I prefer the 195 size. The power difference is not noticeable in that sized gearing change, and the speedo accuracy is still within 1mph (in many cases its more accurate). 

I believe that is the best 14" tire available for the vanagons AS A THREE SEASON TIRE. 
Rubbish in snow though.  

-craig

On Jan 7, 2013, at 10:11 AM, Harold Teer <teer.vanagon@GMAIL.COM> wrote:

> Is anyone using the Carat alloy with 195R14 tires and if so, what is your
> experience with them?
> 
> I presently have the Hankook RA08 185R14 mounted on the alloys and am
> either going to replace with the same tire in the same size or the same
> tire in 195R14 and am looking for real life experience pros and cons.
> 
> Every tire I have had on the van to this point has had an OD of 25.6 but
> the 195R14 would increase that to 26.3.  I do realize the larger OD
> changes the accuracy of the speedometer but that does not bother me.  Also
> the Tread Width would increase from 5.1 to 5.5    One advantage I see for
> the 195R14 is that the Tread Depth increases to 12.5 from 11.5.
> 
> We have a Westy with the original 2.1 engine and use the van for long trips.
> 
> Thanks,
> 
> Harold
> 
> --
> Harold Teer
> 1991 Westy
> Harrisonburg, VA