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.