TheSamba.com :: View topic

Thu May 26, 2005 9:56 am

OK had a blowout the other day at 65mph. The tires on there now are of course passenger (4ply) tires that the PO had installed. I was trying to make them last a bit longer but..... My problem is that I want the Conti Vanco tire since I have one on the spare that is like new. I know Agilis will work but the price wont for me, Conti is almost half. I am not able to locate them anywhere :evil: :evil: . They are on backorder and could take up to 14 weeks to get in, as per Tire Rack. Does anyone know of a small out of the way joint that may have some. Or is there another option. I am able to get Bridgestone 603V but I need an all-season tire since the van may be driven in snow. Everyone knows we have 9 months of winter way up here :roll: .

Thu May 26, 2005 11:30 am

If you're running the stock 14" rims, have you looked into the Yokohama Y356 LT? It's a popular tire with Vanagon owners and I'm sure it's cheaper than the Michelin. My buddy has them on his 82 Westy and raves about them. Personally I run the Michelins on 15" Audi rims and I say it's money well spent.

Thu May 26, 2005 12:56 pm

Really? Backorder on Tirerack? I'm on the east cost and I got mine in 2 days. That was less than a month ago.

I like them, but I wish they were wider. But at least I know they are safe to load up and run at 50 PSI.

did you try 1010tires.com ? I have used them in the past and I am happy with them..

Thu May 26, 2005 1:48 pm

Are there any 195/75 14" Michelin LTX M/S 6 plys up around you there Mulch?

If I were running 14s that is what I would use. I like a tire that says Michelin on the sidewall.

Fri May 27, 2005 5:42 pm

Well here is what I was able to find. I can get a size 195/75/14 Bridgestone Deuller A/T. Back in the day before college I sold tires and this was the tire I would recommend, for trucks. Has any one used/seen this on a van or does any one have experience with a truck tread on thier van? Either way this is the tire I am going to go with by process of elimination. I know it will be a good choice considering I've seen these go 60K and great traction year round tio boot :lol: .[/b]

Fri May 27, 2005 5:58 pm

Well that is not a bad tire, proper diameter, load range C, the only problem is that is the load limit is only 1435. It is probably OK, but you are pushing the total weight the tire is able to support.

Fri May 27, 2005 6:31 pm

Here is the deciding factor: Dueler - $80/tire

Everything else - At least $110 to $120 (even tire rack, with shipping).

From my experience Bridgestone performs as well if not better than Michelin for a lot less $$$.

Sat May 28, 2005 6:07 am

What is the min. load rating per tire required?

Hold on there WW. I think you are starting to show your age. You might want to elaborate a bit. The youngins are stumped as to what you are refering to. :-k

Sat May 28, 2005 6:17 am

On a late bay Westy which uses the same tire, the minimum load weight rating is 1540 lbs.

HERE is the tire you want and need:

https://pointer.webappcabaret.net/busdepot/details.jsp?partnumber=RA08

195R14 for $70 each.

Sat May 28, 2005 8:50 am

I know if I wait until Tuesday I can find out but does anyone know if these tires are in at Busdepot? That is what I want but can only wait so long. I already had one blow out with the P tires and we are taking a trip mid june.

Sat May 28, 2005 6:39 pm

If you need tires within the next day or so, you'd better go local. The Hankooks are easily the best bargain in a Vanagon tire. In an independent German road test they outperformed the premium-priced Michelins, yet are priced competitively with generic tires. But the flip side of a bargain is that once word gets out, demand tends to outpace supply. I got 60 on Tuesday and they were all gone by Friday night. I will be calling Hankook right after Memorial Day to see when my next shipment will arrive, but even best-case we're probably talking a week. Hankook has been having trouble keeping me supplied, as this is a somewhat of a "niche" tire in their eyes and the sudden sales surge took them completely by surprise. The problem is, if your tires are already dangerously bald, you don't have the luxury of waiting. It's better to pay more and get something locally right away, than to risk a blowout. The Michelins or Bridgestones, although much pricier, may be your best short-term bet.