Two things, it seems to me they are getting hard to get in C load rating,
but easy to get in D load rating........and some find those 'all right.'

The other thing I notice is on D load rating tires, which can also be a
trailer tire - the tread pattern isn't very evolved.

Think to get the load rating, they can't go to tricky on the tread pattern.
Look at the front tires of big trucks - just grooved slicks basically.

So point is.........perhaps less real traction in a D load rated tire.
And that's right - you put enough weight onto them from the vehicle, then
things start working like they should.
Scott

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
John Rodgers
Sent: Sunday, May 11, 2008 4:09 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: Tires for 91 GL

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
>
>

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