| Author |
Message |
Jamos
Samba Member
Joined: July 08, 2005
Posts: 766
Location: Lake Tahoe, CA
|
 Posted: Wed Jun 04, 2008 9:18 pm Post subject: Tire replacement question - GoWesty 15" Alloys |
 |
|
Sorry to breach another tire thread...but I honestly couldn't find the info I was looking for.
I have a set of the 15 x 7 GoWesty alloys with the Michelin Hydroedge 215/65-15 tires. The Michelins only have about 50k on them, but have gotten cracked from sitting in the sun without any treatment...they still seem fine, but I am starting to look for possible replacement tires.
Vanagon is an '86 Weekender.
Looking for a tire with the current size (or close)
95% of the time I'll be driving on pavement, driving in snow is doubtful, and I'd like it to relatively quiet.
I was thinking about the Michelin Agilis, but tirerack.com only shows a 205/65-15...and says the rim size can be 5.5"-6.5"...so I guess that one is out.
I thought the BFG TA/KO made a tire that would fit, but I'm not sure what the right size would be.
Any other suggestions?
Nokian, Hankook?
thanks all...if this has been covered already, I'd appreciate a link.
_________________
'86 Wolfy Westy Weekender
2020 Audi Q5 |
|
| Back to top |
|
 |
Christopher Schimke
Samba Member
Joined: August 03, 2005
Posts: 5524
Location: PNW
|
| Posted: Wed Jun 04, 2008 9:43 pm Post subject: Re: Tire replacement question - GoWesty 15" Alloys |
|
|
| Jamos wrote: |
I was thinking about the Michelin Agilis, but tirerack.com only shows a 205/65-15...and says the rim size can be 5.5"-6.5"...so I guess that one is out. |
That size range is just recommendation, it is not a firm "must comply" type thing. You can most certainly run a 205/65/15 on a 7" wheel with no problems whatsoever. Mercedes CLK320s (and others of course) came with 205s on a 7" wheel from the factory.
_________________
"Sometimes you have to build a box to think outside of." - Bruce (not Springsteen)
*Custom wheel hardware for Audi/VW, Porsche and Mercedes wheels - Urethane Suspension Bushings*
T3Technique.com or contact me at [email protected] |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Rodknock
Samba Member
Joined: April 06, 2006
Posts: 516
Location: Boulder CO
|
| Posted: Thu Jun 05, 2008 7:06 am Post subject: |
|
|
| I did a long search for tires that would fit 7" wide 15" wheels, and if you go strictly by the published specs, the choices are few. Vredestien (sp?) is probably your best bet for a summer tire spec'd for a 7" wide wheel. I chose to not use the GoWesty 15" wheels for this reason (slim tire selection per spec) and for the offset being a bit low. Using tires spec'd for a narrower rim is one of those gray areas, and as noted even auto manufacturers violate the specs. I don't know how big an issue this is, but I found that 15" Wheels that are 6.5" wide offer the best (at spec) tire selection. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Randy in Maine
Samba Member
Joined: August 03, 2003
Posts: 34890
Location: The Beach
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Jon_slider
Samba Member
Joined: April 11, 2007
Posts: 5091
Location: Santa Cruz, Crowdifornia
|
| Posted: Thu Jun 05, 2008 7:54 am Post subject: |
|
|
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/Spec.jsp?make=BFGood...ageLocQty=
BFG AT/KO in 215x75x15
bear in mind this is a much knobbier tire, and if you have been happy on the hydroedge, you will find the BFG louder, has more rolling resistance, and alters your speedometer accuracy more than the hydroedge..
your hydroedges run 72mph @4000rpm, this is 2% taller than stock gearing.. hardly any different from stock..
the BFG will run 78mph @4000rpm... which is 10% taller than stock.. not so good.. that means you will have less hill climbing power in 4th gear on the highway, and will have to shift into 3rd more often..
The BFG is a full 2" larger in diameter than the hydroedge..
I dont think you should use the BFG, although I do on my syncro, cause you are on the highway in a 2wd vehicle, presumably with a stock engine..
and, if you got 50k off the hydroedge.. why not just do it again?
I run Agilis on my 2wd and love them, but as you note, the rim spec is narrower than 7"
I use Nokian on my Subaru, but it drives in snow.. which you dont..
http://www.tirefactory.net/Vatiiva%20specs.htm
the Nokian Vativa in 215x75x15 meets your rim spec, it is 8% taller than stock.. but if you dont need snow performance.. I would not pay the extra price to have Nokian
The tire I recommend to you, because it rolls on the road better than the BFG, is the Michellin LTX MS in 215/75RR15 which has the correct rim spec..
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/Spec.jsp?make=Michelin&model=LTX+M%2FS&tirePageLocQty=
This tire will also cost you performance though, as it is only slightly smaller than the BFG. It will put you at 9% taller than stock gearing..
If you deal with hills at highway speeds, you might be better off staying with the hydroedge.. If you go with the bigger tires, you will spend more time in 3rd gear on hills, which I really hate.. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
a914622
Samba Member
Joined: July 29, 2004
Posts: 911
Location: Westend of HWY2 , Wash
|
| Posted: Thu Jun 05, 2008 8:32 am Post subject: |
|
|
I had the same CRACKING issue with my hydro edge tires on my 80 rabbit/caddy. It was a year and a half into running them i got a nail and had the tire replaced for free under the Michelin road warenty.
