What TIRES fit? The ultimate tire thread!

[Jake de Villiers]

I'd start with VW's recommended tire pressures for your van: 40 psi front & 48 psi rear.
_________________
'84 Vanagon GL 1.9 WBX
'86 Westy Weekender Poptop/2.5 Subaru/5 Speed Posi/Audi Front Brakes/16 x 7 Mercedes Wheels - answers to 'Dixie'
@jakedevilliersmusic1
http://sites.google.com/site/subyjake/mydixiedarlin%27
www.crescentbeachguitar.com
www.thebassspa.com

[flomulgator]

Since I can't make sense of my 3 choice sticker, and because those are numbers many people here say, that's the PSI I've gone with historically. However following all the calculations in this thread gave a lower tire pressure due to the higher load rating; it appears the lower PSI available for one of the tires listed on the 3 choice sticker was lower for the same reason; it had a higher load rating.
_________________
She's built like a steakhouse, but she handles like a bistro!

[garthg]

I haven't yet read this entire thread, but I'm putting in my 2 cents.

I most recently bought tires about 2 years ago. OEM Michelins are NLA, and Tire Rack offered nothing in the right size and load rating. (225/60-16, XL rated).

Eurosport Tires in Paramus NJ was able to order Vredestein Quatrac 3's which met all size and load rating specs. I don't recall price, but they seemed reasonable at the time. Traction is excellent in the snow.

[david2676]

That I would put my review in ,

Recently I went to America's tire - they refused to put on BFG's AT 14" they claimed it did not meet Vw specifications. they claimed they need to protect the public from my putting on a tire that would cause danger to the general public. The tire they recommend is a C or 6 ply the BFG is a D or 8 ply its in may ways a superior tire.
I found another dealer and for $625 I had 4 BFG AT installed, I have to admit I like the look better and the ride immediately feels better. I am not sure how to explain it but it tracks better and responds to steering in put a bit better. They look bigger I was worried they might rub in a tight corner so far I cannot find a time the tire will touch any part of the wheel.
BFG's are more expensive of the tires. I am glad I spent the money I have AT on my 4runner. For whatever the reason i have never gotten a flat on a BFG tires. They do not seem to pick up nails as easy.

Does anyone have any suggestions on tire pressure using BFG AT ? I currently have them at the vehicles suggested pressure but the tire allows to 60 lbs. 60 lbs would make the tire roll a bit easier.

also will they fit in the spare tire holder ? They look bigger than a stock tire ?

* The dealer who I know thru a friend of a friend mentioned as I was leaving they normally see around 80,000 miles on BFG AT. * For me that alone makes it work the extra money*
_________________
64 bug
91 Vanagon/ Subaru swap Westfalia

[Stuartzickefoose]

If a camper id start at 60 rear 50 front and work down to a comfort level, but nearly everyone i meet likes the instant control boost it provides. Minimum would be 35 front and 45 rear.
_________________
Stuart Zickefoose

2011 Jetta Sportwagen TDi 6 speed manual

206-841-7324
[email protected]

[Tom_T]

Any Reccos for who still makes an adequate 205/70R14 size LT or XL or RF tire for the OE 14" Factory Alloys on our 1988 Westy?

I'm not seeing some of the prior ones from just a year ago now!

NO wheel changes & up-sizes please - just what are good choices available now on the stock 14" alloys!

TIA!
Tom
///////
_________________
1973 914-2.0 - 2nd owner since 12/75
1985 BMW 325e 2dr - OO
1988 Vanagon CamperGL Westy - OO
1970 Eriba Puck & 1960 Avion T20

[Randy in Maine]

I run 195R14s as they are only a tiny bit taller than the 205/70/14s.

[Tom_T]

Thanx Randy, but I'm trying to stick with the 205/70R14 OE tire size if at all possible.

I found these Bravo Series UE-168(N) - 205/70R14 from Maxxis Tires, which I run their ST tires on our vintage 1960 Avion T20 trailer (like an Airstream) & they're really good tires on trailers....

Anyone use them??

Bravo Series UE-168(N) - 205/70R14C 102/100Q 8PR BSW
25.4" diameter 8.3" section width 54 psi max 1874 lbs max
6" Rim 14/32 tread depth

http://www.maxxis.com/catalog/tire-227-104-bravo-series-ue-168%28n%29

I'm going to check on local availability here in OC SoCal, since they seem like they're + rated over either the 205's on alloys or taller 185's on steel wheels.

TIA
Tom
///////[/b]
_________________
1973 914-2.0 - 2nd owner since 12/75
1985 BMW 325e 2dr - OO
1988 Vanagon CamperGL Westy - OO
1970 Eriba Puck & 1960 Avion T20

[zak99B5]

[zak99B5]

[Tom_T]

[zak99B5]

[Tom_T]

[zak99B5]

[zak99B5]

I went ahead with the Gremax Capturar's in 205/70R14 XL 98T. I have only driven a few miles on them, but it's been spitting snow all day and there's no skatiness like with the UE-168s. So, I am pleased with them so far.

However, I cannot recommend you get them at M****, at least not the one in Albany, NY.

I drove in a silent van (well, except for some control arm bushing squeaks) and took home one with noises. As soon as I pulled out of the shop, I heard horrible knocking and rattling as though the front right wheel was going to come off. So I immediately pulled into the next lot. Guy comes with me to listen. Of course he hears it and we return.

Can't see anything wrong, but I notice play at 12:00, indicating the bearing is loose. He pops off the dust cap, and tightens the nut. Reinstalls the wheel.

