Oopsie, my van's 16" SLK rims are still shod with the same unreinforced
Kumhos I bought when they were mounted on my MB--my bad.

And for the record, I LOVE the ride and road grip...by far the best upgrade
I've ever applied to one of my vans.

On Fri, Mar 13, 2009 at 12:23 PM, Chris S <szpejankowski@gmail.com> wrote:

> I've been a Vanagon Westfalia ownder since 2001 and I have ALWAYS
> agreed that Vanagons should have reinforced tires on their stock 14''
> wheels.
>
> Now, what happens when you upgrade to larger wheels?  Take this for
> instance:
>
> A 1990 Mercedes 560 SEC weighs about 4000lbs.  It rides on 205/60 R15
> tires.  The tires are not reinforced.  The US version of that
> wonderful car had only 236hp and it would push it to nearly 150mph,
> with the Euro engine having closer to 300hp.  The car is over
> engineered in true M-B fashion. It can take 5 adults down twisty
> mountain roads in comfort with poise belying its portly weight.  Can
> you say TIRE LOADS?
>
> So my question, on this wonderful Friday:  Why oh why are Mercedes
> 15'' tires NOT good enough for our camper?
>
> My answer is that our tiny concrete-filled 14'' donuts need to be
> reinforced because nothing else in that size can handle 4000lbs of van
> and furniture, and the 15'' Mercedes tires and wheels are just fine.
>
> Take it away, list!  FLAME SUIT ON!
>
> --
> Chris S.
> Disclaimer: "Death and serious injury may occur"
>

--
Casey
'87 300TD
'94 100CSQ Avant
'89 Bluestar