Thanks Dennis.

My intention is to use this tire all year. And, there's times when I
"off road" a little. This tire carries the snow flake symbol but I
realize that isn't the only factor in choosing a winter tire and i'm
sure there's better choices for a dedicated winter tire.

I did some homework on big brake kits and am certain I will find one
to fit the 15" Mefro. Installing later model year suspension parts and
a big brake kit is near the top of my list!

I hadn't thought about braking in terms of tire size. Is the potential
issue a reduced amount of engine braking capabilities when coasting in
gear down hill?

The General Grabber 205/75R15 AT2 is a tire I"m still considering but
with a loaded down Westy, cross winds etc. I do wonder if it would be
as effective as something like the BFG AT KO2.

I've ordered 5 Mefros so am committed but had certainly considered
running a stock 14" as a spare tire.

On 11/28/16, Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@hotmail.com> wrote:
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: /O=FIRST ORGANIZATION/OU=EXCHANGE ADMINISTRATIVE
> GROUP(FYDIBOHF23SPDLT)/CN=RECIPIENTS/CN=0006BFFD9B0F4717
> Sent: Monday, November 28, 2016 9:06 PM
> To: 'Neil N' <musomuso@GMAIL.COM>; vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: RE: Kumho 15" AT51 Tires?
>
> A number of points.
> The Mefro 15" wheels may be a bad choice for future brake upgrades. Even for
> 15" it has less available space inside and some big brake kits won't fit.
> For stock gearing and brakes a 27.7 inch tire is large. The inline engine
> will mask some cruising and acceleration issues due to higher horsepower and
> torque. However it is my opinion this is too much for those earlier front
> brakes.
>
> While AT tires may look cool most are not real winter tires and the
> compromise a lot for highway travel.   The high void ratios while maybe
> beneficial for evacuating water or snow they provide less actual rubber on
> the road contact so therefore less traction. The stiff sidewalls generate
> heat unless operated at high inflation pressures further reducing contact
> patch and on rough roads can add to ride harshness. For highway travel rain
> or shine a properly sized performance tire is a much better option.
>
> When investing in wheels 16 or even 17" is a much better way to go. A
> 225/60-16XL puts you at 26.6". You won't get that size the spare compartment
> due to the width. For some I have been putting a 195R14 on a 14" alloy wheel
> to use as a spare, like a donut. If they have big brakes up front they will
> need to first put the spare on the rear and then move the rear to the front.
> This works well on non Syncros or Syncros with drive shaft disconnects.
>
> Dennis
>
>
>

--
Neil n

Blog: Vanagons, Westfalia, general <http://tubaneil.blogspot.ca>

1988 Westy Images <https://picasaweb.google.com/musomuso/New1988Westy>

1981 Westfalia "Jaco" Images, technical <http://tubaneil.googlepages.com/>

Vanagon-Bus VAG Gas Engine Swap Group <http://tinyurl.com/khalbay>