Greetings:

Excuse me for asking a dumb question here, but what is wrong with using VW
recommended tires and pressures?  The sticker in my 1986 GL sez 39 lbs in
front and 48 in the rear, using 185 - 14 tires.

For the past 160,000 miles, I have used 8 ply rated Bridgestone 185R14
light truck tires.  I run 50 lbs in the rear and 40 in front.  I believe
you must have 8 ply tires to carry these high pressures safely.  You will
notice a big stability difference in side winds when you keep your
pressures up.  Also, I typically get 20 mpg in mixed freeway and local
driving.  On trips, I will regularly get 21 mpg.  I believe this is in part
due to these tires.

I often run on washboard, dirt roads on desert trips.  For improved
traction and ride characteristics, I drop tire pressures to 25 and 30 lbs,
pumping them up again for the trip home.  After considering the
alternatives, I have decided to hang in with these good performers.

Frank LaHorgue