What TIRES fit? The ultimate tire thread!

uncommonvw · Posted: Thu Jul 03, 2014 11:41 am Post subject:

I have a 1985 Westfalia with an automatic transmission and a 1.8L 8V inline 4 cylinder VW engine conversion.

It is currently fitted with 15" GoWesty MB replica rims
215/75/15 100S GoodYear Invicta GL tires
Max load 1742 lbs
Max pressure 44 psi

I noticed the other day that the tires have some cracking on the sidewalls and they are 12 years old although there is still quite a bit of tread remaining. They are passenger tires with a tall sidewall and the Westy has quite a bit of wander on the road in windy conditions.

Here is my question:

Would the tires below be a suitable replacement? (I already have them from another vehicle, nearly new)

Nokian WRG2
205/70/15 100H XL
Max load 1764 lbs
Max pressure 51 psi

If the Nokians are not a suitable replacement can somebody please recommend a 15" tire? Should I only consider LT labelled tires? There are not many sizes available in 15" LT rated tires that fit on a Westy. I do like the look of the 215's and the RPM drop they provide on the highway. I don't like the power robbing factor when going uphill though.

Jake de Villiers · Posted: Thu Jul 03, 2014 12:57 pm Post subject:

jobenaus · Posted: Fri Jul 04, 2014 8:22 am Post subject:

While doing my research for some 16 tires I ran into this article which I found helpful....maybe other will as well.

http://www.tirereview.com/tire-types-and-load-capacity/#

davevickery · Posted: Wed Jul 09, 2014 10:21 am Post subject:

This tire should get added to the first page.

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

Vredstein Comtrac All Season
185R14 102 D load
195R14 106 D load
Also available in 15 & 16
http://www.vredestein.com/car-tyres/light-truck/comtrac-all-season/sizes/

Tobias Duncan · Posted: Wed Jul 09, 2014 11:49 am Post subject:

Randy in Maine · Posted: Wed Jul 09, 2014 12:13 pm Post subject:

I have a set of those on one of my buses and really like them. Very quiet with good support.

brooklynvan · Posted: Tue Jul 15, 2014 1:32 pm Post subject:

The 195R14 Comtrac All Season is on backorder at Vredestein USA, and the nice lady on the phone said she thinks they might be out of stock because they are being discontinued.

I got a flat on one of my Hakkapeliita CSs the other day and decided it might be time to get a new set, these are at about 3/32" with some worse wear on 2 of them. I've loved them and would love to have another set.

Problem is the CSs are Discontinued. The best thing tiresbyweb could offer was the C2, of which there are exactly 4 in the USA right now in 195/14, also discontinued.

Anyone else have a good 14" tire in 195, all Season or snow?
_________________
1990 Vanagon "Plain Jane" Bostig in the Back
TRADED: 1967 Panel for 1976 BMW 2002
SOLD: 1984 Sunroof Vanagon with EJ22
RIP 1986 Saab turbo
and my daily commuter: a Bicycle

davevickery · Posted: Tue Jul 15, 2014 8:08 pm Post subject:

They make tires in batches and more infrequently for the less popular ones. It doesn't mean they are about to be discontinued. And tire dealers may still ahve some in stock. I had the same problem when I went to get Firestone Destinations ATs. They were not available for a little while.

Any way, Tiresbyweb shows some Comtracs in stock. I didn't search very much, but there may be other places to get them.
http://www.tiresbyweb.com/tbw_tiresearchadv2.aspx?...hoice2=All

If you want a 195s, google 195r14 and see what else comes up.

brooklynvan · Posted: Wed Jul 16, 2014 4:11 am Post subject:

Tires by Web doesn't have them in stock, they get them from Verdestein direct when you order. That's why I called Vredestein.

Not much else out there other than the Hankook RA08 which I've had and they're fine but not great in the snow/sleet.
_________________
1990 Vanagon "Plain Jane" Bostig in the Back
TRADED: 1967 Panel for 1976 BMW 2002
SOLD: 1984 Sunroof Vanagon with EJ22
RIP 1986 Saab turbo
and my daily commuter: a Bicycle

geodude · Posted: Mon Jul 21, 2014 5:17 pm Post subject:

Tires Easy shows a tire I've never heard of: Achilles Multivan 215/60R16C 108/106Q. Apparently of Indonesian origin from a company that has worked with Continental and Yokohama. Size and is right and they say it is for our type of vehicles. Can't beat the load index. But has anyone ever seen or used this tire?
http://www2.tires-easy.com/cgi-bin/rshop.pl?dsco=1...p=R-246572
_________________
1988 GL Camper
1991 Multivan — the basket case

oldhuldy67 · Posted: Fri Jul 25, 2014 11:41 am Post subject:

I'm going tire shopping for my 1980 Westy's 14" factory alloys and wanted to thankallyou Sambanistas y Sambanistos for all the great tire research. I saw these on my travels through Charleston, SC today...what do you think? Too big?

ragnarhairybreeks · Posted: Fri Jul 25, 2014 12:07 pm Post subject:

was looking through the nokian site and i found a new (to me) tire that looks like it might be a winner

nokian hakkapeliitta CR3

http://www.nokiantyres.com/winter-tyres/nokian-hakkapeliitta-cr3/

has a "coming soon" tag, anyone have more info?

alistair
_________________
'86 7 passenger syncro, converted to westy pop top, project still in progress
'82 westy, diesel converted to gas in '94, now gone...
https://shufti.blog/
Old address still works...
http://shufti.wordpress.com

Jake de Villiers · Posted: Sat Jul 26, 2014 8:05 am Post subject:

oldhuldy67 · Posted: Sat Jul 26, 2014 12:34 pm Post subject:

We're gonna need a bigger boat...er, van.

imtb · Posted: Wed Jul 30, 2014 6:32 am Post subject:

Hello,

I am needing some help in tire decsions. I am replacing the dinky 14" street tires 205/70/r14 with 15" Carrat wheels from Van Caffee.

Here is the tire I am considering and curious if it meets the requirments. Its lighter than the 215/75/R15 and a little shorter in height. I am concered about the height of of the van fitting my garage with the new wheels and tires. I have about 5-6" of clearance right now.

I like look of these tires and the price is decent.

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Y...;tab=Specs

Randy in Maine · Posted: Wed Jul 30, 2014 8:57 am Post subject:

It is a car tire you know.

davevickery · Posted: Wed Jul 30, 2014 12:12 pm Post subject:

Randy in Maine · Posted: Wed Jul 30, 2014 3:53 pm Post subject:

It is indeed a beefy tire, but alas a car tire and thus the "S".

Tire Rack says that they are rated at 1504 pounds after the 9% reduction for using car tires on a truck type vehicle. They are also rated at "4 ply" and not the "6 or 8 ply" rating some of us like.

The Tire Rack guy said to buy the ones that say "LT" on them and then you will be fine.

I have run them before on my Jeep and they were very satisfactory with good manners. Quiet and went a long way.

imtb · Posted: Mon Aug 04, 2014 7:11 pm Post subject:

Geolander 215/70/15

Still fits in garage.

skibby · Posted: Thu Aug 14, 2014 11:31 am Post subject:

All great info. I love this place!!


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What TIRES fit? The ultimate tire thread!
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