Gotta love these opinions. The wheel material alone does not in any way
effect the load carrying capacity of the tires. The Alloys are slightly
wider than the stock steel wheels, (6" vs. 5.5) which will allow
mounting a slightly wider tire. As for the term reinforced, it has
little meaning these days. The important consideration is the load
carrying and recommended inflation pressure of the tire. Typically, the
5.5" wheel will carry a 215mm wide tire, the 6" will carry a 225mm. A
P215/70-14 is usually rated to carry 1515 pounds at either 35 or 44 phi.
A typical P205/70-14 is only rated at 1430 pounds. This is right at the
edge for safety. I have used the 215's for many years with excellent
results. If you want to go even larger a 225/70-14 is rated at 1625
pounds.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf
Of developtrust
Sent: Saturday, March 09, 2002 1:04 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Reinforced tires AGAIN

Here is an interesting tidbit coming from my VW Dealer mechanic who owns
his
own Vanagon and does excellent mechanical work.

While working on replacing my oil pump and crank seal recently I
mentioned
tires and how I could not find 205/70's with double sidewall
reinforcement.
His comment was that with alloy wheels (as mine has) reinforced
sidewalls
are not as important as on regular wheels.

That made me lose some confidence in him as the ultimate Vanagon guru. I
trust him on his mechanical ability, but on tires???

At "Discount Tire" they recommended 185 R14 C6 PR which have reinforced
sidewalls but I suspect these would not be ideal for the wider alloy
wheels.

Any comments on my VW Dealer mechani's perspective on tires for alloy
wheels?

William