Rich -

The 185 or 195/R-14s that I have seen in load range C have been rated 93,
not 97.  The Kirklands that several people on the list like are 93.

One problem we have with second guessing VW is that the tires available now
in the US are not the same as were available in the mid-80s.  About all we
can do is find something that will handle the load and pressures recommended
by VW, and fine-tune the pressure for best handling.

However, I think that if Michelin is recommending the Rainforce MX4 185 or
205 for the Vanagon, they probably know what they are doing.  It would just
bother me to put a higher pressure in the tire than the sidewall specifies
as maximum!

- Mike Finkbiner
'87 Westy
Moscow, Idaho

>From: JKrevnov@aol.com
>To: mike_l_f@hotmail.com, vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com
>Subject: Re: More comments on Michelin Rainforce MX4
>Date: Thu, 24 May 2001 08:36:16 EDT
>MIME-Version: 1.0
>
><< making them effectively the same as the 185R14 load range C tires
>(generally load rating 93). >>
>
>Load range C is just about a load index of 97 and D is about 102.  Why try
>to
>second guess VW?  Were they too cautious with there requirements?  Who
>knows?
>  They certainly didn't just throw a dart at a Tirerack ad.  Go with the
>tires
>and pressures specified on the vehicle tire sticker.
>
>Rich

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