Generally, I agree with Mark.

IMHO, what the VW "fools" publish is legitimate - but also represents the best compromise between all the considered parameters. The issue is that we don't know what the parameters considered are.

This goes astray for some manufacturers when they let one parameter override common sense or they think it is needed to sell more vehicles.

My example would be the Ford/Firestone/Explorer problem. Here, the manufacture let the idea of  "comfortable ride desired by consumers" outweigh the goals of the best safety and handling - or cut the margin of error past the limit. . Everyone knows the results.

To a lesser extent this continues today with the fittment of P-radials to SUVs rather than truck tires.

So my assessment is to believe what VW says - but also consider the motivations behind the reccomendation.
Particularly with tire issues.

Todd
'88 Westy

 -------------- Original message ----------------------
From: Mark Drillock <drillock@EARTHLINK.NET>
> Common list theory now seems to be about the same for all Vanagon
> factory info. VW employs a number of automotive engineers and
> professional test drivers. In conjunction with some instrumentation,
> various test tracks and roads, and in consultation with the tire
> manufacturers, these VW fools come up with some off-the-wall numbers and
> the company puts them in the manuals and door stickers to endanger all
> our lives and shorten the service life of the vehicles.
>
> My personal theory is that they know what they are doing and are usually
> right.
>
> Mark
>
> Geza Polony wrote:
>
> > Actually I was speaking of the world-famous Dumbarton Bridge, which I cross
> > regularly and so have some experience with. My point was, though, that the
> > tire pressure trick works. It makes me wonder why VWOA specified lower
> > pressures all around.
> >