In a message dated 5/6/03 12:36:51 PM, tjhannink@YAHOO.COM writes:

<< . . . The ply-rating of a particular tire is not commonly available at a
tire dealer . . .>>

It is so uncommon that the ply rating is molded into the sidewall of any tire
made.

<<. . . A max inflation pressure of 44 psi is usually a reinforced sidewall
tire . . .>>

If you want to make this into a valid statement, change the "is usually" to
"might be".

<< . . . The first (and only) Syncro Camper GL I have ever seen close up had
a set of Goodyear Aquatreads in the P205/70R14 size with a '93' load rating
with a max 35 psi inflation pressure. The vans owner swore by them, they were
his second set.>>

So what?  All this proves is that the guy was a fool or cheap or cheap and
therefore a fool.

<< . . . Unfortunately, some tire dealers don't train their people well
enough to
understand (or even to look at) the tire recommendation stickers located in
the door jamb. . . >>

The first thing the service writer at any decent tire shop will do is to
stroll outside and look at the tire sticker, especially on a car which he
seldom sees.  If he doesn't do that, go somewhere else or save a buck and
just get your tires from the Pep Boys.

<< . . .I would consider the value of the cargo you carry in your van . . .>>

In other words, how much do you value your ass?

I deny no one the right to ask a question nor to start a tire thread, but I
finally see why some viewers of this list get a little testy when the word
"tires" is mentioned.  Why on earth expend all these words of speculation and
worthless anecdotal insights when the necessary information is contained
concisely on the 2 X 4 inch Mylar sticker slapped on the door jamb?  I think
the effort would be better spent discussing what we are going to do when a
185R14 sized tire is no longer available, and, believe me, after my most
recent foray into the world of rubber, I think that day is fast approaching.
If nothing else, perhaps we could scare up a manufacturer who will make the
proper ring and pinions so that we can have drivable vans once we are forced
to use 15 inch wheels.

George