Don't forget that all "P" radials must be derated by 9%of their load
rating to get an equivalant rating for a LT tire.
This is because the P-metric sidewalls are not as stiff as an LT tire.
So a 95 LI P-metric tire rated at 1521lbs, has an actual load of 9%
less, 1384lbs which correcponds to a LI of 91.

See: http://www.tiresafety.com/size_class/size_nav4b.htm

Todd

'88 Westy

Dennis Haynes wrote:

>The 215-70's will work fine. You can also use a 225/70 which will have a
>load index of 98 or 99. I would avoid using the 205's with the standard
>load rating.
>
>Dennis
>
>
>-----Original Message-----
>From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf
>Of Rob Scott
>Sent: Wednesday, July 24, 2002 2:30 AM
>To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
>Subject: Alternative tire sizes for 14x6-inch rims
>
>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)
>
>
>