Todd, you stated:

<< On my Vanagon Camper the tire sticker on the door, it states a 97
minimum load rating.  97 load rating translates to a max. load of 1609
lbs.  So it would seem that the Kirklands, at a 93 - 1435lb max load, are
not sufficient for the Westys >>

   That sticker does *not* mandate weight ratings. It merely states the
manufacturer's recommended tire pressure for a full-up loaded van, using
either of the two types of tires that would have been mounted at the
factory when the bus was manufactured.  As far as I know, neither of
these tires are available now, so whatever you put on there, you might
find that you have to play with the tire pressures until you are
comfortable with them.

   Look at the sticker on the right hand side of the driver's doorjamb.
It tells you the maximum the van and its contents can weigh, (GVWR)
including how much the front axle and rear axles are allowed to carry.
(GAWR)

   For an '89 Westfalia, the front axle GAWR is 2646lbs and the rear axle
GAWR is 2866.  Maximum weight for the bus and all its cargo, including
passengers is 5160lbs. (wonder why the two axle weights don't add up)
Anyway, doing the math tells me that your 1435lb, load range C *light
truck tire* with a load index 93 is sufficient, IF, and only IF you
never, ever overload the bus.

   In our case, with two adults, a cat and what seems to be a medium
load, I'm feel quite comfortable with 95LI light truck tires, C rated,
1515lbs maximum load at 50 PSI.

     George/ATL
     '89 Westy, Wernher

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