TheSamba.com :: View topic - Anyone using Yokohama Geolandar a/t s 215 65 16?

Thu May 05, 2011 5:54 pm

shizzon wrote:

1. How many miles have you put on them?

2. How is the road noise (compared to whatever other tires you have experience with on the van)?

3. Do you feel the "light off-road" performance is significantly enhanced over more highway-oriented tires?

4. Have you noticed a hit in fuel economy relative to other tires?

1. About 20K.

2. A little quieter than the BFGs they replaced, a bit noisier than a highway tread. Not really an issue.

3. Haven't run a highway tire in a while, but they will handle inclement weather very well. Certainly not a snow tire, but even handles light slush alright.

4. Difficult to say since I went up a bit in tire size.

Thu May 05, 2011 7:22 pm

shizzon wrote: Thanks everyone for your replies!

For those who have the geolander (of any size), can you answer the following?

1. How many miles have you put on them?

2. How is the road noise (compared to whatever other tires you have experience with on the van)?

3. Do you feel the "light off-road" performance is significantly enhanced over more highway-oriented tires?

4. Have you noticed a hit in fuel economy relative to other tires?

thanks!
Sean

Nothing really new or exciting to add...

1. not exactly sure, probably 10-12k. I thought I knew but I don't.
2. road noise not an issue....quiet IMHO.
3. nice improvement offroad.
4. No, though I haven't tracked too closely.

I would buy them again. sturdy so far and look kind of tough.

Tue May 10, 2011 8:59 am

Hey all,
first post on the forum, just got a 2wd weekender. Wanted bigger tires, but with some off road capability, but didn't want to deal with the lift kit. Was psyched to find the Yokohama Geolanders 215/60/16R. I know I will lose a little bit on the acceleration, with the present 2.1 liter engine, but I don't think it will be that pronounced. We shall see. This thread confirmed what I thought, they'll fit! No lift kit needed! I've only owned my van for a month, and I've learned more about tires in that month than in my whole life...and I'm coming up on 45! I'll chime in once I get these things on and tested out. Maybe even post my first pics here on the Samba.
Loving being a part of this crazy community!!! I'm hooked!

Tue May 10, 2011 9:03 am

Do you guys think the 27" tall 215/65/16's are going to be too tall for the underpowered, fully loaded 84 westy 1.9 to handle acceleration wise? I am pretty certain they will not have issues with rubbing

Tue May 10, 2011 9:56 am

correction, I am on the 215/60R16.
And Blake, per your question above... they did slow the van down off the line a bit. Even taller with smaller engine might feel pretty sluggish. Highway cruising however would be improved.

Tue May 10, 2011 10:00 am

Steelhead wrote: correction, I am on the 215/60R16.
And Blake, per your question above... they did slow the van down off the line a bit. Even taller with smaller engine might feel pretty sluggish. Highway cruising however would be improved.

That is kind of what I am thinking... I just wonder if I can live with the slow acceleration in town or not.

Didn't I see some pictures of your van and tires posted somewhere ?

Tue May 10, 2011 10:34 am

sirsurf wrote: Hey all,
first post on the forum, just got a 2wd weekender. Wanted bigger tires, but with some off road capability, but didn't want to deal with the lift kit. Was psyched to find the Yokohama Geolanders 215/60/16R. I know I will lose a little bit on the acceleration, with the present 2.1 liter engine, but I don't think it will be that pronounced. We shall see. This thread confirmed what I thought, they'll fit! No lift kit needed! I've only owned my van for a month, and I've learned more about tires in that month than in my whole life...and I'm coming up on 45! I'll chime in once I get these things on and tested out. Maybe even post my first pics here on the Samba.
Loving being a part of this crazy community!!! I'm hooked!
Welcome aboard!

I am going to use my original reinforced 14s for my first test miles with my EJ22. Then I will test with 215/60-16. I drove 27 inch with an EJ22 in a regular van most recently and it did go but that was the max. It would not really get up a big head of steam. Maxed.

I drove my 2.1 in the Multivan with the stock tires for a while. It pulled fine. But, as other threads, do not go up to 10% over. Too much for the times you will really need it.

YMMV, though, as what is OK for some may or may not be for others for lots of different reasons.

Do NOT go overboard, you will regret it.

