I drove my Vanagon with new Hankook RA08 in the 185R14 size through the
midwest snowstorm two weeks ago, Indiana south into Kentucky.  Never had
any trouble maintaining traction, I credit the weight of the van and the
relatively narrow tires helping on the loose, freshly fallen snow and
slush that completely covered the roads.

We passed many an SUV spun off in the median -- the van just chugged
right through it all.

Allan
--
1991 Vanagon GL

"Ben Cichowski" <aquasheck@HOTMAIL.COM> said:
> Hey Harold,
>
> Not sure what your winter conditions are like where you are at...or if
> you use a dedicated snow tire, etc. But on thing to consider on size is
> that the wider tire (205's) is better on ice and hard-packed snow,
> whereas the slightly narrower tire (the 195's) will be a touch better in
> deep snow. I live in deep snow country, so people around here (including
> the tire stores) steer people toward a touch narrower tire if they are
> buying one tire for use in all seasons.
>
> I haven't driven the two side-by-side, so I'm only speaking from theory
> and "tire store hearsay." I have driven my 195's on hard pack, ice, and
> deep snow and have not had a problem. My guess is that as long as both
> tires offer the proper load rating, and the rim you purchase accepts a
> 195 and/or a 205, you'd be fine with either.
>
> -Ben
> '88 Wolfsburg 2WD ej22
> Bozeman, Montana