We usually cruise at an indicated 65 (actually much less since everybody out there passes us) but with 205/65-16s on CLKs we have the same as stock or more clearance when we need it. We don't do much soft/off roading but would not fear it. 

Stephen

Mobile

> On Nov 2, 2017, at 5:01 PM, David McNeely <davmcneely40@GMAIL.COM> wrote:
> 
> Hmmm..... .  Well, some of us do drive our campers the way they perform
> best, and that is not at the high speeds most folks seem to have adopted.
> My high speed for my camper is just over 60 mph on the highway.  I take it
> onto back country roads, forest service and BLM roads that fit the point
> made in the manual that lower profile tires are much more subject to damage
> from road hazards than are higher profile tires.  It is in fact the ability
> to navigate such roads and to camp in isolation from those who prefer
> developed camp grounds that make the vehicle useful to me.
> 
> I realize that the beast has limitations that "modern" drivers dislike.  It
> has capabilities that I prefer, including high clearance and capability on
> rough roads.  This summer I drove on a Forest Service road that required 3
> hours to traverse 11 miles.  My camper is not a Synchro.  I just drove very
> slowly and carefully, easing around washouts and boulders that would simply
> stop most folks who would rather have a "higher performing" vehicle, with
> less tire sidewall.  I don't have my camper in order to go fast or to take
> corners at breakneck speeds.
> 
> On Thu, Nov 2, 2017 at 11:55 AM, Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@hotmail.com>
> wrote:
> 
>> The load index table should also be available form the tire manufacturer.
>> Your dealer should be able to supply this for you. As for that tire not
>> being listed due to obsolescence keep in mind this document is already 11
>> years old.
>> For replacement the 195/75-14 is the correct diameter to replace a
>> 185/80-14. As for changing OEM specifications consider the OEM lead in this
>> case. Beginning with the 87 model year the 205/70-14XL was the OEM supplied
>> upgrade.  Then there was the move to 15 inch wheels to make room for brakes
>> and other needs on the Eurovan. The last of the Eurovans were fitted with
>> 225/60-XL.  See a correlation to my recommendations?
>> 
>> Tire technology has changed and so has our driving speeds. When our vans
>> were designed-built we had a 55 mph speed limit. Few of us travel at 55 or
>> less. We didn't always back then!  Getting into the newer tire sizes also
>> gets us some of these newer capabilities. Skinny tires running at high
>> inflation pressures leave you with reduced contact patches and an impact
>> sensitive ride. Think of those non pneumatic tires on your first bicycle or
>> trike. The Vanagon ahs the benefit of a well designed independent
>> suspension with tires being the major limiting factor. There is room for
>> improvement here, but it has to be done correctly.
>> 
>> Dennis
>> 
>> ------------------------------
>> *From:* David McNeely <davmcneely40@gmail.com>
>> *Sent:* Thursday, November 2, 2017 12:44 AM
>> *To:* Dennis Haynes
>> *Cc:* vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
>> *Subject:* Re: The Tire Replacement Manual
>> 
>> Dennis, thanks for providing this.  It clarifies a lot.  However, I notice
>> that the OE tire sizes for our campers are not included in the tables.  I
>> suppose, like has been observed many times on this list, that the tire size
>> being considered by most manufacturers as "obsolete" is the reason.  But
>> our vehicles are real, and we drive them.  Are you aware of a source that
>> provides similar data for our OE tire sizes?  The nearest size in the
>> attached document is LT185/75R14, but of course, the aspect ratio is too
>> low, and the tire diameter would be too small.  The OE tire size of
>> LT185R14 has an aspect ratio of approximately 82 as I understand it.  The
>> alternate size of LT195R14 of course has the same aspect ratio, and is only
>> very slightly larger in diameter.
>> 
>> The document does reinforce my notion that one should just stick with OE
>> specifications up until that becomes literally impossible.  For now, there
>> are still tires available that fit that bill, though not very many choices.
>> 
>> On Mon, Oct 30, 2017 at 6:18 PM, Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@hotmail.com>
>> wrote:
>> 
>> For all the recent questions I once again would like to point out this
>> reference guide.
>> 
>> http://www.tiresafety.com/images/Tire%20Replacement%20Manual.pdf
>> <https://eur01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.tiresafety.com%2Fimages%2FTire%2520Replacement%2520Manual.pdf&data=02%7C01%7Cd23haynes57%40hotmail.com%7C148a77a8539b450c346408d521ac83c7%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C636451947182908333&sdata=om%2Fd4%2BnRWAYAbh%2FoV2yXRBvYWgOeLhIrsgrTNkin7aI%3D&reserved=0>
>> 
>> While is now 11 years old, this is probably the best tire reference manual
>> with the most important information in one place, in a format that is easy
>> to understand.
>> Of most benefit is the load-inflation tables for most every size tire we
>> would consider. There is some good reading in here. I will be referenicing
>> this manual occasionally in some of my responses to posted questions.
>> 
>> Dennis
>> 
>> 
>>