Mike and all,

The absolute worst tires I ever had on my Westy were Conti
 Contacts.  They were installed after I wore out a set of Michelin XCH-4s
(no longer available).  Discount Tire said they were designed especially for
the Vanagon and should be wonderful - NOT.

They went out of balance regularly (<2k miles), developed tread separations,
and wore unevenly.  After Discount had replaced three of them within 20,000
miles, they gave me a full credit toward Lee (made by Kelly Springfield)
Pathfinders (27X8.50R14LT).  The Pathfinders were discontinued a couple
years ago and replaced by Trailfinders (same carcass with a quieter tread
design).  I am still using these tires, and have nothing but good things to
say about them.  They stay in balance, last a long time (about 50,000 miles
per set), and have a nice road feel.
----- Original Message -----
From: "Michael A. Radtke" <m.radtke@ELM.AZ05.BULL.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Thursday, May 11, 2000 2:00 PM
Subject: Re: Why is the tire choice so complicated?

> Continental Contacs:
>
> Brian,
>
> I have had a set for a couple of years now and I feel that they are the
> best tires I've had on my '84GL since new.  However, I don't have a Westy,
> so I don't know whether they are appropriate for you.
>
> They are not fancy tires.  I have never used them in snow.  In rain they
> are much better than the Michelin XZX truck tires that my vanagon came
with
> new.  They are smooth and quiet.  And, they are inexpensive.
>
> Mike  '84GL   Phoenix, AZ