So, I'm looking for tires for my 1990 Vanagon MV with the 14x6-inch rims.
Long live the Michelin MXT with its load index of 99, but it has gone the
way of the dinosaur.  Unless there are some hidden away in some dusty
warehouse, they are quite unavailable.  Michelin currently recommends
only the Rainforce MX4 (according to their web site), which is a measly
load index of 95.

So far I have found lots of 205/70R14 tires, but most have a 93 LI.  The
best choices with a 95 LI (couldn't find anything higher) seem to be:
         Michelin Rainforce MX4 (95T)
         Bridgestone BT70s (95S)
         Bridgestone Daytona Metric Radial (95T)
         Firestone F-570 (95T)

Cost-wise, the Bridgestone BT70s at around $50-$55 is much preferable
to the Michelin at $90 per tire.  Bridgestone's have a reputation for
stiffer sidewalls, too.

So, other than the speedo being off (it already is, reading 2-3mph lower
than actual speed =:-0 ) is there any reason why a 215/70R14 would not
do the job?  I've found several of these that have a 96 load index.  I
have also found a few P-rated (P205/70R14) that may have a 96 LI.  Since
my speedo is already off by a good margin, I have no compunction against
throwing it off more.  Traveling with GPS gives me a good calibration
that I can factor in.

Unfortunately, the FAQ at Vanagon.com seems a bit dated when it comes
to tires that are currently available.  I would have searched the archives,
but they aren't available at the moment, either.

I have an upcoming trip from Seattle to Minnesota/Wisconsin with kids, and
we're leaving three weeks from now.  Time to get some good rubber on the
rolling stock.  Any and all advice appreciated.  Advathanksnce.

Cheers.
Rob

              It's never too late to have a happy childhood.
                    -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
                     Rob Scott, mailto:rob@unixguy.com
        Langley, Washington on Whidbey Island (a suburb with a moat)