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VanagonEuroVan
Subject:Re: Tire Ratings
From:Dana Morphew
Date:Sun, 14 Apr 2002 16:16:44 -0700

In the end we must do what we are comfortable with.  I don't have a
Westy, but I do have 900 to 1000 lbs of equipment in my Vanagon at all
times.  It weighs in the 4200 - 4400 lbs. range all told.  The math, in
this case, works for me.

-Dana-

Todd Last wrote:
>
> 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.
>
> Perhaps the passenger Vanagons have lower tire requirements?
>
> In any case, I feel safer adhering to the factory reccomendation - there
> must have been a reason that they picked 97, even if the math appears to
> suggest otherwise.
>
> Todd
> '88 Westy
>
> Dana Morphew wrote:
>
> >Tires, such as the Kirkland LT195 x 75R14 93/90Q rated for 1435 lbs. @
> >50 psi, will easily allow you to exceed the gross vehicle weight of the
> >Vanagon (~5200 lbs.) whether it is a "bare bones", a GL, a Westy, or a
> >Syncro (Syncro might have greater gross capacity...not sure).   You can
> >overload the Vanagon by 10% and still be within the safe limits of the
> >exampled Kirkland tire (keep 'em inflated).  This doesn't even consider
> >the designed in safety margin all tires have.  Of course if you have one
> >of two corners abnormally overloaded (be aware of front and rear max.
> >axle load specs) you may manage to explore the limits of these tires,
> >but, if you consciously try to carry a reasonably balanced load, not
> >exceed the gross vehicle weight of the Vanagon, keep the tires inflated
> >according to your loading, and run tires that have at least a 2 mm.
> >tread depth and are in good shape, you'll likely be fine.
> >
> >The Yokohamas, below, are well equipped for safety beyond what the
> >Vanagon needs to carry its gross with a 7360 lb total weight carrying
> >ability.
> >
> >-Dana-
> >
> >"Terry K." wrote:
> >
> >>The YoMamma Suv / light truck tire's I have on my 87 Westy ride real
> >>nice, excellent in the wet, not bad in the snow---load rated--D, and
> >>have a max load rating of 1840 psi.
> >>
> >

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