When my Westy gets below around 40 PSI, it handles like a pig - has
since new.  I don't mind the firmer ride, and keep mine at 45 - 50.
This is with either LT or reinforced tires.

Karl Wolz

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf
Of Kim Brennan
Sent: Saturday, October 25, 2003 8:02 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: Suspension differences and ride quality-early VS late model
vans

Before you worry about the shocks, please check the tire pressure. All
too frequently folks will inflate tires to the maximum tire pressure
(rather than to the VW recommended tire pressure),...and that will give
you a harsh ride (especially if they've put 50psi or more into the
tires.

When I bought my Westy, for example, the previous owner had the tires
inflated to 48psi...And the tires on the Westy were BFG All Terrain T/A
Kos in the 27x8.5R14 size...which is a LARGER size than the 205/70R14's
that came stock (and had a recommended tire pressure of 40psi). One of
the first things I did with my Westy was to lower the pressure down to
40psi. Once I put 15" wheels on it (with 215/75R15 tires), I put the
tire pressure to 38 psi (based on my estimated 5% larger contact
surface of the larger tires).

When looking at your tires, the side wall (under load) should have a
slight bulge near the pavement (usually). This is the flex which gives
comfortable rides. If your tires have heavily reinforced sidewalls, you
might not notice the bulge. Vanagons, of course, need reinforced tires
ANYWAY, but properly inflated tires on it, will have a slight bulge.