I went 215/75/15 bfg all terrain for the snowflake that the 14" version
doesn't have. Dunno why the 14" doesn't ?

Velma 82 1.9L AAZ TD Westy
On Nov 18, 2014 12:13 AM, "Dennis Haynes" <d23haynes57@hotmail.com> wrote:

> The 27X8.5 tire is a "floatation" size designation. It is really about
> 26.5" diameter. If you put one side by side with a 215/70-14 the height is
> almost identical. Due to the stiff construction of the type of tire the
> load capacity is different than other tires due to heating. It needs to be
> at 50 psi to carry 1515 pounds as rated. That is also its maximum inflation
> pressure. If you have the alloy or 6' steel wheels you can go to a
> 225/70-14 which gets you to a 98 load index. Very had to find but there are
> tires up to 225/75-14 or even 205/80-14. The 205/80 would be a load range C
> or D truck tire.
>
> If going for wheels I would suggest going right for 16" Much more choice
> of tires with adequate load capacities. 215/65-16 works well for those
> looking for a tad more height and is still reasonable for the gearing and
> brakes.
> As for gear changes and stuff keep in mind the transmission was based off
> a vehicle much lighter and lower powered. Any change including just larger
> tires has an adverse effect on transmission life. Lowering engine RPM at a
> given speed means increased torque and load. That means more stress, heat,
> and over time broken parts.
>
> Dennis
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf
> Of Dan N
> Sent: Monday, November 17, 2014 3:15 PM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Re: Suspension for Off Roading
>
> unless there's another tire that I don't know... but with 27x8.5R14 it's
> the largest diameter you can have with 14" rim...
>
> next step up would be 215/75R15 - the 215/75R15 here is 27.7x8.5R15
> equivalent so you have .7" more for the price 15" rims (x4)
>
> On Mon, Nov 17, 2014 at 10:51 AM, Eric Wunrow <VW@ericwunrow.com> wrote:
>
> > Thank You.
> >
> > My fronts are the 195/75 size, though I do like the 27x8.5 profile
> > better… partly because I want as much ground clearance as possible
> > (we've done some pretty wicked roads already, not a problem after 30
> > years backroading with street cars!). Going to 16" wheels would help,
> > but unless I put in more horsepower, it seems prudent to not change
> > gear ratios and make it harder to pull the bigger wheels. Maybe this
> isn't as bad as I fear...
> >
> > Some have suggested the Too Tall springs, but not sure if that's a
> > good look with small wheels. Hence my asking all of you, and the help
> > is greatly appreciated!
> >
> >  Eric
> >  Eric Wunrow Pictures
> >  85 S Union Blvd, #Q123
> >  Lakewood, CO 80228
> >
> >  303. 988. 8717
> >  VW@EricWunrow.com
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > On Nov 17, 2014, at 9:49 AM, mcneely4@cox.net wrote:
> >
> > > Eric, not only is a 14" wheel with high profile tires an option, it
> > > was
> > original equipment on most Vanagons.  On my '91, I currently run 195R14.
> > That is actually a little taller profile than 80 -- maybe it is 83.
> > Original equipment was 185R14, which would also be about 83 profile.
> > This gives maximum sidewall height, and so in driving back country
> > (quite feasible with the 2WD version of the Vanagon, unless one
> > encounters deep mud or sand, or very steep going) both the tires and
> > the rims are less susceptible to damage than either would be with lower
> profile tires on.
> > Air is a pretty good cushion.  mcneely
> > >
> > > ---- Eric Wunrow <VW@ERICWUNROW.COM> wrote:
> > >> Thanks, Jeff, that certainly makes sense. My comment about wheel
> > strength was not about tire sidewall height, just wheel height vs.
> > strength in absorbing the shocks off off-road travel.
> > >>
> > >> Am I wrong that a taller wheel can aborb more shock than a shorter
> > wheel? If so, is a 14" wheel with higher-profile tires an option?
> > >>
> > >> Thanks!
> > >>
> > >> Eric
> > >> Eric Wunrow Pictures
> > >> 85 S Union Blvd, #Q123
> > >> Lakewood, CO 80228
> > >>
> > >> 303. 988. 8717
> > >> VW@EricWunrow.com
> > >>
> > >>
> > >>
> > >>
> > >> On Nov 16, 2014, at 3:08 PM, Jeff <vw.doka@GMAIL.COM> wrote:
> > >>
> > >>> Actually, it works the other way around.  After 20+ years of off
> > >>> road
> > racing (Baja 500 - 1000, etc.), I can assure you that the higher
> > profile of the tire helps protect the rim from damage.
> > >>>
> > >>> Just look at the rim/tire combinations that are run by serious off
> > roaders.  Off course, they also use bead locks...
