---- John Rodgers <inua@CHARTER.NET> wrote:
> So far as a good reasonable tire goes for 95% travel on paved roads,
> Dennis Haynes recommended the General Altimax RT for my Red '88 GL. I
> bought a set, liked their performance, and bought another set for my
> Blue '88 Transporter. Paid $300 for each  set of four, mounted and
> balanced. 'Course that's here in Alabama where things are a bit
> cheaper.  These were relatively recent purchases - like two months ago.

Inadequate load capacity, not a D or even C range tire:

 http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=General&tireModel=Altimax+RT

mcneely

>
> John Rodgers
> Clayartist and Moldmaker
> 88'GL VW Bus Driver
> Chelsea, AL
> Http://www.moldhaus.com
>
>
> On 10/11/2011 12:01 AM, Don Hanson wrote:
> >    I am recently able to afford new tires for my van, since I've been driving
> > all over, taking tiny little jobs on almost bald ones, it's time.
> >
> >     So, I went to my local tire shops, trying to shop local and was really
> > surprised.  The same crummy Nankang tires that wore out quickly, but were
> > cheap last year are now almost double at the local-owned Tire Factory
> > franchise.  " No dice, dude! "  I don't have extra money to give you,
> > neighbor.  Then I went to Les Schawbb, a northwest franchise, usually quite
> > reasonable and great service.    Looking for some Nokians because I wanted
> > really good snow tires.   I have been driving year round on my last set,
> > like them immensely for their traction and their handling and their
> > durability.  "Yes, we can get some shipped in, special order.  $45 freight
> > and $167 each...mounted and balanced....2 weeks.."  Uh.....No thanks,
> > Les.....
> >
> >     So I called Peter at Van Cafe and got some Hakkapelittas coming for $128
> > (each) and $30 shipping (both)..  I ordered some Hankooks for the front,
> > again mail order online.  I didn't use our list vendor because of shipping
> > distances...
> > I will mount and balance all these with my manual tire changing machine,
> > left over from my racing days, after I first make an adapter to fit the
> > odd-ball stock Vanagon 14" rims.
> >
> >    Driving on worn tires....with a full load of tools and lumber, down a
> > gusty interstate....not very responsible, but per$onal finance$ had me
> > choosing gas OR tires, but not both...
> >
> >    The local tire guys?  They said they'd been seeing lots of long-time
> > customers blanch when told the price of tires recently.  Something about the
> > cost of natural rubber commodity going through the roof in the Global
> > economy..
> >
> >

--
David McNeely