The stiffness of the side wall contribute to more than just load, with under
rated tires, cross winds can greatly affect the handling of these flying
boxes.  I've personally been blown off the road, when I was running the
incorrect tires.  It isn't fun!  I have the right tires now, as well as a
new suspension, and can't believe how much nicer my ride is.

Talk to the folks at the Tire Rack, if you want to get their advice.

As for tire size options, here is a link to tire size tool.

http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html

The above link also shows the speedometer effect by running non-standard
size tires.  It's pretty cool!

If you go with a larger rim, you have less sidewall, and that changes the
handling as well.  Still, due to the large profile I would still go with a
higher speed rated tire, with a greater load.

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Mike Stainbrook
Sent: Thursday, January 11, 2007 8:29 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: RPM?MPH

Dennis: about the tires,I'm running an un-loaded vanagon,without the center
seats,have been keeping 38-40 PSI all around,have had no handling
problems,are you shure I'm unsafe at any speed? I have less than 2K miles
on these tires...Mike