Thanks, Dennis, this is very helpful.  So if I got a set of four of the
Nokias (for instance) I would simply inflate the rears to 42 (their max,
and with a load rating above that needed as described on the GVW plate on
the door jamb) with the fronts at 39 and see how it drives/handles.  I
don't have to follow the psi recommendations on the inflation plate on the
door jamb b/c I am no longer running the original tires...

I looked and can't seem to find the complete specs for any of the Nokia
tires.  The eNTYRE, being a quiet tire, looks very tempting.

Thanks again,

Mark

On Sun, Jun 21, 2015 at 6:10 AM, Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@hotmail.com>
wrote:

> For a number of reasons I would go with the 205/65. For real nice highway
> tire consider these:
>
> Note that most of these choices are XL rated tires, not load range C truck
> tires. The XL tires are the better choice for number of reasons.
>
> These are designed for extended use at higher speeds over longer times
> without the heat build-up concerns inherent in commercial tires designs.
> Comfort and handling is part of the design.
>
> They reach their full rated load capacity at 42 psi. Going above that is
> for rolling resistance and handling. A benefit since the VW recommends
> lower pressure in front that the rear.
>
> The 99 load index is adequate and is above the 97 that originally came
> with the vans with the 207/70-14 tires.
>
>
>
> This is amongst my favorite! What’s on Fun Bus in a 235/55-17.
>
>
>
>
> http://www.tires-easy.com/cgi-bin/rshop.pl?dsco=135&cart_id=25674052.135.26794&Cookie=pricegrabber&Breite=205&Quer=65&Felge=15&Speed=&LoadRange=&kategorie=6&Marke=&ranzahl=4&tyre_for=&x_tyre_for=&weiter=84&rsmFahrzeugart=ALL&search_tool=standard&Label=E-C-72-2&details=Ordern&typ=R-146117
>
>
>
> A great rain-highway ultra-quiet touring tire.
>
>
>
>
> http://www.tires-easy.com/cgi-bin/rshop.pl?dsco=135&cart_id=25674052.135.26794&Cookie=pricegrabber&Breite=205&Quer=65&Felge=15&Speed=&LoadRange=&kategorie=6&Marke=&ranzahl=4&tyre_for=&x_tyre_for=&rsmFahrzeugart=ALL&search_tool=standard&details=Ordern&typ=R-185709
>
>
>
> For the off road and winter use this would be a better choice at a lower
> price.
>
>
>
>
> http://www.tires-easy.com/cgi-bin/rshop.pl?dsco=135&cart_id=25674052.135.26794&Cookie=pricegrabber&Breite=205&Quer=65&Felge=15&Speed=&LoadRange=&kategorie=6&Marke=&ranzahl=4&tyre_for=&x_tyre_for=&weiter=36&rsmFahrzeugart=ALL&search_tool=standard&details=Ordern&typ=R-257039
>
>
>
> Another option:
>
>
>
>
> http://www.tires-easy.com/cgi-bin/rshop.pl?dsco=135&cart_id=25674052.135.26794&Cookie=pricegrabber&Breite=205&Quer=65&Felge=15&Speed=&LoadRange=&kategorie=6&Marke=&ranzahl=4&tyre_for=&x_tyre_for=&weiter=60&rsmFahrzeugart=ALL&search_tool=standard&details=Ordern&typ=R-267164
>
>
>
> Winter.
>
>
>
>
> http://www.tires-easy.com/cgi-bin/rshop.pl?dsco=135&cart_id=25674052.135.26794&Cookie=pricegrabber&Breite=205&Quer=65&Felge=15&Speed=&LoadRange=&kategorie=6&Marke=&ranzahl=4&tyre_for=&x_tyre_for=&weiter=84&rsmFahrzeugart=ALL&search_tool=standard&details=Ordern&typ=R-242152
>
>
>
> The truck tire/commercial option.
>
>
> http://www.tires-easy.com/cgi-bin/rshop.pl?dsco=135&cart_id=25674052.135.26794&Cookie=pricegrabber&Breite=205&Quer=65&Felge=15&Speed=&LoadRange=&kategorie=6&Marke=&ranzahl=4&tyre_for=&x_tyre_for=&weiter=96&rsmFahrzeugart=ALL&search_tool=standard&Label=F-B-69-1&details=Ordern&typ=R-119149
>
>
>
> Or this,
>
>
>
>
