I second the motion.  I ran Firestone car tires on my first syncro, with a
load rating of 1522 lbs. per wheel (or thereabouts).  When I switched over
to Bridgestones (Dueller AT, 1515 lbs/tire rating) I couldn't believe the
difference, esp. in wind.  I currently run BFG with rating of 1515/tire, and
same thing.  Keep them rotated, and they stay pretty quiet, too.
bmc  :)
"Faith will move mountains, but you'd better bring a shovel...."

> From: Bill Marshall <Willolyn99@AOL.COM>
> Reply-To: Willolyn99@AOL.COM
> Date: Tue, 26 Feb 2002 08:22:42 EST
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Re: Any air cooled owners out there running oversized tires?
>
> Terry asked:
> <Why in the heck is this reinforced truck tire thing so important?>
>
> In my experience, it improves handling in a huge way.  When I bought my van,
> the PO had "car" tires on it.  The ride was sloppy, and a wind gust would
> change lanes for you.  They just weren't that great.  When I switched to a
> taller (correct sized) truck tire with 8 plys and reinforced sidewalls,  I
> suddenly had a vehicle that held the road, and the steering got a lot
> snappier.  Sports-van!  Actually, it's a lot safer on the highway and easier
> to maneuver.  I also believe that vehicle weight is a factor, as well as
> correct inflation pressures.
> Of course, the driver won't notice the increased safety involved with
> correct load factors, but the snappier response is directly noticeable.
> That will be $.02, please.
>
> Bill Marshall
> 85 GL Tiico
> Phoenix AZ
>