Really 255/60 Dennis?  What wheels are you using for those chubby tires?!
:-)

Jake

On Tue, Dec 23, 2008 at 7:55 AM, Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@hotmail.com>wrote:

> I wish folks would stop getting hung up on the "LT" tire thing especially
> once a decision is made to upgrade the tire/wheel size.
>
> There are many factors that influence a tire's handling characteristics
> and a stiff sidewall alone is not the answer. Carrying capacity is a more
> of a dynamic issue than actual strength and is affected by size, contact
> patch, heat creation/dissipating, and impact resistance.
>
> Lower profile tires can increase handling but they also can increase ride
> stiffness. As the wheels get larger and the outside diameter stays the
> same carry capacity will go down. This is due mostly to the lower impact
> resistance caused by the decrease in air volume. A way to get past this is
> to increase air pressure. Yes, many low profile tire sizes are available
> with reinforced sidewalls to increase load capacity.
>
> As for comparing Mercedes "S" class tire combinations to the Vanagon,
> Newer S classes can weigh near 5,000 pounds empty. I have a '92 S600. The
> current tires on it are 225/55-17 reinforced. This is 26.5" tire with a
> load index of 101V. This will carry a Vanagon no problem. A non reinforced
> tire in this size will have a load index of 97. Still no problem for a
> Vanagon! It will not fit in the spare tire carrier though.
>
> For 16" wheels, my favorite size for 2WD is 255/60-16. Normal load index
> is 97. There are also a number of reinforced tires available in this size.
> This was also the last size VW used on the Eurovan. For Syncros, I like
> the 215/65-16. Normal load index is 98, 17" tall, and can be squeezed into
> the spare tire carrier with some modification and deflating it. Carry an
> air pump. Reinforced will bring you up to 101 or 103 LI.
>
> Dennis
>
>
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
> John Rodgers
> Sent: Tuesday, December 23, 2008 9:45 AM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Re: WAS: $15 steel wheel source-how about some 15" steelies?
>
> Good questions. I would like to know too. A big issue with Vanagons has
> been stiff sidewalls. Would a change in rims to a larger diameter, and
> the accompanying change in tire sizes compensate the stiff sidewall
> issues. I currently have a set of Michelins that have a sidewall so
> stiff that the tires don't go flat even when they have a flat - when
> there is virtually no air in them. (I know - it's a bit of a stretch,
> but hopefully you get my point). I mean these things are stiff. And they
> increases performance tremendously. But - like many Michelin tires that
> fit the Vanagon's 14 inch rims, the tire is no longer available. I'm up
> for new tires and I have to do something about those rims. I'm having
> more and more trouble finding appropriate tires in a size 14.
>

--
Jake
1984 Vanagon GL
1986 Westy Weekender "Dixie"
Crescent Beach, BC
www.crescentbeachguitar.com
http://subyjake.googlepages.com/mydixiedarlin%27