TheSamba.com :: View topic - Large tire/big meats

Sun Jun 23, 2024 4:08 am

Hi Jake,

Can you let us know if there was any installation or rubbing issues with the Crosswind tires.

Sun Jun 23, 2024 2:38 pm

Anyone know what the largest size tire (stock 15 inch bus wheel) that can be used on a flat lip wheel well bus?

I have some 225/70 15 tires that I'd like to use, but suspect they may be a little wide.

Sun Jun 23, 2024 9:35 pm

Stocknazi wrote: Anyone know what the largest size tire (stock 15 inch bus wheel) that can be used on a flat lip wheel well bus?

I have some 225/70 15 tires that I'd like to use, but suspect they may be a little wide.

You have the tires, you have some wheels, and you have a bus? Throw a couple on there and report back to us.

Mon Jun 24, 2024 6:51 am

cdennisg wrote: Stocknazi wrote: Anyone know what the largest size tire (stock 15 inch bus wheel) that can be used on a flat lip wheel well bus?

I have some 225/70 15 tires that I'd like to use, but suspect they may be a little wide.

You have the tires, you have some wheels, and you have a bus? Throw a couple on there and report back to us. I may have to do just that. I know a 215/75-15 will fit (barely), but the 225/75-15 is 0.4 inches wider, so it's gonna be close.

Mon Jun 24, 2024 6:26 pm

Stocknazi wrote: ...but the 225/75-15 is 0.4 inches wider, so it's gonna be close.

Stocknazi wrote: I have some 225/70 15 tires...

Is the "70" a misprint or is the "75"?

Fri Jun 28, 2024 4:51 am

stock suspension
grabbers 27x8.5x14

Sun Sep 22, 2024 3:52 pm

Been waiting for my Grabber ATX 205 75 15’s for 2 months. Apparently a nationwide back order situation with no ship date in sight. Looking at other options now.

Primary contender is the BFG AT KO2, but closest size is a 215 75 15. Bus is currently running some very old Kumhos in that 215 75 15 size and they fit well with no rubbing or fitment issues. Should be safe to assume the BFG in the same size should fit the same, yes?

Bus is a stock height 1960 Kombi running stock 15” wheels with a small nut trans/RGB’s.

Anyone out there running these BFGs on an early Bus/small nut?

Thanks!

Wed Oct 09, 2024 7:00 pm

Closing the loop for archival purposes.

The BF Goodrich T/A KO2’s in 215 75 15 wii indeed fit on a 1960 Kombi with a stock small nut tranny/RGB’s.

Excellent ride with remarkable improvement over the old Kum Ho’s (same size) that I replaced.

Wed Oct 09, 2024 7:04 pm

Curious, what was improved over the Kum Ho's? Noise, handling, tread wear, traction, all of the above?

Wed Oct 09, 2024 7:25 pm

cdennisg wrote: Curious, what was improved over the Kum Ho's? Noise, handling, tread wear, traction, all of the above?

Kum Ho’s were old and run out, and not LT rated. Only driven these new BFG’s for a short drive, but handling feels much more sure footed. No noticeable increase in noise, but my Kombi is an empty tin can right now, so quite noisy in its own right.

Time will tell ref tread wear and traction. Wanted a tire that I would be confident in taking on dispersed camping trips. Initial impression is that these should fit the bill very nicely.

Wed Oct 09, 2024 11:22 pm

Those really look great!

Thu Oct 10, 2024 6:15 am

Im happy with the bfgs

they look great on your rig!

Fri Nov 29, 2024 8:37 pm

205 75 15 AT2 Grabbers on my '58, good fit, tough enough, on/off road, quiet, nice ride, 4ply on stock rims. Getting hard to find. Next set going to 215 75 15 KO2's ,a bit taller, but a 6ply rating, more meat for overlanding.

Fri Nov 29, 2024 9:49 pm

Wow, that's a beautiful bus.

Sat Nov 30, 2024 6:45 pm

Been running General Grabber's 205 75 15's for years, no complaints. Next tire change will be BFG KO2'S 215 75 15's for a stronger sidewall and 6ply rating. Price difference is closer now when KO2'S are on sale, so stepping up. Thanks, Fish, glad you like the HiBearN8R

Sat Nov 30, 2024 7:21 pm

Does anyone know the widest 14" tire that will fit in a rear spare tire well on a walk-thru bus? I'm planning on converting to 195/75/14's, but wondering if I need to go to a 185 for the spare.

Sun Dec 01, 2024 12:03 am

Buskraut wrote: Does anyone know the widest 14" tire that will fit in a rear spare tire well on a walk-thru bus? I'm planning on converting to 195/75/14’s, but wondering if I need to go to a 185 for the spare.

I just use the stock bug size tire on a stock bus rim. It’s definitely not matchy matchy but it fits, it’s a lot cheaper and how often do you use the spare anyway. I believe the 195 size stated above would fit as that’s a stock(ish) bug sized tire.

Sun Dec 01, 2024 10:28 am

Malokin Martin wrote: Buskraut wrote: Does anyone know the widest 14" tire that will fit in a rear spare tire well on a walk-thru bus? I'm planning on converting to 195/75/14’s, but wondering if I need to go to a 185 for the spare.

I just use the stock bug size tire on a stock bus rim. It’s definitely not matchy matchy but it fits, it’s a lot cheaper and how often do you use the spare anyway. I believe the 195 size stated above would fit as that’s a stock(ish) bug sized tire.

Also, if the slightly larger than stock size spare just barely down't fit, deflate and carry some kind of small compressor on board.

Mon Dec 02, 2024 11:21 pm

Thanks for the feedback. Unless I hear otherwise, I'll get 4 195's mounted once my wheels are painted (Huge PITA... had to strip chrome from chrome-crazy PO, first by dipping which was semi-effective, then sandblasting, hammering on new hubcap clips, spraying with self-etching primer, then semi-gloss black, sealing joints to prevent rust in the cracks, then L82 silver white/clear coat... almost done!).

Based on the amount of spare tire well clearance I'll decide what size tire to use on the 5th wheel. Will report back...

Tue Dec 03, 2024 12:10 am

I have 15" wheels, and I have a 195/80/R15 in the rear spare tire well of my 64 walk through bus. Theoretical all 195s should have the same width, so your 195 R14 should fit in too.