This tire is a better fit than most due to the 95 load index and 51 psi
inflation capability. I would still shy away though. If replacing the
set, go for a 215/70-14. This will get you to a 96 or 97 load index. The
factory used the 97 with the reinforced Michelin MXL's. Make sure the
tire can be inflated to 44 psi.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf
Of Larry Chase
Sent: Wednesday, October 05, 2005 9:39 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Passenger Car Tire Example 1

Jaime,

Thanks for the specific passenger car tire suggestion.

"Who cares if it is a truck or a station wagon"

I agree ... If its meets the requirments that's all that matters.

Let's look at the numbers

According to tirerack.com

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/Spec.jsp?make=Sumitomo&model=HTR+200

Sumitomo
Model: HTR 200
Size: 205/70 HR14
Load Index: 95H  SL
Max Load: 1521 lbs
Max Inflation Pressure: 51  psi

Facts:

- The SL indicates that this is a "Standard Load" passenger Car Tire -
No
reinforced sidewall.

- Since this is a passenger car tire the Max Load Capacity has to be
reduced
by 9% for DOT & Industry standards

- Therefore this tire doesn't have a 1521 lbs load capacity but rather
has a
1384 lbs capacity.

Remember that a 2WD Vanagon weighs 1433 lbs (rear tire) and VW used a
1580lbs load capacity.

Therefore this would not be a recommended tire for a Vanagon
application.

If you want to use a passenger car tire you would need to look for the
following "Minimum" specs.

* XL or RF designation.
* Load Range 100
* Max Load Capacity: 1604 lbs
* Max Inflation Pressure:: 40 psi

good tires,

larry chase

www.roadhaus.com
www.roadhaus.com/shops.html
www.roadhaus.com/tires.html

- - -

Date:    Tue, 4 Oct 2005 20:47:52 -0500
From:    jaime forero <jforero@SBCGLOBAL.NET>
Subject: Re: Vanagon Tire Guidelines Report

Hey Guys stop the going back and forth and go out and get a set of
Sumitomo
HTR 200, 205/70/14.  Great tire and have held up just fine under normal
and
heavy loads.  Who cares if it is a truck or a station wagon. Cheers
Jaime