All things being equal, the lower profile tires also mean lower capacity.
This is due to the increase possibility of impact damage due to the
decreased space between the rim and road.  Check the tire side wall for the
capacity. Remember that when using a P-metric tire on a light truck
application, you need to de-rate the tire another 10 %.  See the Goodyear
web sight for clarification. With 15 inch wheels, I recommend a 215-65 if
using a standard rating, 205-65 reinforced or LT. as now used on the
Eurovan.

Dennis
-----Original Message-----
From: KENWILFY@AOL.COM <KENWILFY@AOL.COM>
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Date: Sunday, February 28, 1999 11:38 PM
Subject: Question about Tires and Handling

>This may seem like a self serving question but here we go.
>I am not a tire expert but from what I have seen or heard the way to
improve
>handling on a vehicle is to increase wheel size (like with 15" alloy
wheels)
>and then go for a lower profile tire (like 205/60s).  Is this true?  I know
>that lower profile tires would not be so good in adverse conditions (like
>going through the woods or on really bumpy roads) but my driving very
rarely
>sees any conditions like these.  I figure that lower profile tires should
>really help with the swaying and wind buffeting that Vanagons and Westies
>experience in windy condtions.
>Why is this self serving?  Check out my website at www.vanagain.com and
you'll
>find out.
>Ken Wilford
>Van-Again
>John 3:16