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.