Date:         Fri, 16 Apr 1999 13:47:07 -0700
Reply-To:     Brent Christensen <bpchristensen@MINDSPRING.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Brent Christensen <bpchristensen@MINDSPRING.COM>
Subject:      Re: 82 Westy tire question
Comments: To: Helen Amerongen <hma@U.ARIZONA.EDU>

Those sound like passenger tires, not rated for the "C" load range required
by the Westy.  The "PR" numbers on your door frame refer to the # of plys in
the tread and sidewall.  "6 PR" would be 6-ply (usually 4 in the tread and 2
sidewall).  I'm far from an expert, but I don't think you have the "right"
tires for your Westy.  (The 35 psi load rating is also a clue - recommended
inflation is 43 front/48 rear)

Brent Christensen
'89 GL Syncro Westy "Klaus"
'91 Taurus SHO (For Sale)
'95 Cherokee Sport

----- Original Message -----
From: Helen Amerongen <hma@U.ARIZONA.EDU>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Friday, April 16, 1999 1:21 PM
Subject: 82 Westy tire question


>         I am a recent owner of an 82 Westy, my first VW.  I have been
> lurking on this list for a few months and have gained a tremendous amount
> of useful information - thank you all very much.  The discussion about
> tires got me to check mine and I have a question that as far as I can
tell,
> has not been addressed yet.
>
> The tires currently on my van are BF Goodrich P195/75R 14 M+S, maximum
load
> 1400 lbs @ 35psi.
>
> The recommended tires (from the driver's side door) are either
>
> 7.00-14 8PR;  front 33psi, rear 48psi;
> or
> 185R 14C 6PR;  front 38 psi, rear 55psi;
> or
> 185 SR 14 reinforced;  front 33psi, rear 40psi.
>
> So I'm wondering, are the tires I have ok for the vehicle, and if so what
> psi should I have in front and rear tires?  How does the maximum load
> rating on the tire relate to the front and rear axle weights (2425 and
2866
> lbs respectively on my van) - do you divide the axle weights by 2 to
figure
> the load on each wheel?
>
> (I have also asked BF Goodrich about this - haven't heard back yet.)
> Any help would be very much appreciated.
>
> Helen Amerongen
> '82 Westy