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Date:         Tue, 7 Dec 1999 05:35:11 -0800
Reply-To:     GVaughn@COMPUSERVE.COM
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Greg Vaughn <GVaughn@COMPUSERVE.COM>
Subject:      Re: tires (one more time)
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"

Shortly before discovering this list, I went to Costco (membership discount store) to get tires for my '91 Westy. I'd heard that there were some Michelins specifically for the Vanagon, and asked the salesperson about them. After looking at what I was currently running, he pointed to a set of Michelin XCA's on display and said they would work great. I think he also told me that they were a light truck tire, but I'm not sure of that now. They are 205 75 R14 C, so a little larger than what is specified in the owners manual, but that sounds good to me. I told him I wanted something with reinforced sidewalls to lessen sway, and he pointed out that it says "8PR" on the tire - meaning it is rated as 8 ply, even though elsewhere it says the tread has 2 steel and 3 polyester plies and the sidewall has 2 polyester plies. I asked him if it was M&S, and he said yes (it does not say so anywhere on the tire). It does say "Normal highway use". Also says made in Germany. Other markings: DOT FTJW CBWX 358 P. They have a deep tread, including sidewall tread that reminds me a little of snow tires.

Anyway, I bought the XCA's rather than waiting for a special order on the others (price was about the same - ~$75 each). A few days later I tried the Michelin website and couldn't even find the XCA mentioned, so I called Michelin to ask about them. The tech guy assured me that they were excellent tires for the Westy, and that I wouldn't really gain anything by switching to the others.

After several thousand miles they seem to be fine. A little noisier than what I had before, but no sway problems. Haven't had any nasty weather yet, so not sure about how they'll handle flood, mud and snow. In 2-3 months of watching tire discussions here on the list, I've not seen the XCA mentioned - anybody know anything more about these tires, or have experience with them?

- Greg


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