Guys,

My van - '88 GL - is currently running on a set of Michelin 207/75/14's
- Load Range D, 55 PSI

This has been a great tire. VEEEERY stiff sidewall, very tall sidewall.
My van handles like it is on rails on these tires. Drawbacks are 1) Very
stiff ride - like a real sports car. Rides like a Cadillac when it has a
500 lb load in the middle. 2) Not snow or all weather rated. Tires will
slip in a combination of oil and water as in city driving during
inclement weather unless heavily loaded. 3) Tires no longer in production.

These were good tires for where I live now. But, like all tires, they
are coming to a point of needing to be replace. Not sure yet what to do.
14 inch tires are now hard to get with a "D: load rating.

I may step up to 15"-16" rims.

John Rodgers
88 GL Driver

Stephen Edwards wrote:
> Hi Michael,
>
> Be careful with those 205/70/14's - last time I checked there was no
> longer any such tire available that has the correct load range for
> the Vanagon.  I'm no tire expert, but I do know that the 185R14 and
> 195R14 such as Bus Depot carries are reinforced tires which is what
> the manufacturer originally recommended (I have the 195's and am very
> happy with them even though the ride is not quite as sweet as it was
> on the discontinued Michelin Rainforce 205's).  Don't forget, 14" is
> a very small rim to carry all that top heavy load.
>
> Sincerely
>
> Steve, in Chicago with 91 Vanaru GL
>
>