Yep, traction on these beauties is definitely related to the load on
them. They don't have a lot off fancy tread - pretty plain and simple -
but plenty of grip when heavily loaded.

John Rodgers
88 GL Driver

Scott Daniel - Shazam wrote:
> 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
>>
>>
>>
>
>
> --
> No virus found in this incoming message.
> Checked by AVG.
> Version: 7.5.524 / Virus Database: 269.23.14/1425 - Release Date: 5/9/2008
> 12:38 PM
>
>
>