Why did VW want Vanagons to have reinforced tires?

My '81 7-passenger weighs 3087 lbs and has a GVWR
of 5093 lbs, so it can carry a ton.  I've done it.

[By contrast,from Ford's website, a new F-150 (short
wheelbase) has a GVWR of 6500-6650 lbs, depending on
engine, and a "payload" of 'only' 1820-1960 lbs.]

Thanks, Larry, for soliciting and compiling all this
tire info--and taking all the pot shots, too.  ;-)

                        Richard A Jones
                        Boulder, Colorado