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.

John Rodgers
88 GL Driver

Chris S wrote:
> 4500lb of Mercedes or Vanagon - what is the difference?  If you mount
> tires that can handle an S-class you think they could take on a Westy?
>  Does a Vanagon somehow load the tires more or are the LT tires
> specified because nothing in a tiny 14 size can handle 1500 plus a
> considerable safety margin?  Someone set me straight.
>
> On 12/22/08, Zeitgeist <gruengeist@gmail.com> wrote:
>
>> So, are these reinforced sidewalls?  I thought the whole idea of running
>> larger diameter rims was so that we could reduce the area of the sidewalls
>> as a means of reducing flex.  Basically, what I've observed is that
>> everyone's running 70 and 75 series tires, which seems to defeat my primary
>> intent for upgrading.  I currently have a really cool set of staggered 16"
>> SLK rims with nearly new Kumhos (205/55 and 225/50), that I had on my
>> Mercedes wagon before upgrading to larger Brembo calipers which necessitated
>> 17" rims.  These aren't LT reinforced sidewalls, but they're a helluva lot
>> lower profile than the stock 70 series on my 14" alloys.  Is there a low
>> profile 16" LT all season tire out there?
>>
>> On Mon, Dec 22, 2008 at 2:52 PM, Jake de Villiers <
>> crescentbeachguitar@gmail.com> wrote:
>>
>>
>>> I bought a set of 7" x 16" Mercedes Benz steelies with 225/55-16 Michelin
>>> tires on it from a C230 and they transformed my grey van.  Handling is
>>> strong, tracking on the highway is really good and braking is fantastic!
>>>
>>> There's about a red one between the sidewall and the upper control arm but
>>> there's been no rubbing in 6 months.....
>>>
>>> I want a set for Dixie too - thanks for the tip on Tire Rack
>>>
>>> On Mon, Dec 22, 2008 at 12:56 PM, George Wietor <wietorg@yahoo.com> wrote:
>>>
>>>
>>>
>> --
>> Casey
>> '87 300TD
>> '94 100CSQ Avant
>> '89 Bluestar
>>
>>
>
> --
> Sent from my mobile device
>
> Chris S.
> Disclaimer: "Death and serious injury may occur"
>
>
>