TheSamba.com :: View topic - Tire replacement question

Sat Aug 09, 2008 4:12 pm

Finally was able to order a set of Agilis' yesterday, as they are again available.
This is in the 205/65/15 flavor.

Sat Nov 29, 2008 6:32 pm

Randy in Maine wrote:

I own a set of the GoWesty 15"x7" wheels and I am installing this set of re-enforced sidewall Vredesteins 205/65/15 for the Bus Depot @$120 each. Load index of 102/100R.

http://www.busdepot.com/details.jsp?partnumber=COMTRAC15

Choose wisely.

Any updates on the Vredesteins? I'd like to know how they worked out. I'm thinking about purchasing them to replace my cracked Michelin Hydroedges.

Wed Jun 03, 2009 9:18 pm

Regarding all the information on offset, wheel size upgrades and the rolling rubber's relation to the rest of the beast; here is a really neat program offered online by rims-n-tires.com. Hope this link appears for the "wheel calculator" otherwise at the bottom of their webpage, all the way to the right.
The best part of this calculator is the adjustment for exact rim size used for each tire size, showing true back space to hub inside and overall tracking dimesnions.

http://www.rims-n-tires.com/rt_specs.jsp

Keep the rubber side down,

Kel

Wed Jun 03, 2009 9:49 pm

Jamos wrote:

Hmmm,

so has anyone done this successfully?
run a 205/65/15 tire on a 7" wide wheel?

I just bought new 205 Nokians and installed them on a 7.5" wide MBZ wheel. While not my first choice in size, they work and handle very well.
Nokians are nice. Spendy, but worth it. Maybe overkill for Ca though.

Wed Jun 03, 2009 10:16 pm

Purchased Nokian WR-g2 205/65/15 99 H XL and installed on 7" Rheins with new stems, balanced with back-side weights, disposal fee, NY tax and a hand shake for $129.95 each. A week ago another Dealer commented after checking availability that there were 1500 of this model size in the NE US region.

Road Hazard/ Lifetime flat repair/ ext warranty was offered for $13.50 each.

I don't consider that too pricey in today's tire world. The shop is a Family business, not the largest locally. Online cost was $25 higher each, delivered UPS. Make a local call and find out, but keep in mind that quality tires are the single most effective safety item you can afford. If this set lasts four years, the cost is approximately $10 per month.

Regards,
Kel

Thu Jun 04, 2009 6:30 am

I've been running the 215/75-15 BFG All-Terrains on my 2wd Westy, and I'll agree with some of the early posts here pointing out the discrepancy with speedometer issues, as well as some power loss on hills.

I'm considering going to a 215/65-15 possible the Vredesteins sold by bus Depot. I've seen a couple of posts on here saying they were going to buy these, anyone already had them for a while that can give us a review?

Anyone want to buy a set of All-Terrains with 90% tread left?? :lol: :lol: I may sell with the current wheels I'm rolling on.

I 'm also considering getting the Mercedes knock-offs from Discount Tires, just for a new look, which model is it? Anyone have the link handy?

Thu Jun 04, 2009 6:46 am

I have those Vredesteins on my bus and they are a huge improvement over the Michelin "car tires" that came with my GoWesty wheels. I have about 4,000 miles on some pretty good windy roads up in Cape breton and Prince Endward Island.

I don't recall right off how mucyh pressure they will go to but I would guess it is at least 50 psi.

I run about 30 up front, 44 in the rear just like VW told me to and they work great.

Thu Jun 04, 2009 7:52 am

The Vredsteins were a great decision for us as well. They are a much smoother ride, better in the snow and (hopefully) have a better lifespan than the Michelins... I definitely recommend them.