Go to: http://www.tirerack.com/
Under "SHOP FOR TIRES"  select the "search your tire size" link
Enter "185" section width, "none" for aspect ratio, and "14" for rim
diameter
All of the resulting tires meet the spec for a Vanagon in a 185 aspect
ratio. Selecting the specs for an individual tire will also show other
sizes that are available.
I haven't been able to find any 205/70's with the correct load rating.

Tim Hannink
Winter Park, Florida
Goldibox - 1987 Vanagon Camper, Wolfsburg Edition
http://home.earthlink.net/~tjhannink/
.

-----Original Message-----
From:   Barry E. Muller [SMTP:bmuller@UOFT02.UTOLEDO.EDU]
Sent:   Saturday, March 09, 2002 10:59 AM
To:     vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject:        Re: reinforced t-i-r-e-s

I really appreciate that info.

A great followup would be information and suppliers/vendors that actually
stock
bloody 14" tires that fit the Vanagon's specs (for my application, it would
be
the 205/70 R14 LI99).  Best I've seen listed on the web (don't even now if
the
exist in fact) have an LI of 95.  But I have a lead on Vredestein 205/75
R14
with an LI of something like 106!  If anyone is intereted I'll let them
know
were this leads via pmail.

bem

Steve Lashley wrote:

> In a message dated 3/5/02 10:32:20 PM, mike_l_f@HOTMAIL.COM writes:
>
> << 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? >>
>
> Yes reinforced tires carry a higher load rating, but not all higher load
> rated tires are reinforced.  Generally speaking, the higher pressure
tires
> are stiffer, and give a firm ride.
>
> You need reinforced sidewalls to limit tire roll and sway.  The stiffer
side
> walls help you keep better control over your van while turning and
cornering
> as well as in windy conditions.  They limit the amount of lean the tires
have
> and prevent tire blowouts.  Reinforced tires are needed on tall heavy
> vehicles like our vans.  They should also be required on SUVs, but that's
> another story. (remember the 35psi Firestone tires on the Explorer?)
>
> When you take a curve, weight is shifted to the inside tires and a lot of
> stress is put on the tire sidewalls.
>
> Ply ratings anymore are just that, a rating.  They don't actually stand
for
> the number of plies.  You can have 4 ply tires that carry a 6 or 8 ply
> rating.  In the old days tires were rated by the number of plies they
had.
> Today you can get the same strength with less, but the rating is still
used.
>
> Steve Lashley
> SKL Enterprises Inc.
> http://EuroCampers.com
> 636-797-9015
> 636-789-2127 fax