Tue May 10, 2011 1:01 pm

PDXWesty wrote: A buddy of mine has them on his van. They're excellent tires.

Do you know what size your friends are? I am thinking the 215/60/16's might look a little funny mounted on some deeper steel wheels. I feel like they need more side wall to look good.

This pic is from another thread and is said to be 215/60/16... anyone else have pics of the 215/65/16 or 215/60/16?

Tue May 10, 2011 1:07 pm

Just got my new yokohama geolandars put on today. they are 215/65 16, on 16 x 7.5 wheels with ET23. They look great, and the ride is unbelievable! they have totally transformed the way the van feels!

:lol: [/img]

Tue May 10, 2011 1:50 pm

shizzon wrote: Just got my new yokohama geolandars put on today. they are 215/65 16, on 16 x 7.5 wheels with ET23. They look great, and the ride is unbelievable! they have totally transformed the way the van feels!

:lol: [/img]

from that distance the 65 and 60 side walls look pretty much the same

Tue May 10, 2011 2:31 pm

looks great! I was looking at the 60, but no size issues with the 65 either?

Tue May 10, 2011 2:36 pm

sirsurf wrote: looks great! I was looking at the 60, but no size issues with the 65 either?

The only reason I am torn between 60 and 65 is that I think the 65 will look better, but slower acceleration and makes the van work harder. Also one person mentioned that it may rub in the front when the van is loaded. The 65 would be 27" tall and I have heard that should be ok for rubbing, but now I am not certain.

Tue May 10, 2011 3:44 pm

No rubbing as of yet. Of course, I've only put about 5 miles on it! ;)

The tire source, where I got them, drove around the lot with the wheel in full lock, and didn't have any rubbing issues. Theoretically, things could be different when loaded or at high speeds on tight corners with bumps, I suppose.

I'll try to remember to report back later, but I don't think it should be an issue.

Tue May 10, 2011 4:00 pm

The point where someone might get rubbing is when turning and simultaneously hitting a dip or bump, like going into a driveway fast.

For my van, running 27.5", I rubbed under these conditions when my van only had 15 1/4" from the hub center to lip.

Whether or not you rub will depend on how tall your van sits.

Tue May 10, 2011 4:14 pm

shizzon wrote: No rubbing as of yet. Of course, I've only put about 5 miles on it! ;)

The tire source, where I got them, drove around the lot with the wheel in full lock, and didn't have any rubbing issues. Theoretically, things could be different when loaded or at high speeds on tight corners with bumps, I suppose.

I'll try to remember to report back later, but I don't think it should be an issue.

Have any closer up pics?

Tue May 10, 2011 6:32 pm

Here ya go buddy. I'm running 215/60R16s and I love them. Great for rough/dirt roads and handled the snow we had this year beautifully. I believe this size is the closest to stock as they come, someone correct me if I'm wrong. "Performance" suffered very little with my aircooled Vanagon.

Wed May 11, 2011 6:42 am

Thanks for those nice pics Kerstan, I'm pulling the trigger and going for the 60's. Don't want to work my engine anymore than necessary. If at some point down the road I upgrade engine, I'll consider bigger tires, but for now I think the 60's look pretty damn good. Thanks to all for the helpful info.

Wed May 11, 2011 6:49 am

yep, thanks Kerstan. Those pictures also helped make up my mind. I ordered the 60 series last night. $430 shipped for the set.

Another thing that made up my mine is with the 27" tires I would be withint 1.5" of hitting my garage door when pulling in.

Wed May 18, 2011 11:52 am

got my geolander 215/60/16 installed today with gowesty rims...looks sweeeeet, but even better than that the ride is remarkably different. Feels smoother and so much more stable especially on when cornering. I've only driven about 10 miles, but am already convinced it was worth the upgrade.
Tried to post a pic here, but not sure what I'm doing wrong, no success. However I did post one up in gallery photos under geolander, if you want to check it out!
Now I def gotta figure out how to mount these stock mudflaps I've got with no hardware?? I'll let you know how that works out!

Wed May 18, 2011 12:40 pm

I was just thinking I should go and pay for my tires in the 215/60-16 size also.

How is it pulling away from stops?

How is it on the freeway and going up hills?

Especially hills in 4th?