> > >>>
> > >>> Cheers,
> > >>>
> > >>> Jeff
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>> -----Original Message-----
> > >>> From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On
> > Behalf Of Eric Wunrow
> > >>> Sent: Sunday, November 16, 2014 1:09 PM
> > >>> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> > >>> Subject: Re: Suspension for Off Roading
> > >>>
> > >>> Good advice. I have the alloy 14-inchers from VW and do wonder how
> > tough they are  that said, I've hammered them quite a lot and they're
> > still straight.
> > >>>
> > >>> I believe that the larger the wheel is, the more one can punish
> > >>> them
> > without failure, and I suspect this is true of the alloys as well. Not
> > sure which way I'll go when upping to 16"...
> > >>>
> > >>> Eric
> > >>> Eric Wunrow Pictures
> > >>> 85 S Union Blvd, #Q123
> > >>> Lakewood, CO 80228
> > >>>
> > >>> 303. 988. 8717
> > >>> VW@EricWunrow.com
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>> On Nov 16, 2014, at 8:15 AM, Don Hanson <dhanson928@GMAIL.COM>
> wrote:
> > >>>
> > >>>> Another consideration when working on your off road
> > suitability....Alloy
> > >>>> wheels are more prone to damage than steel ones.   Alloys will
> > fracture or
> > >>>> fail when you hit the rim into a pothole or smoosh a huge boulder
> > >>>> with a low air tire....Steelies, if they do get damaged off road,
> > >>>> they can be bent back often times....or at least enough to get
> > >>>> the bead to seat for the tire, enabling you to keep moving.  I
> > >>>> have twice bent steel
> > rims in Baja
> > >>>> and broken an alloy aftermarket one.   One of the steelies I bent,
> we
> > were
> > >>>> almost 60 miles from pavement and there was nothing around.   We
> > >>>> straightened the rim with a rock and aired it up using our
> > >>>> bicycle pump, with gasoline and a match to seat the bead....In
> > >>>> Baja you may sit for days on end until another vehicle comes
> > >>>> along...often finding an appropriate rim may involve long
> > >>>> distances to help....I keep my
> > rims in steel now.
> > >>>>
> > >>>> On Sun, Nov 16, 2014 at 7:43 AM, Dan N <dn92610@gmail.com> wrote:
> > >>>>
> > >>>>> Yes I do deflate the tires when I do off road - usually I take
> > >>>>> out 10psi and 15psi on sand - in any case I leave a minimum
> > >>>>> 20psi. As Dennis mentioned there's a risk of damage to tires
> > >>>>> specially on the side wall if the road has a lot sharp rocks
> > >>>>> such as the one from Ubehe Crater to the Race Track in Death
> > >>>>> Valley. I always carry a 12V
> > air pump, off road or not.
> > >>>>>
> > >>>>> On Sun, Nov 16, 2014 at 7:26 AM, Dennis Haynes
> > >>>>> <d23haynes57@hotmail.com>
> > >>>>> wrote:
> > >>>>>
> > >>>>>> Off roaders will air down the tires to improve traction and
> > >>>>>> reduce
> > >>>>> sinking
> > >>>>>> on soft dirt, mud, and sand. As the pressure is lowered the
> > >>>>>> contact patch increases. They will often air down low enough
> > >>>>>> that the sidewalls can
> > >>>>> also
> > >>>>>> provide a floatation effect, 12-16psi is common. The down side
> > >>>>>> of this is an increased chance of rolling the bead off the rim
> > >>>>>> and having a tire completely air out and hitting any type of
> > >>>>>> sharp object can damage a tire internally. Note this approach
> > >>>>>> is for low
> > speed operation.
> > >>>>>>
> > >>>>>> You didn't say what tire you are using, size or type, If using
> > >>>>>> a regular passenger tire you reach full capacity at ~35 psi.
> > >>>>>> Above that you are
> > >>>>> going
> > >>>>>> for handling or reduced rolling resistance.
> > >>>>>>
> > >>>>>> Dennis
> > >>>>>>
> > >>>>>> -----Original Message-----
> > >>>>>> From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com]
> > >>>>>> On Behalf Of Stan Shapiro
> > >>>>>> Sent: Sunday, November 16, 2014 10:14 AM
> > >>>>>> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> > >>>>>> Subject: Re: Suspension for Off Roading
> > >>>>>>
> > >>>>>> Another question on suspension.   I have a 90 Westy, 16 in wheels,
> > >>>>>> Michelin tires, and Bilstein shocks from GoWesty.    It is
> terrible
> > on
> > >>>>>> washboard roads.     I notice the 4 wheelers let air out of their
> > tires
> > >>>>>> before going off road.    Does anyone have any experience in
> > letting a
> > >>>>>> small amount of air out for a washboard road??    If so, how much
> > do you
> > >>>>>> let out?   Do you carry a 12 volt compressor to refill?
