

| Subject: | 15" Wheel/Tire Report - Caution |
| From: | Robert Campbell |
| Date: | Mon, 14 Mar 2005 11:50:52 -0500 |
Wow, what a discussion -- but that's what we are here for.... But tires
always seem to bring out a debate don't they :-)
Thanks for the info everyone, and I've put these wheels and tires on a CARAT
(non-camper) which is 3800 pounds (as per the local dump scale) with me in it!
So, I feel pretty safe with this combo. I do prefer, however, the reinforced
sidewall for anything with this much weight, but I think this setup is fine
for my application. AND, since GoWesty is "pushing" this setup for the
heavier Westy's out there, I feel even better. By the way, I replaced the
Yokohama Y356 from tirerack.com with this setup. Those tires were good, but
the narrow width of these tires doesn't add the ride of the Vanagon. I see
that BusDepot.com is offering a wider (195) 14" tire, but they won't have the
wider (I think 205 or 215) until late in the year or next year -- this is what
I was told on the phone.
In the two+ years that I have been driving my '91 Carat (every single day),
I've not expierenced any issues with the tires --- except that with 185's on
the van would "wobble in the wind" behind tractor-trailers and it feels like
it would lean more when doing corners (as compared to my new 215's). Now, you
could say I'm a novice Vanagon driver, but since I'm in my machine daily I've
gotten quite a few hours behind the wheel now.
This setup looks good, and you have many more options with a 15" wheel (the
wheels cost $550 from GoWesty.com). I love the look and the ride. If I
experience any issues I'll let the list know.
-Robert
'91 Carat, Automatic, 158K Original Engine (but NEW wheels/tires! :-)Have something to add on this topic today? Revive this thread in the forum »