Well, I've decided to go with the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO.

Even these tires were a bit of work to get. Apparently, 27X8.5R14 is a
pretty rare size.  They had to special order two because there were only
two in the warehouse. Three other tire vendors didn't have any tires in
that size.

With some planning, I probably could have gotten them from the Tire Rack
or a similar mail order outfit.

Since I'm still waiting on delivery, I may be making my trip on the old
tires and praying a lot.

Assuming I still have my Vanagon when I need tires again (at the 5-8K
I've been putting on it the past few years, that could be a long time),
I think that a switch to 15" rims may be the only solution.

Paolo
89 Carat: Eurospec'd