Sadly, that tire is discontinued in that size. I have used several sets
on Syncros/ Campers and I know many other Vanagon/Syncro/Westy owners
who have too. Nice tire and I would love to still be able to get them.
Of course it is a Load C 6PR tire so the load index theory does not
strictly apply, IMHO. Larry and I have gone around and around on this.
He prefers to err on the side of insisting on a higher weight/load
standard. The result is that many people buy low end Asian tires with
high load/weight numbers but inferior braking and handling and think
they have done a good thing. Doesn't matter much anymore since most of
the quality tires that fit our vans are gone anyway. You can at least
still get some decent winter tires for $$$.

Mark

neil N wrote:
> 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.
>
> --
> Neil Nicholson '81 JettaWesty "Jaco
> http://groups.google.com/group/vanagons-with-vw-inline-4-cylinder-gas-engines
> http://web.mac.com/tubaneil
> http://tubaneil.googlepages.com/
>
>
>