Syncro Westys weigh about 3,950 empty.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Rob
Sent: Sunday, November 09, 2008 2:52 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: Tire sales-people (rant + info .... long)

A tire thread! Got to love it...
Just out of curiosity how many of you folks have actually weighted
your VW?  What it weighs as you drive it day to day, I use the scale
at the dump as I'm leaving.

I am not recommending anything and really don't want to hear about
the insurance-seat belts-kill your family arguments regarding tires
less than the manufactures recommendations.

The weight of "your" Vanagon is just something to keep in mind when
you are shopping for tires for a van that (might) weigh less than
your Honda Accord.

Rob
becida@comcast.net

At  11/9/2008 10:47 AM, Larry Chase wrote:
>Neil,
>
>I'm a big Fan of the Michelin LTX but not in a 14" version.
>
>Points to consider
>
>- On a  Syncro loaded to GVWR capacity, each rear wheel will see -
>1521 lbs of weight
>
>- On a 2wd Vanagon loaded to GVWR capacity, each rear wheel will see -
>1433 lbs of weight
>
>- The lowest "Max Load" rated tire VW put on a Vanagon was rated at
>1580 lbs.
>
>The reason VW used a 1580 lb rated tire was to provide a safety margin
>above the actual weight he vehicle could carry if loaded to GCWR.
>
>Note ..... in the actual fully loaded vehicle weight surveys I have
>taken ... a small number of folks were loaded above GVWR.
>
>This is why a 1435 lb rated tire like the 14" LTX is IMHO not properly
>rated for a Vanagon.
>
>Its all about numbers ... actual real life numbers.
>
>So I have to agree with VW on this one ... and recommend a minimum of
>a 1580 lb / LT / Load Range C tire.
>
>larry
>roadhaus.com
>
>- - -
>
>
>Date:    Sat, 8 Nov 2008 19:27:49 -0800
>From:    neil N <musomuso@GMAIL.COM>
>Subject: Tire sales-people (rant + info .... long)
>
>Tire in question: Michelin LT 195/75/14 93R Mud & Snow.
>
>On a whim, I went to a local tire shop. The first salesman, tries to
>sell me these Michelins. I was dubious, but curious, so he sent me to
>talk to someone else. I should say in defense of the first guy, that
>he did recommend some Agillis tires though I didn't actually see them
>to identify what size/model they were. Regardless, I wanted some
>snows. So....
>
>Ok. Now I'm talking to the second fellow. First off, in reference to
>me saying my Westy needed a minimum 97 L.I. tire, he asks: "where did
>you hear that?". I say: "internet". During the conversation, he then
>refers to the info I got as "crap". Well, now he's inadvertently
>insulting my Vanagon buddies here on this list and elsewhere. (not to
>mention my own intelligence) But to be open minded, I listened.
>
>I knew enough to know this tire didn't have the right load index
>(according to what I've read) but the first fellow looks it up anyway.
>Sure enough. 1435 lbs. But no, they're both trying to convince me that
>it would be fine citing various "examples". Basically continuing to
>tell me I'm wrong. But hey. I'm the customer right? I want a tire with
>a L.I. minimum of 97 dagnabbit!   ;^)
>
>To confirm my suspicions:
>
>This from Larry's website (thanks Larry)
>
>"Model: LTX M/S
>Size: LT195/75R14
>Passenger Car Tire:  No
>Load Index: 93
>Load Range: C
>Max Load:  1435 lbs
>Max Infl@ion Pressure: 50 psi
>Diameter: 25.5
>Revs/per Mile: 824
>Fits in Stock Clamshell: Yes
>
>Meets Specifications: No "
>
>Oddly, I didn't see it on the Canadian Michelin website:
>
>http://www.michelinman.ca/specs/ltx_m_s/27.html
>
>Did they stop production of this size? Maybe this tire guy has old
>stock to sell off? I don't see the Agillis in a size 14" either.
>
>Anyhowsers.,.....
>
>IMO, these guys were telling me that a tire VW considers unsuitable,
>was ok.
>
>Would a brake mechanic try to sell me undersized pads (if that were
>even possible) or other incorrect parts?
>
>No.
>
>So why oh why, would a tire guy,
>try to sell me a "pie in the sky"?
>
>Yeesh!  ;)
>
>
>Neil.
>
>
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