Miguel,

First of all, I don't tend to trust Sears "technicians".  I've heard enough
horror-stories about their amazing amount of incompetence and lack of common
sense.

Go to a tire website like www.tirerack.com.  Look for the size you need.
Also, check out their 27x8.5 R 14 offerings.  I currently run Firestone
Firehawk R4S (50 PSI) on my Westy and I am very happy with them.  For snowy
climates I would pick the BF Goodrich in the same size.  Stick with a high
load-rating tire.

Good luck and Happy Holidays!

Chris.

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com]On Behalf
Of Miguel Calvin
Sent: Friday, December 21, 2001 6:56 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Sears Guardsman Trailhandler AP 195/75R14 ??

Is anyone out there using this tire?
Sears Guardsman Trailhandler AP LT195/75R14

<Rant>
I found it in the Sears Canada catalog, and tried to find out what its max
inflation pressure was. I got the most amazing runaround from their phone
centre. First the guy told me that it wasn't important to know the max
pressure listed on the tire, just inflate it to the pressure listed on the
doorjamb of the vehicle. I attempted to educate him about the hazards of
overinflated tires and again requested the info from the tire sidwall. He
called me back to say that another auto service centre guy had said the same
thing... I persisted. He called back to say that the max was 36psi. Needless
to say I don't trust him.

I finally found the info on the Sears USA site. and it says there that the
max pressure is 50psi!!! So I call back the guy at the Sears Canada phone
centre and tell him. He just told me that sears USA and sears Canada have
nothing to do with each other. I asked for his full name and to speaak with
a supervisor. he refused both and hung up on me!

I know customer service is a tough job but the guy told me a line of bull
then hung up on me! What crap is that?

<Rant Mode off>

So are these tires any good on our beloved vans?
They are fairly cheap, and I really can't afford the Michilens that I know
are so highly recommended.
TIA
--
Miguel