>1.  Is the high ply tires needed for vans because:
>
>a.) The weight of the van
>b.) Because the handling is so odd and the added ply is required for
stifness
>and intern      better handling.
>c.) None of the above.

>The answer is (b) and (c). And (d), if (d) is:

>d) Most VW vans have huge cargo-carrying capacity-- see the "Gross Weight"
>specification in the oweners manual. If you fill it up with firewood or
>whatever until it reaches this max weight, you will overstress ordinary car
>tires-- that is, load them to a higher weight than that specified on the
>tire sidewall.

Boy I'll say.  This last summer a friend of mine got married and needed 
someone to carry all the alcohol to the reception area.  Of course I was 
volunteered, since the others in the wedding party drive Camaros, Jeeps 
and other low-interior-space vehicles.

We loaded up the bus with 25 cases(that's 24 bottles) of beer and 7 cases 
of wine.  Then, since the springs had not totally bottomed out, we all 
got into the bus for the trip.  Each of us alone is 200+ pounds, and 
there were three of us total.  Now, for those who are unfamiliar with 
Seattle, you can't drive three blocks in this city without going up or 
down a hill.  So, needless to say, it was a VERY slow trip. 

About two weeks later I needed to replace two of the tires, and I'm sure 
my little stunt didn't help too much in that regard.

Craig

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Craig Standley				1974 Volkswagen Westfalia; The Cow Van
University of Washington		"You know you really like your vehicle
Physics Major				 when you have to squeegie the INSIDE
cstand@u.washington.edu			 of the windshield and you still always
http://weber.u.washington.edu/~cstand    volunteer to drive"
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