The 14" tires VW originally fitted to Vanagons were 185R14 but they
didn't use the harsher riding Load D versions. Mostly they used 185R14
in a Load C and these are not so harsh. Nowadays we can't get much in
that size and load C rating combination so we are left with the more
widely available tires in harsher Load D instead. Or we can change rims
to something that allows more selection and a less harsh ride.

I find that 205/70/15 is a nice riding size but not many of those are
rated for the needed weight capacity. There are a few XL versions that
go to load index 100 and recently there have been some bargain priced
Nokians in that size as Nokian has switched to a slightly different
version. The remaining supply of the old version is being deeply discounted.

You can get a set of Load 100 Nokians, 205/70/15 XL for under $250,
including shipping. Check Ebay and see, while they last.

I have these Nokians on 2 of my vans now and m happy with them. I paid
full price for the first set a few years ago and when I saw them deeply
discounted I went for another set for another van in the family.
205/70/15 is not quite 3% larger circumference and so it works with
stock engine power.

There is always 205/65/15 too, with Load 99 in XL available in a few
brands. These are slightly smaller diameter than the 185R14 and that has
no appeal for me personally.

I buy 5 tires at a time so I have a matching spare when needed and so if
I one day ruin a tire I can still have 4 matching tires on the van. The
ways tires go out of production these days you can never be sure if you
will be able to replace a ruined one. Just rotate the 5th in to get your
value from it.

Mark

vw_van_fan_Mark wrote:
> The harshness is largely due to Load D 14" tires IMO, with very stiff
> sidewalls and high pressures needed to carry the rated weight in that
> small size.
>
> If you go to a 15" or 16" you can get tires rated to carry that weight
> but with softer sidewalls and lower pressures.
>
>