Our '88 will need new tires soon. Currently we run Michelin Energy 205/70x15 VR 95 on 15x7 wheels. The idea of the VR speed rating and the 95 load rating was to add strength. I've never had any reason to doubt the safety of these tires, but they do have one big tradeoff. When inflated hard enough to handle well, they ride very hard. Cracks and expansion joints hammer the body as if it were on skateboard wheels. When inflated soft enough to ride acceptably, they squirm all over and actually let the van bounce up and down. Our van does have slightly stiffer springs and Bilsteins, but all of the bushings at both ends were just replaced (by me, talk about a big miserable job!), so suspension shouldn't be contributing to rough ride. By comparison, I also have a '92 Jetta GLi. Lowered higher rate springs, Bilstein Sports, and plastic suspension bushings...and much lower tire pressures. It rides much better over the rough stuff.

Could LT tires do a better job? I've always had the feeling that LT tires couldn't ride well 'cause they're truck tires. Is there something about the construction of LT tires that allows higher inflation pressures and load handling but not the jarring ride? Is there some typical difference in construction between LT and passenger tires that gives LT tires that higher load capacity while not destroying the ride? Can LT tires also handle well?