The Vanagon really works best with a matched set of 4 tires. AT's on back
and good highways tires up front could make for some weird handling
especially in emergency situations. For ultimate handling I like the
225/60-16's. These are 26.5" diameter and the standard load index is usually
97. Just be sure they are rated to 44 psi inflation pressure and use the
same as the door sticker indicates for the factory 205/70-14 reinforced.
This size is also available in reinforced versions. This is a very common
size. For those that want a bit more height you can go to a 215/65-16 or
even a 235/60-16. Note that the 225 or 235 will NOT fit in the spare tire
tray.

For wheels, the CV-900 from Derek Drew are among the best.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Shawn Wright
Sent: Saturday, July 17, 2010 7:43 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Two failed tires... :-(

Last week I found a bad gash in one of my Yokohama 370s up front, so I
planned to swap my BFG ATs from rear to front and put my Conti spares on the
rear. I figured this would be a good chance to try the BFGs on the front, as
I've never tried them (I only have 2). I was shocked to find a horrible
bulge about 1" diameter in the tread of a BFG, where a previous patch was
made (a proper inside patch done at Kal Tire). It is so bulged that the
steel belts are showing and worn through, exposing the layer beneath. Ack.

So that makes 2 bad tires in 2 weeks, meaning I am definitely looking at a
full set, probably with new 15 or 16" wheels.

I'm currently reading this thread:
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=203519

trying to glean as much info as possible on wheel options. I hadn't planned
on this now, but it seems I have no choice.

I was able to return the EV 15" wheels I bought as they were not a good fit
(ET55), so I'm shopping for options. I'm considering 16x7 ET35 wheels from
tirerack (same as GoWesty sells) with BFG AT 215/70R16.

--
Shawn Wright