Chris,

I would not start by looking for looking for max width.

If you don't want to get into heavy vehicle upgrades, the first thing you
need to find out is the maximum tire diameter that people have been running
with chains on unmodfied vehicles.

As a starting data point, regular chains worked fine when my Syncro was
stock and I was running the BFG 27x8.5x14s, which have a diameter about
26.5".
Anybody done better than 26.5" ? Chime in now and help Chris out!

Once you have a maximum diameter established, go to the tire catalogs and
find 15"  tires that meets vehicle load specs, are at or below the diameter
requirement, and fit on your rim width.

Finally, within that universe, you can further limit it down  by picking the
widest of the batch.

Hope this helps

Tom F.

-----Original Message-----
From: 80 Westy Pokey [mailto:pokey@vanagon.org]
Sent: Friday, January 17, 2003 1:44 PM
To: Jon Seymour & Barbara Dykes
Cc: vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com; syncro@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [Syncro] 16" Trailing Arms / BIG 15" Tires

I'd love to see the pics.

Despite the research I did in the archives I am realizing the
holes in my questions with each reply. What I want to know
now is:

How wide a tire can I accomidate on 15"x6.5" SA Rheins
without going to 16" type trailing arms or substantial
modification (beyond gearing / ring and pinion changes).
AND still be able to run chains.

Thanks,
Chris