I like the way the Nokian enTyre has performed on my camper, although one
blew out for me last week. I may have been low on air (hence my need for a
reliable gauge) or perhaps I damaged it when we were on some rocky roads in
the Black Hills NF.

I'm replacing it with the same tire as I have only 16K on the set.  Nokian
enTyres in 205/70/15, at least, are being closed out and they are cheap.
I'm getting one delivered to a local Wal-Mart for $40.

On Sat, Feb 18, 2017 at 7:56 AM, Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@hotmail.com>
wrote:

> 40,000 miles is pretty good use for a set of tires. Tread separation-ride
> disturbance is fairly common with radial tires and some brands-models seem
> to be effected more than others. For myself I have yet to actually be able
> to wear out a complete set of Michelins. Some will argue but for a
> 215/60-16 you really want an XL rated tire which will have a load index of
> 99. The I believe your Coopers are 95. After deduction 10% for use as a
> passenger car tire on an LT application they are light for the application.
> The 99 load index gives you a capacity of 1,709 pounds and the full
> capacity is reached as 42 psi. The factory supplied tires in the 205/70-14
> were XL rated with a load index of 97. Most XL rated tires in that size are
> now 98 load index. That would be my minimum. Here is a good choice for all
> season use.
> https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=
> Sumitomo&tireModel=HTR+A%2FS+P02+%28H-+or+V-Speed+Rated%29&
> partnum=16VR6HTRASP02XL&vehicleSearch=false&fromCompare1=yes
>
> Note the reasonable price. A recent favorite for my customers that do not
> need winter capability is the Nokian eNtyre. Similar price range.
> Outstandingly quiet and also a low rolling resistance design. Nokian and
> Vredestein also offer "All Weather" tires in this size and load range. All
> Weather is a set above all season for winter use, has that mountain
> snowflake rating.
>
> Dennis
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf
> Of Steven Shelton
> Sent: Friday, February 17, 2017 7:48 AM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Follow Up: Thumping from Tires (?)
>
> I went it to my local tire store and the service guy Harlon and I lifted
> the rear on a jack and ran it in 1st gear. He pointed out a ripple movement
> on the inside of one of the tires. Stopping the engine, we could see where
> the tread was worn almost smooth along an inch or two of the inside edge.
> The tread was separating from the carcass.
>
> Harlon pointed out that it doesn't make sense to pay for high mileage
> Michelins when I don't drive the van much. The Michelins are 7 years old
> and only have 41,500 miles on them. There was a good amount of tread left.
> He talked me into Cooper 215/60/16 Ultra Touring tires. The load rating is
> 1521 lb and they were about $30 each less than Michelin Defenders. They're
> made in USA!
>
> Just driving home I'm happy at how quiet they are. The steering resistance
> is noticeably less than the Hydroedges. I don't know if that is a good or
> bad thing as far as performance, but it's probably easier on the power
> steering rack.
>

--
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