The 195/75-14 inch tire is the stock size diameter and this tire is a great
compromise tire. Any AT tire will give up some traction, handling, ride
quality as compared to a good performance or street tire. As for larger
tires a 215mm width is the most you can get into the spare tire carrier
(with some effort) and 27" diameter is the most you want with stock engine,
gears, and brakes. If you are willing to go for wheels 16" gives some great
options such as 215/65-16. Nokian has awesome all season tires that also
work super off road and on highway. Check them out. That size also offers
great load capacity standard and extra load.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
James V
Sent: Thursday, March 18, 2010 7:59 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Syncro All-Terrain Tires: 14" vs 15" ?

A slightly different tire question, I think:

I'm in the market for some all-terrain tires for my Syncro Westy with
stock 2.1L.  I have some off-road experience, but none in my new
Syncro.  I'm eager to explore back country and moderate 'wheeling
trails, but also know the majority of miles will be paved. I already
have both 14" and 15" wheel sets that I can use. I don't want to "plus
size," as I want to retain sidewall height for off-road.

Should I:

a) Go with 14" wheels and the newly available 195/75R14 BFG T/A KO
tires?  (I've found few if any other suitable 14" AT options)  The
primary benefit of this being the size is close to stock, so it would
have little effect on gearing.

or

b) Go with 15" wheels and 215/75 or 225/70 15" tires?  The increased
size has its benefits off-road, but it would increase the gearing
about 5-8%.  I'd have a few additional tire options in addition to the
BFGs (including some lighter, slightly less aggressive, yet very
capable treads).

All input welcome, but I'm specifically interested in
comments/experience from Syncro owners about the cost/benefit of
gearing vs tire size off road.

Thanks!

James V
86 Syncro Westy, etc