Ive decided with the 205/75/15 General Grabber 2 and some minor alterations
to clamshell.

Velma 82 1.9L AAZ td westy
On Jan 10, 2014 12:36 PM, "Dennis Haynes" <d23haynes57@hotmail.com> wrote:

> Try as you may you just can't plan for any tire failure scenario and always
> have a matched set. Any tire purchased may not be available for a
> replacement in the future. Tire designs are always changing and there is
> always the possibility of multiple failures. So get your set of 4 tires
> mounted on the wheels and do what is needed to get that spare underneath
> and
> enjoy. I usually rotate the 5th tire on the right side as the right front
> seems to get the most wear. I am a bit old fashioned in the regard that I
> try not to change a tires rotation direction. I know the tire companies say
> it is OK to switch sides now but I still see tread separations and other
> failures. Tires are a consumable, and they can get damaged and they do age.
> They can also be replaced in pairs. The spare can be to just get you to a
> repair option or a direct fit. Many vehicles now don't even come with
> spares. Use your tires. Damage one, use the spare. When needed then
> consider
> other options. Just not worth losing much sleep over them.
>
> Dennis
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
> Eric Caron
> Sent: Thursday, January 9, 2014 10:15 PM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Re: Clam shell question
>
> Hi tony and others,
>
>         My lack of knowledge about tires is becoming more clear to me as
> this thread continues.
>
>         I wanted the extra rim in case I need to keep my spare as a 185 R
> 14
> to fit in my clam Shell.  I baught 5 new tires thinking I could rotate them
> easier by putting the spare into the rotation. I also bought the 5th tire
> thinking that if the general ultimax became hard to find I might be in
> trouble if one of my four was damaged and I could not get a replacement.  I
> thought of it as a little insurance.  It would be easiest to just let my 9
> year old tires go completely but not if I can't fit one of the new ones as
> a
> spare.
> So, I thought i would need a extra rim if I keep the old 185 r 14 as a
> spare
> and rotate my other 5 on a regular bases.
>
> It sounds like my rotation idea may be a bust.
>
> More info on this would be appreciated.
> Also,Max,  I read on a earlier post that the smaller hoses may still be
> available from van cafe but I wanted to get as much info from the list
> before calling them for my next order.
>
>
>
> Eric Caron
> 85 GL Auto
>
> On Jan 9, 2014, at 9:32 PM, TonyCollin <tonycollin@GMAIL.COM> wrote:
>
> > Max
> >
> > You may be surprised how much bigger they are? Is that what you meant?
> >
> > Eric why so you need another steel wheel? Do you not have a steel wheel
> on
> the spare already? If so I would have you best from your old tires mounted
> as a spare.
> >
> > I think that the generals altimax rt are directional meaning only front
> to
> back rotation can occur on either side. Or may I'm confused about that.
> >
> > T.
> >
> > On Jan 9, 2014, at 9:20 PM, Max Wellhouse <dimwittedmoose@CFU.NET>
> wrote:
> >
> >> On 1/9/2014 4:21 PM, Eric Caron wrote:
> >> Hi Denis and others,
> >>
> >>        I've been watching this thread carefully,  I purchased 5 General
> Ultimax 205/70/14 tires but have not mounted them yet.  If i'm reading the
> thread correctly my 85 Westfalia with steel wheels will not be able to
> carry
> the 205/70/14 in the spare area.
> >>        Am I understanding correctly that I basically have the option of
> purchasing a different clam shell and coolant hoses from Van Cafe, or
> keeping one of my 9 year old 185 tires as a spare?
> >>
> >> Do I have to both get a new clam shel and new hoses or just one or the
> other?
> >>
> >> is it really ok to run the 185 as a spare with the three 205 tires?
> >>
> >> Any one know where I can get a respectable 14 inch rim as If I keep the
> 185 as a spare I'll need a extra rim.
> >>
> >> Thoughts and suggestions are greatly appreciated.
> >>
> >> Eric Caron
> >> 85 GL Auto
> >>
> >>
> >>> On Jan 9, 2014, at 1:30 AM, Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@HOTMAIL.COM>
> wrote:
> >>>
> >>> Since it is a 2wd you really can get by with a different sized
> >>> spare. The
> >>> 215/75 gets you close to 28" diameter. Potential for front tire rub
> >>> and definitely brake upgrade consideration. The 215 width is about
> >>> the limit for the spare carrier even after the late tray, no hold
> >>> downs. For highway travel a 225/60-16 (~26.5") would be a much
> >>> better choice with a 195/80-14 spare.
> >>>
> >>> Dennis
> >>>
> >>>
> >>> -----Original Message-----
> >>> From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On
> >>> Behalf Of ralph meyermann
> >>> Sent: Sunday, January 5, 2014 1:38 PM
> >>> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> >>> Subject: Clam shell question
> >>>
> >>> Hi Volks! I am making the step to 15" wheels. My size decision is
> >>> between
> >>> 205/75/15 or 215/75/15 depending on the ability to still fit in
> >>> clamshell without modification or just minor modification. Will the 215
> fit? Thanks!!
> >>> Velma 82 1.9L AAZ td westy
> > The last time I checked, VW didn't make the "standard" coolant hoses
> > for the small spare tire up front any more.  Only the larger hoses were
> > available and that was several years ago.   I'd check the diameter of th
> > e205 vs. the 185, you might be surprised.....
> >
> > DM&FS
>