TheSamba.com :: View topic

Wed Jul 23, 2008 11:50 am

I've been needing to replace my passenger tires (yes I read all the posts and stickys about the correct tires for my bus) but just didn't have the money to order a set of Hankooks or equal. We're geting ready to put some miles on this bus, so I had to do something to be able to drive with confidence and know my family is safe. After calling every tire shop in town, checking prices on new and some used, here's the deal . . .

The manager at one of our larger tire shops asked what they were for. When I explained, he said come on back - I might have something. He showed me a room full of "take-offs" (tires replaced before their time) and led me to several stacks of Goodyear Wrangler AT's. These were all take-offs from the local postal service vehicles (those new weird looking things) that were replaced by calendar date, not by need.

Here's the specs:
- Goodyear Wrangler AT , LT195/75R14, 6-ply, Load Range-C, rated up to 50 PSI

I was able to easily pick a full matching set with about 80% tread, beautiful condition, and there are still about 20+ tires left in his stack.

Now, here's the deal: $17.00 a piece :shock:
My total bill incl. mounting, computer bal., new stems, disposal, tax, etc. was $68.00 \:D/

Needless to say, I rode home a happy man. Can't beat the deal, and this thing rides like a new vehicle- no more wallowing around. These tires are smooth and quiet, but have some nice tread for offroad when we're following those 4-wheeler trails!

Just thought I'd share the love, and if anyone in south-central Virginia needs tires, I'll point you to the place. Heck, it may be worth asking around different parts of the country - I assume the Fed.Govt. does it pretty much the same everywhere.

- Klauss

Wed Jul 23, 2008 12:13 pm

thaaaaaat's wiiiiild!
pm sent.

OH! What is the DOT date code on the tires? The last segment in the line that begins DOT?

Wed Jul 23, 2008 12:23 pm

That's what I was wondering, I need the date. If they took them off due to going past the calender date, they are probably over the 6 year expiration and unsafe. If not, good deal!

Wed Jul 23, 2008 12:35 pm

Since my tires are the wrong size AND over ten years old, AND I have scarce money, it might still be a good deal...

Wed Jul 23, 2008 1:46 pm

I'll check the date code and let you know, but to look at all the more tread wear these tires have and the condition of the rubber, they can't be very old . . .

Wed Jul 23, 2008 2:01 pm

Klaussinator wrote:

Now, here's the deal: $17.00 a piece :shock:
My total bill incl. mounting, computer bal., new stems, disposal, tax, etc. was $68.00 \:D/

Balancing, mounting, disposal etc. around here runs about $14 per tire. So essentially you paid 3 bucks apiece for those tires. If the date checks out, you might as well get yourself another set or at least a spare.

Wed Jul 23, 2008 2:19 pm

That is the problem, they look good and have good tread but the rubber is old and prone to failure. Watch this video for good info:
http://abcnews.go.com/Video/playerIndex?id=4826897

I checked mine, 10 years old :shock: Look at the code on the side to determine the age (it might be on the inside). If they are within reason age wise, put me down for a set!

Wed Jul 23, 2008 2:59 pm

Too bad the weight load is only 1435 pounds. :cry:

Wed Jul 23, 2008 3:43 pm

calebmelvin wrote: That is the problem, they look good and have good tread but the rubber is old and prone to failure. Watch this video for good info:
http://abcnews.go.com/Video/playerIndex?id=4826897

I checked mine, 10 years old :shock: Look at the code on the side to determine the age (it might be on the inside). If they are within reason age wise, put me down for a set!

Wow, I just watched that video... ...I'm going out to check all of my tires right now!

Wed Jul 23, 2008 3:49 pm

Randy in Maine wrote: Too bad the weight load is only 1435 pounds. :cry:

Isn't that per Tire? if your bus is grossing over 5800lbs shit will happen.

I'd pay that price.........X 2

peace

Wed Jul 23, 2008 4:03 pm

:shock: thats amazing!!! i need to look around now. you should buy some and sell them on here so when people from like say california need some because theyr tires are completely bad you can get them shipped or something here!

Wed Jul 23, 2008 4:06 pm

BTW, I just went out and the tires on my westy are from 06 and the tires on my bus are from 08. That video scared the bejesus out of me. After seeing it, I would really recommend everyone go out and decode the date of manufacture on all of your vehicle tires.

Wed Jul 23, 2008 4:12 pm

Randy in Maine wrote: Too bad the weight load is only 1435 pounds. :cry:

Which exceeds the rear axle rating so it is fine. The owners manual for a 76 calls for a 185 R 14 C 6ply tire or a 185 R 14 reinforced, he should have no problems running a set of LT195/75R14 6ply tires.

Wed Jul 23, 2008 4:25 pm

Treading dangerously close to the domain of the tire sticky...
I'm just hoping to hear the date of these postal castoff tires. I wonder what age the federal gov't mandates they be retired...

Wed Jul 23, 2008 5:57 pm

Got you beat.... $15 a piece for 3 nearly new Michelin Agelis. 185r14. Date code was from 2004. Local junkyard had them. :) Couldn't complain.

Wed Jul 23, 2008 6:06 pm

The number to meet or beat is 1540 pounds.

Chose wisely.

Wed Jul 23, 2008 6:17 pm

If I could get a set of tires just slightly better than my PO-legacy P205/75R14 tires made early in 1998, and get them for under $100, I would be thrilled at the slightly improved chances of avoiding a horrible death. FWIW.

Wed Jul 23, 2008 6:35 pm

PicklePickle wrote: BTW, I just went out and the tires on my westy are from 06 and the tires on my bus are from 08. That video scared the bejesus out of me. After seeing it, I would really recommend everyone go out and decode the date of manufacture on all of your vehicle tires.

that video scared me too, i never knew about the "expiration date"
mine were in the 47th week of 2001, so not soo bad but i need new tires now. :shock:

Wed Jul 23, 2008 9:52 pm

calebmelvin wrote: That is the problem, they look good and have good tread but the rubber is old and prone to failure. Watch this video for good info:
http://abcnews.go.com/Video/playerIndex?id=4826897

I checked mine, 10 years old :shock: Look at the code on the side to determine the age (it might be on the inside). If they are within reason age wise, put me down for a set!

sooo...you think my spare, the original Continental from 1977 isn't safe? But it's only 31 years old. barely used!

Wed Jul 23, 2008 10:01 pm

Randy in Maine wrote: The number to meet or beat is 1540 pounds.

Chose wisely.

The rear axle rating for a 1976 Kombi is 2866 pounds, half of that is 1433. Last time I checked 1435 was greater than 1433. Station wagons and Campmobiles are rated less than a Kombi.