If the vehicle weight and tire inflation pressure remain the same, the
contact patch remains the same.

Perhaps a different shape, but the same number of square inches touching the
ground.

On Mon, Mar 15, 2010 at 9:26 PM, John Rodgers <inua@charter.net> wrote:

> I wonder if that is true on a wet surface.
>
> Airliner aircraft have very deeply ribbed tires so as to let the raised
> ribs of the tire cut through the wet surface to get a grip on the
> pavement to avoid hydro-planing.  The water is worked up into the space
> between the ribs. Airliners have some serious braking power when needed
> even on wet pavement.
>
> Auto tires aren't particular good that way, so that is why my question.
> While it doesn't look so "cool", it seems like that Vanagon factory
> original skinny wheel designed by the engineers for the Vanagon  is the
> best tire/rim/brake combination for  good stopping power. and control.
> Wide tries and wide contact surfaces make for much lighter weight
> distribution per square inch  and less braking control. Would be easy to
> hydro-plane.
>
>
> John Rodgers
> Clayartist and Moldmaker
> 88'GL VW Bus Driver
> Chelsea, AL
> Http://www.moldhaus.com
>
>
>
> Chris S wrote:
>
>> I found that with the larger 215/60 16 tires my Westy actually stops
>> better due to wider contact patch.  The wheel/tire combo is 6 lb each
>> lighter than stock wheels as well.
>>
>> 2010/3/15, Roger Whittaker <rogerwhitt1@gmail.com>:
>>
>>  dear wheels
>>> it would be my advice that if you increase your wheel size to 16
>>> that you also increase your brake size alll-around
>>> your choice ... simply offering some advice...
>>> 16 is a full two sizes up from OEM 14 ...
>>> yours
>>>
>>> On Mon, Mar 15, 2010 at 6:29 AM, David Clarkson <dvdclarksn@aol.com>
>>> wrote:
>>>
>>>
>>>  It's time for some new and larger tires/wheels for my 90 Westfalia. I
>>>> had
>>>> pretty well decided on 15" wheels but in looking at used ones many folks
>>>> were selling 15" wheels to move up to 16" wheels. I think that with some
>>>> 16"
>>>> wheel/tire configurations there may be interference problems that can't
>>>> be
>>>> solved with different spacers/lugs/studs. Anyone have any convincing
>>>> arguments for either size? Thanks list.
>>>> ?
>>>> David Clarkson
>>>> 9o Westy-getting makeover and cosmetics
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>> --
>>> roger w
>>> From Proverbs:
>>> Under three things the earth trembles, under four it cannot bear up: a
>>> servant who becomes king ...
>>> ----------------------------------------------------------
>>> Explore printed work at: http://www.prliving.ca/
>>> View the growing list of video work at:
>>> http://revver.com/find/video/?query=LastonLastof&search_on=owners
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>
>>

--
Jake

1984 Vanagon GL
1986 Westy Weekender "Dixie"

Crescent Beach, BC

www.thebassspa.com
www.crescentbeachguitar.com
http://subyjake.googlepages.com/mydixiedarlin%27