I am a recent owner of an 82 Westy, my first VW.  I have been
lurking on this list for a few months and have gained a tremendous amount
of useful information - thank you all very much.  The discussion about
tires got me to check mine and I have a question that as far as I can tell,
has not been addressed yet.

The tires currently on my van are BF Goodrich P195/75R 14 M+S, maximum load
1400 lbs @ 35psi.

The recommended tires (from the driver's side door) are either

7.00-14 8PR;  front 33psi, rear 48psi;
or
185R 14C 6PR;  front 38 psi, rear 55psi;
or
185 SR 14 reinforced;  front 33psi, rear 40psi.

So I'm wondering, are the tires I have ok for the vehicle, and if so what
psi should I have in front and rear tires?  How does the maximum load
rating on the tire relate to the front and rear axle weights (2425 and 2866
lbs respectively on my van) - do you divide the axle weights by 2 to figure
the load on each wheel?

(I have also asked BF Goodrich about this - haven't heard back yet.)
Any help would be very much appreciated.

Helen Amerongen
'82 Westy