Yes, you are correct, sir!� Bigger diameter of rubber means worse 
braking.� But the diameter change on the 16" GoWesty package using the 
215/60-16 Michelin Hydroedge tires is minor.�� When tires were brand new
 and compared with old worn-out 14" tires, yes I noticed an immediate 
difference in hill-climbing (worse), indicated speedometer reading 
(lower), freeway MPG (better), and braking (ever so slightly worse).� 
Now that tires have worn down some, all those affects likewise start 
disappearing plus your brain gets re-calibrated to the new "normal".� 
I'll just say that braking is fine, no worries.� But with bigger 
diameter tires than what I got, yes I think I would be unsatisfied with 
the braking power.

Rich
San Diego

--- On Wed, 5/22/13, Don Hanson <dhanson928@GMAIL.COM> wrote:

From: Don Hanson <dhanson928@GMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: 14" to 16" Wheel Upgrade User Input Please.
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Date: Wednesday, May 22, 2013, 9:39 AM

Semi-thread jack, but

���what kind of effect have you wheel swappers felt on braking?���Seems to
me that increasing the diameter and rolling circumference of the wheels
without increasing the brake's size...that would result in noticeable
reduction in actual braking force...eh?���I know the effect is dramatic
when done the other way....increase the brake disc's diameter and the
braking forces are enhanced...
� Curious, because Vanagons are� somewhat under equipped with brakes from
the factory

On Tue, May 21, 2013 at 10:47 PM, neil n <musomuso@gmail.com> wrote:

> Thanks for the input people.
>
> With any luck I may find some used wheels locally though there is no
> hurry on this upgrade.
>
> If I planned my trips better, I'd have an extra day or two to pull
> off, camp, and let the wind pass, then head out again!
>
> Neil.
>
>
> On Tue, May 21, 2013 at 7:06 PM, Richard Koerner <rjkinpb@sbcglobal.net>
> wrote:
>
> > Totally endorse the upgrade to 16" wheels, for many reasons.� Better
> handling in cross-winds?� No question!� Reason?� The aspect ratio.
>
> > Downside:� the cost....of course...hurts temporarily.
>
> --
> Neil n
>
> Blog: tubaneil.blogspot.ca
>
> '88 Westy http://tinyurl.com/c8rlw6p
>
> '81 VanaJetta 2.0 "Jaco"� http://tubaneil.googlepages.com/
>
> Vanagon VAG Gas inline-VR Engine Swap Group:
>
> http://tinyurl.com/d7gd5ej
>