Helen Amerongen wrote:
>
I asked my mechanic the same day I asked the list - he's
> been working on VWs for the last 25 years and is as far as I can tell,
> well-respected in Tucson.  He said that my tires (max load 1400 lbs;  max
> pressure 35 psi) are fine and that "nobody buys the heavier tires because
> they give such a rough ride".

Helen,
Ask your mechanic to put his recommendation in writing, and you can use
it in your lawsuit later.
If the stronger tires ride somewhat harsher, it's still better to have
their superior control and margin of safety.
Your Westy is a large, heavy vehicle. Do not take the risk of tires that
are not rated for this type of load. Follow VW's recommendations.
Also note that the list members were "UNANIMOUS" in their advice. If
there were any room for discussion, believe me, you would have seen it!
(I personally wouldn't let the best mech in town empty my ashtray.)
Larry