The 215/65-16 tire is one of my favorites especially for a Syncro. Part of
my reason for liking it is that it is about the largest that can fit in the
spare tire carrier. At 27" diameter is  also a reasonable limit for a mostly
stock driveline and brakes.
Most tires in this size will have a load index of 98, 1,653 pounds. This
well exceeds the original 205/70-14XL which was load index 97, 1,570 pounds.
There are some as low as 95. The XL versions will usually be a load index of
102, 1,874 pound tire. Few of these are inexpensive. The Nokian WR-G2 or G3
's are outstanding tires but bring money. I have also used the Yokohama
Geolanders with good success. They do need to be rotated frequently as they
get funny wear patterns on the front.

Another option is a 235/60-16. Same diameter. Standard load index is 100,
1,764 Pounds. XL version is Load Index 104, 1,985 Pounds. This will not
readily get into the spare tire carrier.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
mark drillock
Sent: Friday, January 24, 2014 1:44 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Now Tires, WasRe: FRIDAY: Craigslist ad from the future

Sure thing. What is the best low cost 3 season tire for me to buy in
215/65/16??? Must be rated Load Index 99 or higher.

Mark

Robert Fisher wrote:
> Geez, not another autopilot retrofit thread ... can't we get back to
tires?
>