> I do find it a little horrifying that these MXLs at their rated 836
> revolutions per mile travel, at 4th gear at 4,000rpm, at only 69.49mph!

I find it horrifying that the larger tires will cause a loss of acceleration
:)

> Thus, you can hardly break 70mph in these on the highway whereas with
> today's speed limits it would be more customary to want the flexibility to
> go, say, 76 or 77mph in 4th ideally, or in my view, at least the 74.32mph
> provided by the BFG 27 x 8.50/14 All Terrain Radials.

The larger tires are still a trade off in that what you gain in cruising
speed you loose in acceleration and highway hill climbing ability...
Personally, I'd rather have the acceleration ...
Of course, a more powerful engine would change the equation...
But.... I'm not sure the Vanagon suspension was designed for 80mph highway
speeds so that would be a consideration too...

my 2 cents..

Bill