The 195/70's are way under sized.  In a normal tire, I would go to a 215/70.
In 205 or 195 you should get reinforced or at least a 6 ply rating.  The tire
side wall will tell you the tires carrying capacity.  Remember that when using
a passenger tire on a light truck, the tire should be de-rated 10%.

-----Original Message-----
From:   Vanagon mailing list  On Behalf Of Michael D. Landis
Sent:   Wednesday, September 10, 1997 10:58 AM
To:     Vanagon@GERRY.SDSC.EDU
Subject:        Tires

OK, I promise, one of these days REAL SOON NOW I will run out of these "new
guy" questions that have probably been discussed over and over already on
the list.

The first day that I was on the list someone posted discussing various
makes and models of tires for the Vanagon; all of them seemed to be load
range D or other light-duty truck tires. My 1981 Westfalia came with quite
ordinary passenger car tires, 195-70R14. They're in OK shape but I'll be
ready for a new set in a couple of months or so. I was considering getting
Aqua-treds, at least on the front, but this is a new wrinkle for me. Are
the heavier-duty tires essential, or desireable, or optional?

Michael D. Landis         -------\/-------   read; write; repeat as desired:
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