Now there was nothing at all wrong with my bearings before--I do believe that they loosened them to get me to return for more (paying) work on the car. I have no evidence of this, but I can't imagine how else they got loose.

Anyway, they put the wheel back on and I drive off, but again I hear a knocking with each rotation of the wheel, though not as bad as before, and return immediately. They decide to try swapping the front for the rear tire. I drive off a third time. Again the knocking, but this time a bit louder/longer.

Boiling, I take the vanagon home. I pull off the wheel, and then I notice it--the new wheel weights have rub marks on them! They are fat ones attached to the rim.

I look at the wheel that had been moved back to the rear, and the fat weight is much shorter. So I swap the wheels back and go for a drive.

I decide to go back to M**** again as I am driving. It takes them over 90 minutes to remove the wheels and rebalance them with the sticky weights that go in the barrel of the wheel. I hop in and drive off.....

STILL NOISE! More of a lighter ticking sound, but there. And I am hearing it from the driver's side too. Get home and rock the tire at the top, and I feel the bit of play in the wheel bearing now on the driver's side. It's too dark/cold/late for me to do anything about it now, but tomorrow I will check out the hub nut.

All this brought back a memory that after getting tires there on one of my Passats that on the way home I had a terrible noise from a bent backing plate or something on the front right tire, which was perfectly fine before.

Sorry for the novel.

TL;DR M**** in Albany seems to me to be pretty incompetent, negligent, or fraudulent.

[Diesel Hansel]

Just got my gowesty 16 x7 steel wheels. I've read all of the tire threads out there, heard every side of the argument, and I'm still very troubled about what tires to put on these puppies.

I have an 82 diesel westy..so not exactly powerful.

Are 215/65-16 out of the question... Should I stick to the 60's..as they are closer to the original tire diameter. 65's just seem to have a lot more options with higher load ratings, etc.

I was being steered toward the "BF Goodrich advantage TA 98t" at "215/65-16" by the guy at the tire shop. He was saying to fill gem to 35ish psi for a nice comfortable ride. Any thoughts?

The side wall seemed rather soft compared to some other options in the 60 size.

I just don't want my engines lack of power to be an issue on hills and 1st gear with the 65's.

Most of the 60's that were available were in the 94-95 rating area, and since they were passenger tires, after the 9% reduction, are mighty close for me to be comfortable??I tend to like things over-engineered.

Please let me know if anyone with a stock suspension, diesel, is running a slightly larger diameter.

Also, any thoughts on the "somitomo htr a/s p01 -- 215/60-16". They have those and they seem to meet the requirements with room to spare..so it is my backup plan if I can't find all of the information I need in the next 36 hours.

The 65's have way more options in general, so I would love to run those unless it will put extra strain on my go kart engine that's in my van. Thanks.. Hope to hear from you

Edit: the revs/mi on the 65's = 770
_________________
1982 Diesel Vanagon
1.9 N/A
68 Horse Power

1983 XR200R
11.8 Horse Power

1977 Motobecane Mobylette
2 Horse Power

1950's Grumman 17'
1 Man Power

1971 Bus (RIP)

Add them all up, and I am getting close to 100 HP

[geodude]

Thought I would share my experience so far with the Hercules Power CV. I installed these on some C280 rims on my Carat. Size is 205/65R16 load index 107/105R, which so far work great. Ride is nice and stable, quieter than the 98XL tires I have on the 14 inch rims and handles bumps really well. Going over speedbumps is no longer a roller coaster ride and cornering doesn't result in that wallowing feeling. I like the deep tread blocks and the stiff sidewalls. They are 26.5" in diameter so a little bigger than stock, but with the 2.2 subaru I haven't noticed it at all. Will update as I get more miles and/or come across anything important.

Update: We had some major storms roll through yesterday. Several inches of rain, winds gusting to 30-40 mph, ponded water on the streets. What would have been a two handed experience with the old tires is now a one hand affair. Only the stronger gusts were noticeable and easily controlled. Turbulence off of semi's wasn't felt at all, but used to be very noticeable. Handled the water with ease, traction was very good.
_________________
1988 GL Camper
1991 Multivan — the basket case

[zak99B5]

Update on my new tire 'experience.'

The new flat stick-on weights are also scraping the edges of the caliper carrier. Not a lot of clearance with 14" wheels, I guess. I may just wait for the weights to clearance themselves.

As for the tires, just a few more miles on them, but in a bit of snow. While it's not like my A4 with Quattro and snow tires, the Vanagon drove fine with minimal slippage. So they are performing as I had hoped, at least in winter weather.

[boinzy]

Looking for some advice on a new set of tires for my 2002 EuroVan MV Weekender.

Looking at new wheels, most likely 16x7, unless 17x7 makes more sense in finding the right tire.

Driving this van mostly for road trips within Colorado, so highway, but then some dirt roads to get back into some spots.

I think I want a GoodYear or BFG all-terrain tire, something with a little bit more aggressive tread for performance on those back roads. However, I am open to being educated.

Right now I run 225/60R16.

I will be lifting the van a touch with spacers in the back and torsion bar adjustments, so I'd like to get a little more ground clearance and add to the tire diameter.

Anyone out there gone through this before and can point me in the right direction?

I've been driving myself crazy with the tire rack site, and the tire conversion site, trying to figure out which tire will fit, not be too tall, fit the rim, etc.

Should I be worried about tread width? Some seem too wide, but what do I know?

Am I overthinking it?

Thanks all.

[buildyourown]