> I can't see ANY reason to stick with the very
> limited tire options available for 14" rims when
> there's so many relatively cheap larger diameter
> rims out there

Because if you do want to stick with tires that meet VW safety standards for
Vanagon use, 14" tires that meet those specs are much cheaper than 15" or
16" ones that do.  And there at least as wide if not an even wider
selection. There are relatively few 15" tires that meet Vanagon specs, and
scarcely any 16" ones.

- Ron Salmon
  The Bus Depot, Inc.
  www.busdepot.com