I went to 27x8.5R14 so I could get the more aggressive tread of the BFG A/T KO.
Excellent tire, both on and off road. About the only complaint I have is the sidewall is
not as stiff as the load range D Yoko Y370 195/75R14 I had before. But I have driven
3 long trips in them fully loaded (5500lbs+) with no problems. Even my grossly
underpowered '82 diesel Westy manages fine with them - the difference from stock
is barely noticeable imho.

On 20 Aug 2005 at 9:03, Doug in Calif <vanagon@ASTOUND.NET> wrote:

> I run Bridgestone 215/75/15 Duelers on my 87 syncro with stock tired motor.
>
> And I pull a trailer to the dumps regularly.
>
> Sure its hurt the power somewhat, but the 27/8.5/14s would feel like stock
> to me.
>
> If you see some dirt or gravel roads the extra size and LT tread is "better"
> IMHO
>
> Doug
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "George Goff" <THX0001@AOL.COM>
> To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
> Sent: Saturday, August 20, 2005 4:39 AM
> Subject: Re: 27X8.5QR14 VS 185/R/14 ?
>
>
> > In a message dated 8/19/05 10:02:25 PM,
> > aircooledchris@EUCASAFARI.VENDIOWEB.COM writes:
> >
> > << Is there any difference? >>
> >
> > Yes, the 27X8.5 is three quarters of an inch wider and about 1 1/4 inches
> > greater in diameter and it is not recommended for mounting on a Vanagon.
> With
> > the 27X8.5 size mounted to a Vanagon with stock gearing, the van's
> drivability
> > will suffer.
> >
> > It is best to mount the size tire which is displayed on the tire sticker
> > affixed to the car.  The manufacturer of the car has certainly expended
> more than
> > a little effort selecting the size tire which will work the best on the
> car.
> > An unknown quantity on the internet will not come up with anything as
> good.
> >
> > George
>

Shawn Wright
http://zuiko.sls.bc.ca/~swright
'85 Jetta D
'88 Westy 2.1L, soon to be 1.6TD 5 speed
 (see progress at http://members.shaw.ca/vwdiesels)
'82 Diesel Westy