Chris -

Tires used to have 4,6 or 8-ply sidewalls, as well as tread (bias-ply tires,
many moons ago).  I believe (but have not been able to find any confirmation
for this) that 'Reinforced' tires are those which can carry a higher
pressure, and so are stiffer.  Most P rated tires say 35 psi maximum.
Heavier duty tires say 44, 50 or more.

Running a 50 psi 205/70R-14 Load Range 97 tire at the recommended 40 psi on
the rear of my '87 Westy means it can support less than the maximum weight
rating, but it is still stiffer than a 35 Psi P rated passenger tire would
be.

Have you ever seen an official definition of reinforced?

Others have mentioned that some heavy duty passenger tires will carry the
load of the Vanagon.  Maybe so, but I want to be able to pump those tires up
until they are stiff enough to keep me from blowing all over the road.

- Mike Finkbiner
'98 Westy
Moscow, ID

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Date:    Tue, 5 Mar 2002 15:10:36 EST
From:    JordanVw@AOL.COM
Subject: Re: reinforced t-i-r-e-s

all "reinforced" means is a sidewall with a rating of 2 ply or more.   thats
  IT.
so any passenger car tire with a sidewall of 2 ply or more is  REINFORCED"

chris

Mike Finkbiner
mike_l_f@hotmail.com

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