Date:         Wed, 8 Sep 1999 08:36:44 -0700
Reply-To:     "Johnson, David R FOR:EX" <David.Johnson@GEMS6.GOV.BC.CA>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         "Johnson, David R FOR:EX" <David.Johnson@GEMS6.GOV.BC.CA>
Subject:      Re: Disappointed with Yokohama Y370 Tires
Content-type: text/plain

I just purchased Yokohama 370 steel belted m and s tires. They are LT 195/75
R 14 with the same load rating you described.  I love them. I replaced
Michelin mtx(?) 185-75R14's.  I found they are superior in cross winds, they
are quite aggressive looking tire and I suspect they will handle winter
conditions good. (time will tell). I had a  flat with the old tire that
could not be repaired so I sprung for 4 new ones. I really like these tires.
I suspect that the re-enforced sidewalls make all the difference in the
world. Just my .02
David Johnson
Phone: 620-3251 Fax: 620-3540
Compliance and Enforcement Technician
Timber, Horsefly B.C.

David.Johnson@gems6.gov.bc.ca

> ----------
> From:         Bill Knight[SMTP:bknight@ESC.STATE.NC.US]
> Reply To:     Bill Knight
> Sent:         Wednesday, September 08, 1999 8:05 AM
> To:   vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject:      Disappointed with Yokohama Y370 Tires
>
> Hi All,
>
> I've driven my 84 Westy about 100 miles now on the new Yokohama Y370B
> tires
> and am still disappointed in the handling.  I was so excited that these
> tires came available again because of all the raving comments I had seen
> on
> the list, but now I wish that they had stayed discontinued.  Just to be
> sure, I double checked the sidewalls and they say Y370B, LT195/75 R14,
> load
> range D, max load 1710 lbs at 65 psi.  I ordered part number 37047 from
> Tire
> Rack.  Those are the ones, right?
>
> The tires I  replaced were Pirelli 6000 passenger tires size 205/70 R14.
> They weren't really too badly worn, but I replaced them anyway because of
> all the concerns about wrong load ratings.  I wish I still had them.  They
> served me well, I drove cross-country last year on them with nary a
> problem.
> Handling and stability were great.
>
> The Yokohama tires have ZERO crosswind resistance.  I constantly have to
> keep correcting the steering as I drive, especially at highway speed.
> When
> there is even the slightest wind, I'm all over the road, and quickly get
> fatigued from constantly having to keep concentrated on staying in the
> lane.
> I first thought it was the tire pressure, so I pumped them up to the list
> recommended 44/52 lbs. and that improved things a bit, but not enough.  I
> had an alignment done when the tires were installed and I started
> questioning the alignment.  I knew it couldn't be the tires!  So this
> morning I dropped the van by the VW dealer and specifically requested
> Jimmy,
> the head mechanic, do an alignment.  I explained my problems to him and he
> proceeded to do the alignment.  He found the alignment to be correct, so
> he
> checked all the rest of the suspension and steering.  Everything, as I
> expected, was in perfect order (I've replaced everything).  He also test
> drove the van and concurred with my complaint.  He looked at the tires and
> said the problem is the tires.  "They are supposed to be sidewall
> reinforced", he said, "but they are safe to continue to use because they
> have the proper load rating".
>
> So now what?  Do I eat the $300 that I spent on these new tires and get
> some
> reinforced ones or live with the terrible handling?  I used to be able to
> get on the road and sit back and cruise in a very relaxed state, but now
> that is not possible and makes the van miserable to drive.
>
> Sorry for the rambling, but I'm disappointed and I'm happy to have this
> list
> to vent my frustrations!
>
> Bill
> '84 Westfalia Wolfsburg (new name "Sloppy"?)
>