Terry,

I certainly agree that Tire technology has changed in the last 14 years.

The Spec's VW defined and I have tried to present in an understandable way,
is about choosing a tire that will handle a fully loaded Vanagon's weight.

What a fully loaded Vanagon weighs now is the same as it weighed 14 years
ago.

Contact a Tire Engineer, Experienced Tire technician ... any knowledgably
person in the Tire Industry.

Give them the actual loaded weight data of a Vanagon.

Show them the data on the OE tires VW used and ask them to recommend safe
replacement tires.

These are relatively heavy, narrow wheel base, tall Light Trucks.

They need a tire that can handle 1580 lbs minimum with a stiff sidewall. 

If you know of passenger car tires, with a reinforced sidewall that can
handle a minimum of 1580 lbs after application of the 9% rule .... please
share.

I'm not willing to ignore many years of VW research, accepted Tire Industry
and DOT guidelines and hard data for the sake of theory.

Please give us specifics, facts, data we can all understand.
 
good road,
good adventure,
good life,
 
larry chase
 
www.roadhaus.com
www.roadhaus.com/shops.html
www.roadhaus.com/tires.html

 -Date:    Mon, 3 Oct 2005 11:02:14 -0500
From:    Robert Cardo <rrecardo@WEBTV.NET>
Subject: Re: Vanagon Tire Guidelines Report

Larry's tire report is right on the money as per factory specs.

However, one problem exists.

How about the guys that have increased wheel / tire diameter?

Gone from 14's to 15" or 16'" wheels & tires?

Now along with the broader tire selection, there is also a tire compound /
construction selection which will meet or exceed the manufacture's suggested
specifications,with less of a sidewall rating.

The spec's that are published in Larry's report are what VW expected then.

This is now, and tire's have come a long way in construction, compounds, and
will meet or exceed VW's antiquated requirements printed on that door
sticker. The latest possible requirement VW stipulated for use on a Vanagon
is 14 years old.