinion. Does anyone out there have a pressure recommendation for front and
rear - fully loaded, 2WD, original steel rims, standard caster and camber???

BTW, I discussed the 5.5 inch rim issue with a Goodrich engineer, and was told
to expect a slightly reduced tread life. No handling or safety issues. When I
asked about handling problems (in view of the often cited view on this list
that these tires can’t be mounted on rims narrower than 6 inches), he laughed
and said “why would you want to roadrace that tank?”

Frank Grunthaner