15'' tire options

Phishman068 · Posted: Mon Nov 14, 2011 5:36 am Post subject: 15'' tire options

I'm looking for some 15'' tires to put on my new bus. It's a carat and I'd like to put a set of 15'' (7in wide) Borbet rims I have lying around on it. Since it needs tires anyway, now seems like the right time.

Anyway, I am having a great deal of trouble finding non truck tires that are the proper load rating. Since its a lighter weight bus than a syncro westy does it still need a load rating of 99?
Do you have any tires to suggest that aren't off road tires and would look good?

I presume most ppl are running 205/65/15s?

WestyBob · Posted: Mon Nov 14, 2011 6:00 am Post subject: Re: 15'' tire options

At roadhaus.com there's a pretty good guide for tire options and sizes. Many including me opt for nokians.

chojinchef · Samba Member Joined: February 17, 2011 Posts: 1539

GMByers · Posted: Mon Nov 14, 2011 6:05 am Post subject:

Wow, it's November already.
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Phishman068 · Posted: Mon Nov 14, 2011 6:06 am Post subject:

The nokians are big bucks new, and used ones seem unavailable.
(I love buying used tires).

The only options i've found so far are the Nokians, Michelin Agilis, and Continental Vancos.

I don't like the vancos, as they'er too heavy duty. I've driven the 14'' version of them and I'm not a fan.

WestyBob · Posted: Mon Nov 14, 2011 6:14 am Post subject:

Yes ... nokians are expensive but you'll get your price per pound out of them and rubber is very important regarding safety not to mention the convenience of performance, especially this winter.

Team WorldTour · Posted: Mon Nov 14, 2011 6:24 am Post subject:

try 215/75r15
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dobryan · Posted: Mon Nov 14, 2011 7:01 am Post subject:

Nokian X3. I've had the Agilis and they were totally hopeless in winter weather (or wet grass for that matter). LOVE the Nokians. Yes, they are more expensive but you'll be glad you spent the $$. Very Happy

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Brungeman · Posted: Mon Nov 14, 2011 7:18 am Post subject:

Craig, lets get a group buy going. I have tried locally to get Nokian's and none of the local shops carry the tires I wanted. If we could get 2 or 3 of us together to buy tires at the same time it may make it worth one of the shops to order a pile of them and become a Nokian dealer. Who knows we may get a discount... (just brainstorming and combining my experiences working in a bike shop)

PS, sorry I didn't get to the clubhouse this weekend, sounds like a bunch was done!
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Phishman068 · Posted: Mon Nov 14, 2011 7:24 am Post subject:

I like that idea Dave!
You have 15'' rims ready to go on?
I don't know who else would be in on it though but we can post to the Pittsburgh-Vanagon-Club group.

Yes, great success this weekend. A public post on here will be made about my new bus soon!

danfromsyr · Posted: Mon Nov 14, 2011 7:28 am Post subject:

quality tires are cheaper than dents and accidents. Wink

even the popular RA08s lack when it comes to Mud & Snow (IMO)
I won't risk my doors/fenders for lack of traction.
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Brungeman · Posted: Mon Nov 14, 2011 7:30 am Post subject:

Are most of you running the WR C Van tires? which models do you suggest? I noticed there were limited size options on a few of those models. The WR C Van's had a fairly good size range.
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86 scirocco RIP
71 Baywindow RIP
1972 Super RIP
1969 Bug RIP
1974 Super RIP

joetiger · Posted: Mon Nov 14, 2011 7:32 am Post subject:

I have the Agilis 205 65 15's and, after two very minor snowstorms, I am downright frightened.

As soon as I can find it in the budget, I'm going with Nokians.
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dobryan · Posted: Mon Nov 14, 2011 7:54 am Post subject:

themervino · Posted: Mon Nov 14, 2011 7:56 am Post subject:

I have the Yokohama Geolander AT/S. 205/70 15 on a Carat. I absolutely love the tire but I am going to have to raise the van an inch or two to solve the every once in a while clearance issues.. Merv

WestyBob · Posted: Mon Nov 14, 2011 8:34 am Post subject:

I've said this far too often in other tire threads but ... nokians are designed and manufactured by Finns for Finns who have to drive in three season crappy weather in Finland. Those people have been living there for thousands of years and have this thing nailed down. I can't think of a stronger endorsement.

It's the proverbial saying, when in the Sahara watch what the Bedouins do, when in Polynesia watch what the Polynesians do, when driving in crappy weather watch what the Finns do.

James 93SLC · Posted: Mon Nov 14, 2011 8:47 am Post subject:

jcocci · Posted: Mon Nov 14, 2011 10:05 am Post subject:

Speaking of Nokian does anyone use or ever have used any of the 14" Nokian studded snow tires? I have the original 14" wheels on my vanagon and want to get 15" wheels at some point. Debating weather to get some 14" studded snow tires for my current wheels and getting some 15" next spring and just keeping the 14" for winter or just get some 15" wheels now with studded tires and swap tires out each season. Also how do the Nokian non studded winter tires compare to the studded? Thanks.

vanagonjr · Posted: Mon Nov 14, 2011 10:20 am Post subject:

Anyone have any personal experience how would these Nokians (WC, CS) compare to BF Goodrich in sand, mud, dirt - i.e.- off road?

I was thinking 14" BF Goodrich AT come tire time, at least for the rear of my van (86 2.1, 2WD) - I believe the 15" BF Goodrich AT's would affect the gearing too much on my van.

It seems any off-oad tire will simply be too tall, that is affect the gearing, on these underpowered stock engine, requiring a different fianl drive ratio
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WestyBob · Posted: Mon Nov 14, 2011 11:39 am Post subject:


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