> > >>>>>>
> > >>>>>> Thanks
> > >>>>>> Stan
> > >>>>>> Idaho
> > >>>>>>
> > >>>>>> -----Original Message-----
> > >>>>>> From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com]
> > >>>>>> On Behalf Of Chris S.
> > >>>>>> Sent: Saturday, November 15, 2014 2:58 PM
> > >>>>>> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> > >>>>>> Subject: Re: Suspension for Off Roading
> > >>>>>>
> > >>>>>> See Burley Motorsports' custom upper control arms that
> > >>>>>> eliminate the finicky bushings. Also, for a good off road ride
> > >>>>>> you may consider progressive long travel springs. I have
> > >>>>>> Schwenk springs on my Syncro and they are wonderful.
> > >>>>>>
> > >>>>>> Chris.
> > >>>>>>
> > >>>>>> Wyslane z iPhone'a
> > >>>>>>
> > >>>>>> Dnia Nov 15, 2014 o godz. 14:47 Eric Wunrow <VW@ERICWUNROW.COM>
> > >>>>>> napisal(a):
> > >>>>>>
> > >>>>>>> Hello:
> > >>>>>>>
> > >>>>>>>
> > >>>>>>> I thought about posting this on the Samba but you all seem a
> > >>>>>>> bit more
> > >>>>>> civil  and helpful.
> > >>>>>>>
> > >>>>>>>
> > >>>>>>> We are traveling full-time in a 1984 Westy we bought just
> > >>>>>>> months before
> > >>>>>> leaving, and are about to end Month 16. Challenging, yes  and
> > >>>>>> perhaps
> > >>>>> equal
> > >>>>>> parts commendable and committable. But we are in for the long
> haul.
> > >>>>>>>
> > >>>>>>> I have had four alignments done in 12K miles. At first I
> > >>>>>>> thought the
> > >>>>>> mechanics weren't torquing the right upper control arm enough,
> > >>>>>> as it
> > >>>>> keeps
> > >>>>>> coming loose and knocking toe way out  last time it was over AN
> > >>>>>> INCH out, and now a few hundred miles later, it's out again and
> > >>>>>> baking our new BFG ATs. Ugh.
> > >>>>>>>
> > >>>>>>> The easiest solution seems to be replacing the control arm
> > >>>>>>> bolts, as I
> > >>>>>> do not think Loctite will solve it in the proper way. But, if
> > >>>>>> the arms
> > >>>>> need
> > >>>>>> to come off anyway, and possibly new bushings are needed as
> > >>>>>> well, what
> > >>>>> are
> > >>>>>> my options for upgrading the suspension for constant dirt
> > >>>>>> travel? I saw a gray panel Synchro at Buses by the Bridge in
> > >>>>>> January with Fox shocks and
> > >>>>> it
> > >>>>>> looked like a great solution. I am willing to trade highway
> > >>>>>> comfort for
> > >>>>> off
> > >>>>>> road softness before parts start flying off at will.
> > >>>>>>>
> > >>>>>>> We hope to keep our Bus forever, and though we are short of
> > >>>>>>> funds I do
> > >>>>>> not necessarily want a quick fix. We have to rely on this Thing
> > >>>>>> (Ahem, sorry, Bus) for a long time and may take it around the
> globe.
> > >>>>>> So
> > >>>>> anything I
> > >>>>>> can do for the long-term good is of prime interest, and getting
> > >>>>>> to remote places is partly why we live in it.
> > >>>>>>>
> > >>>>>>> Also, if you know of anyone in So. Cal. or near Yuma capable
> > >>>>>>> of this
> > >>>>>> work (where we're wintering), I'm all ears. I found a
> > >>>>>> cooperative tire store owner in Pahrump who owns a few
> > >>>>>> Vanagons, but have yet to ask if
> > >>>>> such
> > >>>>>> an upgrade is within his realm.
> > >>>>>>>
> > >>>>>>>
> > >>>>>>> Thanks in Advance,
> > >>>>>>>
> > >>>>>>> Eric
> > >>>>>>> Eric Wunrow Pictures
> > >>>>>>> 85 S Union Blvd, #Q123
> > >>>>>>> Lakewood, CO 80228
> > >>>>>>>
> > >>>>>>> 303. 988. 8717
> > >>>>>>> VW@EricWunrow.com
> > >>>>>>
> > >>>>>
> > >>>>
> > >>>
> > >
> > > --
> > > David McNeely
> > >
> > >
> > >
> >
>