In a message dated 96-04-01 20:51:57 EST, Vdubdude@aol.com writes:

>My favorite is the Sumitomo HTR70 185/70 HR14 for the bus.  There are other
>tires, but for the size that you need, this one fits the bill.  The sidewall
>is stiff for good response (as are most H rated or better tires), the tread
>is deep and aggressive for excellent water dispersion, the ride is quiet and
>the tire is handsome.  They look like a million bucks on my '82.  The wear
>rating is 320, traction A, temp A.  It is comparable in quality with the
same
>rated Michelin and costs about 30% less.  Sumitomo has been making racing
>tires in Japan for some years now.

185/70???? Question that 70 series big time.  This is a dangerous
combination. There is enough capacity here to hold up a "K" car.  Check the
wieght rating on the sidewall.  Remember that when passenger car tires are
used on a light truck, the tire sidewall wieght rating must be reduced an
additional 10%(federal law).  The Max gross wieght of a normal Vanagon is
5015lbs.  A synchro is 5515lbs,(approximate).  Standard load 205/70-14 are
rated at 1433lbs each.  215/70-14 are rated at 1554 lbs.  This is my choice
for the vanagon.  If you are looking for low cost, the Yokohama A378 costs
about $65 each in the 215/70-14.  It is an excelent all seaon, HR speed rate
tire that works very well on a vanagon.  If willing to spend more money,
there are a lot of excelent tires available.This one can not be beat for the
price.  It looks good too (blackwall)  Look for temparature rating of at
least "B",  "A" is prefereed.  The factory 205/70-14 with reinforced sidewall
is rated at 1570lbs.  
Dennis.