I think the base Caravelle MPV (=Vanagon GL) masses about 1400-odd kg;
multiply this by 2.2 for pounds.

As a 1-tonne van, the camper gear reduces the cargo-carrying factory
limit (which will ha e a big sefaty margin built-in) pretty
drastically. A fully-loaded T3 of any kind will mass 2400kg. There are
plenty of car tires, including low-profile performance ones, available
for this mass.

On Sun, Nov 9, 2008 at 9:07 PM, Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@hotmail.com> wrote:
> 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.
>>
>>
>>No virus found in this incoming message.
>>Checked by AVG - http://www.avg.com
>>Version: 8.0.175 / Virus Database: 270.9.0/1778 - Release Date:
>>11/9/2008 2:14 PM
>

--
Andrew Grebneff
Dunedin, New Zealand
Fossil preparator
Mollusc, Toyota & VW van nut
Temporarily in Calgary, AB, Canada
<goose1047@gmail.com>