> http://www.tires-easy.com/cgi-bin/rshop.pl?dsco=135&cart_id=25674052.135.26794&Cookie=pricegrabber&Breite=205&Quer=65&Felge=15&Speed=&LoadRange=&kategorie=6&Marke=&ranzahl=4&tyre_for=&x_tyre_for=&weiter=96&rsmFahrzeugart=ALL&search_tool=standard&Label=E-C-72-2&details=Ordern&typ=457321
>
>
>
> Dennis
>
>
>
> *From:* Mark Hersh [mailto:cmwolfsburg@gmail.com]
> *Sent:* Saturday, June 20, 2015 5:23 PM
> *To:* Dennis Haynes
> *Cc:* Vanagon listserv
> *Subject:* Re: Tires.. Again
>
>
>
> These threads are always helpful to me.  In 2008 I upgraded to 15" rims
> and unfortunately the tire I picked are taller than we would like (Michelin
> LTX M/S in 215/75).
>
>
>
> We want a highway tire (don't do much off-pavement stuff and what we do do
> is pretty much better Forest Service roads).
>
>
>
> I see the Goodyear Cargo G26 in a 195/70.  Or Michelin Agilis or Firestone
> Transforce in 205/65.  All are load range C and can take 54 to 65 psi.
>
>
>
> Thoughts?
>
>
>
>
>
> On Sat, Jun 20, 2015 at 9:00 AM, Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@hotmail.com>
> wrote:
>
> There are some tires still available for the 14" rims. There are still the
> skinny hard high capacity sizes such as the 185/80-14 hankooks and the
> like. In 87 VW began offering the 205/70-14XL tires as a handling and
> comfort upgrade. These are getting harder to find. There are still some
> General Altimax tires available but they are out of production.
> Tires-easy.com has some choices in this size and load rating and they are
> very reasonably priced.
>
> If willing to go for a wheel upgrade avoid 15's unless you want to
> increase diameter. Few choices with adequate capacity without going taller.
> Going to 16 or 17 gets choices with needed capacity and true modern
> performance options. Favorite size is 225/60-16. This is only 3/4-1" taller
> and the 225 width is a substantial improvement. Normal load index is 97 0r
> 98 and XL 102 is readily available. This is a very common size. For Syncros
> a 215/65-16 is a tad taller and can be made to fit in the spare
> compartment. There are a number of outstanding winter and all season with
> winter capability tires with the XL rating available. Going to a 17;s you
> can go 225/55-17 with the same advantages and even better handling although
> you will feel the bumps more. American Racing offers the AR95T wheels in
> both 16 and 17 direct fit for the Vanagon with a 2,200 lb. load rating.
>
> Dennis
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf
> Of Tyler Hardison
> Sent: Saturday, June 20, 2015 10:49 AM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Tires.. Again
>
> My weekender has the original 14" steel rims and the chrome VW hubcaps.
> But tires seem impossible to find.
>
> Is there a last ditch hope to find the correct tires? Or should I remove
> her original feet to upgrade and just not worry about it.
>
> I know, personal preference.
>
> Those that have upgraded, was the upgrade that noticeable in the vans
> stability?
>
>
>
>
>
> --
>
> 86 Campmobile Six-Seater "Monty"
>
> Black dogs are euthanized at a greater rate than other-colored dogs,
> regardless of temperament.  Learn about Black Dog Syndrome at
> http://www.blackpearldogs.com/  Learn about black dogs in a Vanagon at
> http://www.pbase.com/mhersh/image/108220533
>

-- 
86 Campmobile Six-Seater "Monty"

Black dogs are euthanized at a greater rate than other-colored dogs,
regardless of temperament.  Learn about Black Dog Syndrome at
http://www.blackpearldogs.com/  Learn about black dogs in a Vanagon at
http://www.pbase.com/mhersh/image/108220533