Thank you all, Allan, David, Mark, Roger etc...

I appreciate your input.  Sorry for dragging it on for so long.  My
obsessive-compulsive side got the best of me.

But, I did decide that the next set of tires to adorn my newly
purchased the forged CLK wheels will be of light-truck variety at the
least, and will bear the sufficient plus safety margin load rating.
Simply put, there are plenty of 16'' choices with reinforced
construction in appropriate diameters to the Vanagon.   You did
convince me, after all.

Now, if I could get some of those cast-iron control arms to go with my
forged wheels, and a flux capacitor working parallel with my solar
panels... well, you get the point.

--
Chris S.
Disclaimer: "Death and serious injury may occur"