I don't see how in the world you can compare/contrast a 80,000 lb truck to
the Vanagon. That IMHO is a gross exaggeration of an example. While I was on
the phone with Michelin I also asked them to give their specs for my van and
Agilis tires. They were a little more than VWs. My original post was to
clarify that the sidewall rating is MAX PSI not recommended tire pressure.

Also I don't run my tires at MAX or vehicle recommendation... its
in-between. Oh hell I cant even remember what there at right now for Gods
sake... but it rides great.

Sean Garrett
1981 Westy (his)
1995 Eurovan Camper (hers)
sean.garrett@asu.edu

> -----Original Message-----
> From: CTONLINE@webtv.net [mailto:CTONLINE@webtv.net]
> Sent: Thursday, May 23, 2002 10:06 PM
> To: SEAN.GARRETT@asu.edu
> Cc: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Re: Someone must know what tire pressure do use in Agilis 51
> tire s!
>
>
> Sean,
>
> The only thing I would be worried about running them tires down at
> factory psi--is the lower air pressure is no good for the sidewalls--
>
> Making them sidewalls flex--causes big heat----and premature sidewall
> failure---
>
> OK---and too much air can break the cords in the  treads-----
>
> And I do realize that each mfg. has a different spec. for their own
> tires----
>
> But I don't think VW had anyone else's tires in mind other than what
> they were putting on the Vans when they were built---
>
> So with this in mind----I think the guy who built the tire
> knows better
> than the mfg. of the vehicle----
>
> I just thought of an example----
> Trucks-----semis to be exact----
>
> Run that trunk with 80,000 GVWR load, and run the tire's
> lower than the
> tire mfg's specs, and the tires are almost for sure to fail-----
> They'll spit rubber on the road faster than Jackie Robinson----
>
> Why?
>
> Because the tire was underinflated, and built up so much heat the the
> casing fails, and blows the tire in pieces----
>
> I'm sure you've seen this in the summer month's, where you see tire
> pieces laying on the highway----
>
> I know we aren't carrying that big a weight  but the theory is the
> same----low air, big heat-- good night Irene---proper air,
> cooler tires,
> long life---
>
> Later,
>
> Terry
>
>
> E-mail message
>
>