Thanks to all who replied. I've decided to go with the Nokian Hakkapelitta tires. FYI - I called Bus Depot, they are no longer selling snow tires. I'm probably going to move up to 15" rims, something I've been considering for a long time.

Dake 'Ian' Collins 

On Tuesday, December 17, 2013 3:04 AM, Scott Daniel <scottdaniel@TURBOVANS.COM> wrote:
 
195/75 R 14's� ( those are narrowish )� ??� �  or 195 R 14 .?
..........those are not so narrow.
Those are both common 195's used on 14 inch vanagon wheels I believe so
say which please.

Bigger tires are not always necessarily better.
my performance turbo road� car tire size normally is 195/60 R 15 H
rated.......and I hate H rated tires ..just kinda harsh, no, very harsh
at any normal speeds.
� ( I run that size in a T speed rating and they are SO much nicer than
the H's. )

for my winter Blizzacks I got 185/65 R 15 's� ...in a T or Q speed
rating I think...
a very nice nimble handling tire ...and actually ..being smaller the
gearing is better.
This car is actually a bit tall-geared , being optimized for 90 mph or
so with the 195/60 R15's.

I just like the car� better with the 185/65 R 15's on it. Better
gearing, more nimble handling, very sweet.

and over all ....I love the 65 aspect ratio size , in any tire size.
Like a� 205/65 R 15 vanagon tire ...that's 'just right' in my opinion .
Run 215/65 R15's on the rear in 2WD ...nigh perfect.
of course..others have differing opinions and preferences.

Scott

On 12/16/2013 6:55 PM, Don Hanson wrote:
> Hakkapelittas
>
> ..have an aggressive tread and they also are heavily sipped, which gives
> good grip on ice...for a no studded tire.� I had to settle for 195s this
> set..can't feel much difference.� I like they are narrow, found narrow
> tires work better on hard slick or in deep snow
> On Dec 16, 2013 6:44 PM, "Scott Daniel" <scottdaniel@turbovans.com> wrote:
>
>> What I like are Studless Winter Tires..
>> such as the Bridgestone Blizzack.
>> Other companies have their versions as well.
>>
>> I didn't put my new Blizzacks on a Vanagon , but on a 2WD rear wheel
>> drive� turbo volvo sedan..
>> instant magic.� Loved 'em immediately.�  On all 4 wheels of course.
>>
>> it's not only their tread design,
>> it's the rubber compound used too - specifically formulated for ice and
>> snow and cold slippery surfaces.
>>
>> Scott
>>
>> On 12/16/2013 6:32 PM, Dennis Haynes wrote:
>>
>>> With the alloy wheels (not a standard option until 87) you can go with a
>>> 225/70-14 tire. This will be slightly taller and 40mm wider than stock.
>>> The
>>> standard load index for this size is 98 or 99 which is a small step above
>>> the 97 the factory205/70-14XL tires had from the factory. There a number
>>> of
>>> tire choices still available in this size including a Nokian.
>>>
>>> Do note that the term "Snow" tires is fading and now the move is towards
>>> "winter" performance. Part of this is that tires that have really deep
>>> grooves and stuff to go through deep snow then fail on icy roads or even
>>> slush.� It's all about compromise and which characteristics are real
>>> important. "Winter" tires should also be used on all 4 wheels. Nokian also
>>> has some good options for all-season tires that also work very well in
>>> Winter.
>>>
>>> Dennis
>>>
>>>
>>> -----Original Message-----
>>> From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf
>>> Of
>>> Dake Collins
>>> Sent: Monday, December 16, 2013 8:09 AM
>>> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
>>> Subject: snow tires
>>>
>>> Wu-Wei, my '84 Westy with standard 14" alloy rims, has informed me with
>>> great enthusiasm and a sense of urgency that she needs new snow tires for
>>> Christmas. I've looked around the Belfast Maine area and I get conflicting
>>> opinions of little or no value so I'm turning to my trusted sources on
>>> "the
>>> List" - What are your recommendations for snow tires?
>>>
>>>
>>> Thanks & Happy Holidays,
>>>
>>> Dake 'Ian' Collins
>>> Wu-Wei '84 Westy
>>>
>>>