Yep, the Nokian is an excellent tire with more than adequate load ratings
for the size. My personal choice would have been the WR in 215/65-15. 100
load index and better ride and handling. 16 rims alone do not make you go
wider. In my humble opinion I find the 215 width to be the ultimate
compromise and with some effort and an air compressor you can still get in
the spare tire carrier.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Harold Teer [mailto:teer.vanagon@gmail.com]
Sent: Tuesday, March 25, 2008 9:47 PM
To: Dennis Haynes
Cc: vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com
Subject: Re: Question on Size

Dennis,

I neglected to mention that both the Nokian CS in the 205/65-15 and the
185R14 have a load index 100 and the 195/70-15 has a load index 102.

One reason I was considering the 195/70-15 is that it has a slightly (.2
inch) greater diameter than the 185R14 but with more tread on the ground.

I know you like the 16" rims but I don't want to go that wide so have to
choose between the 14" and 15".

Thanks for the thoughts,

Harold

On Tue, Mar 25, 2008 at 9:13 PM, Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@hotmail.com>
wrote:

The standard 205/65-15 tire is only a load index 94 tire. It really is not
adequate for a Vanagon. You need a reinforced, extra load or load range
tire to be adequate. It also is the same diameter as stock so there in any
real advantage there. Actually is it a little shorter than a 185/R14.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of

Scott Daniel - Shazam
Sent: Tuesday, March 25, 2008 2:56 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: Question on Size

The 205/65 R 15 is a sweet size.
I have 5 near new Michelin Agilles in that size I am just looking for 15
inch wheels for.
But I'd go with that size before I'd do a 195 R 15.
Scott
www.turbovans.com

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Jake de Villiers
Sent: Tuesday, March 25, 2008 11:06 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: Question on Size

Harold, I put 205/65HR15 tires on my 15" wheels.

They are working very well but in hindsight I would have gone with
something
a bit taller and trade some 'acceleration'  (ha) for a more relaxed
highway
cruise.

On Tue, Mar 25, 2008 at 6:48 AM, Harold Teer <teer.vanagon@gmail.com>
wrote:

> I am about to replace my Michelin Agilis on 14" rims with Nokian CS
tires.
> I may stay with the 14" rims and purchase the 185R14 with a diameter of
> 25.6"
> and section width of 7.4", but am considering going to the 15" South
> African
> Alloys.
>
> IF I purchase the Alloys, my question is which size tire to put on the
15"
> rim?
>
> It appears that many people use the 205 65 R 15 with a diameter of
25.5and
> section width of 8.2
> I also have the choice of a 195 70 R 15 with a diameter of 25.8 and
> section
> width of 7.9.
>
> I have searched the archives of "The List" and also of Samba and I have
> not
> seen anyone using the 195 70 R 15.  Am just wondering why not and if
that
> is
> a good or bad option.  My guess is that people who go to a bigger rim
also
> want more tread on the road so they go with the 205 65 which provides
> that.
> But, that is my guess and I want your thoughts.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Harold
>
> --
> Harold & Faye Teer
> 1991 Westy
> Harrisonburg, VA
>

--
Jake
1984 Vanagon GL
1986 Westy Weekender "Dixie"
Crescent Beach, BC
www.crescentbeachguitar.com
http://subyjake.googlepages.com/mydixiedarlin%27

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--
Harold & Faye Teer
1991 Westy
Harrisonburg, VA