On 10/13/05, Bruce Nadig <motorbruce@hotmail.com> wrote:
>
> I've got a question about load ratings on wheels. This thread is a very
> specific question. I am not referring to tires. I am not asking about
> experiences with vehicles other than Vanagons.
>
> My question is:
>
> Does anyone have any firsthand knowledge of a wheel failure on a Vanagon
> due
> to overloading?
>
> I am specifically talking about Vanagons. I am also talking about failures
> due to an overload situation. I'd prefer not to hear about wheels that
> have
> been drilled out to fit a Vanagon - I'm trying to eliminate variables
> here.
>
> So, how about it? Any first hand knowledge?
>

I've never heard about ANY road vehicle suffering wheel failure other than
as a result of extreme lateral or impact stress, like from race track or
off-road use. Wheels are pretty tough. Lucas at GoWesty has a page where he
describes the result of running into a 12-inch concrete culvert with one of
the wheels he sells. The wheel only bent, and he was able to have it
straightened and says he's still using it on his personal Vanagon to this
day. I think WHEEL failure in cars in general is extraordinarily rare and
almost certainly could never be attributed to normal static loading alone.

--
John Bange
'90 Vanagon
"Keine Bange, wir holen die Zange!"