Date: Fri, 16 Apr 1999 14:25:32 -0700
Reply-To: Stuart MacMillan <stuart@COBALTGROUP.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Stuart MacMillan <stuart@COBALTGROUP.COM>
Organization: The Cobalt Group
Subject: Re: 82 Westy tire question
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
That is a passenger car tire, and inadequate for your Westy. As far as
their load rating is concerned, the weight of a loaded Westy is too
close to the rated limit of 1400 lbs to be safe. Curb weight of my
Westy is about 4000 lbs, and I easily can add 1000 lbs more in gear and
people. That is 1250 lbs per tire, too close for a margin of safety in
my mind.
If you take any long trips there in Arizona this summer you will run a
high risk of a blowout. This tire will flex more due to the lower
pressure and build up tremendous heat. Tread separation occurs (which
will generate a lot of vibration, especially if a front tire is
failing), and then complete failure is not far behind.
I recommend that you replace them with what are called "reinforced"
tires, which is what VW specifies. These are "6PR," which means
"six-ply rated." Usually this means six-ply tread (two steel and four
polyester) and four ply polyester sidewalls, and they are designed to
run at a higher pressure than passenger car tires. Michelin (MX4) and
Uniroyal (Laredo) make these, among others. Check with Discount Tire,
Price/Costco (special order) or Les Schwab (store brand), and expect to
pay $500 for a set of four installed.
This cost is why so many Vanagon owners risk installing passenger tires.
False economy. It is like skimping on brakes!! If money is an issue,
stay close to town and take short trips only until you have enough
money, or check the VW salvage yards for a good used set. I actually
found four nearly new Laredos last summer at a yard, and the guy gave
them to me for $60 because he was too lazy to go look at them.
Certainly the only good deal I have ever gotten at a salvage yard!
Get those tires replaced and visit all those great places you have in
Arizona!
Helen Amerongen wrote:
>
>
> 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
--
Stuart MacMillan
Manager, Case Program
800-909-8244 ext 208
Getting your share of the Net yet?
http://www.cobaltgroup.com
http://www.casedealer.com/demo
http://www.caseihdealer.com/demo
