The Tire Sticky FAQ

Marya · Posted: Mon Jan 26, 2015 3:11 pm Post subject:

I'm guilty of only skimming this thread due to its length and yet I thought it would be less of an offense to park my question here than to start a new thread!
Laughing

I have to choose between the following tires today. I want to know the pros and cons based on how and where one tends to drive, as I know many of you know about these two types/brands of tires.

The tires are the BF Goodrich 195/75r14 and the Hancook 185/75r14. As again many of you know, the former are supposed to be great for off-roading (to some degree), and are more aggressive with great tread and the Hancooks - while also light truck tires - are supposed to be better for pavement and probably a quieter (and smoother?) ride. I've read people referring to the BFG tires as being good for mud, specifically. But what other scenarios? I know they're not supposed to be good for sand (those should be very smooth I think).

I won't be using it as a daily driver. Most likely for going on the highway for a couple of hours toward mountains or beaches, or for VW gatherings and festivals. My main concern with regard to "off roading" isn't necessarily mud (though I guess getting caught in a rainstorm isn't unheard of around these parts) but more just grass and bumpy areas when camping in more rugged areas e.g. not in typical campgrounds, or ending up on the occasional logging road or gravel etc. Point being, it would be nice to have some extra traction during those times, but I'll never be a serious off-roader either.

The tires are important to me so the cost is worth it - it's not about one kind being cheaper than the other. I just want what would be most useful or practical.

Thank you!

Brian · Posted: Mon Jan 26, 2015 3:24 pm Post subject:

BFG A/T LT195/75-15D, no question about it. They're quieter than they used to be and are proven all terrains.
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cdennisg · Posted: Mon Jan 26, 2015 3:42 pm Post subject:

If you have any intention of off-pavement use, and it sounds like you do, the BFG's will be better. I have a set on a bay bus, and they are not noisy at all (at least any more noisy than the bus in general).

Get the BFG's and don't look back. I would suggest to have the white letters mounted to the inside though. White letters look odd on a bus. (my opinion only)
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Brian · Posted: Mon Jan 26, 2015 3:46 pm Post subject:

tristessa · Posted: Mon Jan 26, 2015 4:33 pm Post subject:

Marya · Posted: Mon Jan 26, 2015 5:11 pm Post subject:

Thanks guys. Yeah I already thought that about the letters. I agree it doesn't look very appropriate for an old bus!

I guess the only other question I have is whether I'll be able to take turns as well and easily as with the thinner tires? It was already a challenging adjustment driving without automatic steering! Laughing

What's funny is last night I couldn't sleep so was lying in bed doing a sort of walk-through in my head about what all the bus needs. I imagined lying in the back (this was my grandpa's bus - he bought it new in 1970 - so I actually did sleep there as a kid!) and slowly moved through the bus in my head, from back to front, thinking about what it needed. I fell asleep that way and I dreamed I was driving it and took a right turn but could barely turn the steering wheel cause it had these monster truck type tires on it! Laughing

Marya · Posted: Mon Jan 26, 2015 6:12 pm Post subject:

Bump - I really want to get these tires ordered, thanks!! How will the turning radius be compared to something a bit less chunky? Noticeably more challenging or about the same?

cdennisg · Posted: Mon Jan 26, 2015 7:07 pm Post subject:

You're worried about the tires rubbing on the inner fender and limiting your turning radius, or about them being difficult to turn in parking lots when going slow or stopped?
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richparker · Posted: Mon Jan 26, 2015 7:08 pm Post subject:

And...it's officially a sticky!
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cdennisg · Posted: Mon Jan 26, 2015 7:21 pm Post subject:

richparker · Posted: Mon Jan 26, 2015 7:24 pm Post subject:

Marya · Posted: Mon Jan 26, 2015 7:32 pm Post subject:

Thanks. Well yeah I've just gotten snippets from reading over the past couple of weeks and while I can't remember the details now (or was never given many details) I do seem to recall there being a possible issue with not being able to take a sharp enough turn with ease or something like that. May also have read about rubbing. I'm not saying the comments I read are about the BFG tires but either way I want to know if there are any issues with how well one can turn (either how easily or how tightly if that makes sense...clearly this is not my area of knowledge!!).

cdennisg · Posted: Mon Jan 26, 2015 7:38 pm Post subject:

I have the 27X8.5R14's on my 70, and I get a little rubbing at full lock. Not an issue. They can be a little tougher to turn when standing still, but not so much that it is a problem. I run 40 PSI front and 44 PSI rear, which seems to be about right.

The BFG's will have slightly more rolling resistance on the highway than the RAO8, therefore you may take a hit in MPG's. In a daily driver that can be an issue. For a weekend warrior it likely doesn't matter much.

Both are excellent tires. Either will serve your purpose well. The BFG's will be better on wet grass/mud/dirt whereas the Hankook will be better at highway cruising and puttin' around town. Your call.
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airschooled · Posted: Mon Jan 26, 2015 11:20 pm Post subject:

richparker · Posted: Mon Jan 26, 2015 11:26 pm Post subject:

airschooled · Posted: Mon Jan 26, 2015 11:29 pm Post subject:

Marya · Posted: Tue Jan 27, 2015 12:57 am Post subject:

Thanks everyone! I think I'm going with the BFG's. Got home later than expected so won't be putting the order in tonight anyway. Excited to have new tires! Very Happy

d-rick · Posted: Sun Feb 01, 2015 9:34 pm Post subject:

Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.

Just put some Grabbers on my '78
Sears had the best price on them out of everyplace I checked. but they gave me some goofy looking chrome valve stems ..gee thanks
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Brian · Posted: Sun Feb 01, 2015 11:35 pm Post subject:

General AT^2?

Nice tread, report back on how they feel during rain.
_________________
Wash your hands

'69 Bug
'68 Baja Truck
'71 Bug
'68 Camper

Only losers litter

Stuartzickefoose · Posted: Tue Feb 03, 2015 4:15 pm Post subject:


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