Date:         Sun, 7 Mar 1999 10:55:18 -0800
Reply-To:     Graham Challis <gchallis@CENTUM.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Graham Challis <gchallis@CENTUM.COM>
Subject:      Re: Tires--Les Schwab Z800 Ultra
Comments: To: Kent Christensen <lkchris@USWEST.NET>
In-Reply-To:  <36E2A9F9.C5DF2382@pop.albq.uswest.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"

I beg to differ with Bentley.  On my 90 GL with alloys and 205/70 MXTs I
have no problem with chains.  My chains are imported from Italy by ACCO - I
bought them at a NAPA parts store I think for about $50.  They're really
easy to install and work well up in the Sierras evey ski season.  Although I
agree with the "less rubber" theory (look at any Landrover), the 205/70s
look better!

Graham
90 G/L Country Homes Camper conversion

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com]On Behalf
Of Kent Christensen
Sent: Sunday, March 07, 1999 8:32 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: Tires--Les Schwab Z800 Ultra


re:  "... extra rubber on the road to cope with rain and
snow and mud and wind ..."

Stock Vanagon sizes are either 185-14 or 205/70-14.  Bentley
manual states chains cannot be installed on 205/70-14
(clearance problems).

Regardless of whether chains are ever installed, LESS rubber
on the road is better for snow traction (more psi on the
ground).  About the only real advantage a Vanagon owner
might get from larger tires is the possibility of more load
rating.  That might be useful once--offset by the fuel
economy penalty of moving bigger, heavier tire every day.