Any way I asked about the cracks and was told "If i felt my saftey was at risk the tires would be replaced for NO COST to me." But they have seen a lot fo small cracks that dont afect the tires performance.
So I now have 96k on them and im going to get the same thing. Im also running the 215/60/17 on the vanagon. The 90k warenty and the factory doing what they say sold me on the tires.
Run your vanagon in to a Michelin dealer and ask if the cracks are covered under there road hazzard? You may get new treads/?At 50k you are only a little over half life..
jcl |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Jamos
Samba Member
Joined: July 08, 2005
Posts: 766
Location: Lake Tahoe, CA
|
| Posted: Thu Jun 05, 2008 3:25 pm Post subject: Re: Tire replacement question - GoWesty 15" Alloys |
|
|
| loogy wrote: |
| Jamos wrote: |
I was thinking about the Michelin Agilis, but tirerack.com only shows a 205/65-15...and says the rim size can be 5.5"-6.5"...so I guess that one is out. |
That size range is just recommendation, it is not a firm "must comply" type thing. You can most certainly run a 205/65/15 on a 7" wheel with no problems whatsoever. Mercedes CLK320s (and others of course) came with 205s on a 7" wheel from the factory. |
Hmmm,
so has anyone done this successfully?
run a 205/65/15 tire on a 7" wide wheel?
I'd love to go with the Agilis if possible.
Although I like the idea about bringing the tires over a to a Michelin dealer to check out...though I have no proof that they've only been driven 50k...all I have is the PO's dated receipt from GoWesty when he bought them.
The Hydroedge tires on these wheels really feel fantastic. I've been running them at the max 44psi with no issues. But just knowing they are starting to crack, running them at max psi makes me a bit nervous.
a side question:
I only have a 14" 185R14 steel wheel/tire as my spare. Should I need to use it, can I use the lugs/studs from the alloys with no problem? Or should I be looking for a set of stock wheel studs/nuts?
I would only use it to get me home, if need be.
_________________
'86 Wolfy Westy Weekender
2020 Audi Q5 |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Christopher Schimke
Samba Member
Joined: August 03, 2005
Posts: 5524
Location: PNW
|
| Posted: Thu Jun 05, 2008 4:03 pm Post subject: Re: Tire replacement question - GoWesty 15" Alloys |
|
|
| Jamos wrote: |
so has anyone done this successfully?
run a 205/65/15 tire on a 7" wide wheel? |
I can't say for sure that I have ever run that exact combination, but I can tell you that I have run tires on wheels that are so far out from the manufactureers specs that it would make your head spin. Never had any issues.....ever!
| Jamos wrote: |
a side question:
I only have a 14" 185R14 steel wheel/tire as my spare. Should I need to use it, can I use the lugs/studs from the alloys with no problem? Or should I be looking for a set of stock wheel studs/nuts?
I would only use it to get me home, if need be. |
The lugs for your GoWesty wheels will not work properly on your steel spare. You will definately want to carry a set of stock steel wheel lug nuts and bolts.
_________________
"Sometimes you have to build a box to think outside of." - Bruce (not Springsteen)
*Custom wheel hardware for Audi/VW, Porsche and Mercedes wheels - Urethane Suspension Bushings*
T3Technique.com or contact me at [email protected] |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Jamos
Samba Member
Joined: July 08, 2005
Posts: 766
Location: Lake Tahoe, CA
|
| Posted: Sat Jun 07, 2008 2:47 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Just a quick update...
Apparently the "official" word from GoWesty is that they don't recommend using any tire on their wheels besides the Hydroedge.
I'm not sure how I feel about that...
I mean, I like them, but I also like to have options.
_________________
'86 Wolfy Westy Weekender
2020 Audi Q5 |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Petervw
Samba Member
Joined: July 04, 2005
Posts: 1020
Location: Sarnia Ont. Canada
|
| Posted: Sat Jun 07, 2008 3:23 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| some of the "bridgestone" 205/65/15 tires are running up to 7.5" wide rims |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Christopher Schimke
Samba Member
Joined: August 03, 2005
Posts: 5524
Location: PNW
|
| Posted: Sat Jun 07, 2008 3:50 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| Jamos wrote: |
Just a quick update...
Apparently the "official" word from GoWesty is that they don't recommend using any tire on their wheels besides the Hydroedge.
I'm not sure how I feel about that...
I mean, I like them, but I also like to have options. |
That's complete and utter crap! "Their" wheels aren't even their wheels at all. They are made by AT Italia and are designed for use on Mercedes. You can buy them at Tire Rack and I can guarantee you that a call to Tire Rack will confim the fact that GoWesty is full of it.
| petervw wrote: |
| some of the "bridgestone" 205/65/15 tires are running up to 7.5" wide rims |
So are some Pirellis, Michelins and plenty of other tires.
_________________
"Sometimes you have to build a box to think outside of." - Bruce (not Springsteen)
*Custom wheel hardware for Audi/VW, Porsche and Mercedes wheels - Urethane Suspension Bushings*
T3Technique.com or contact me at [email protected] |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Randy in Maine
Samba Member
Joined: August 03, 2003
Posts: 34890
Location: The Beach
|
| Posted: Sun Jun 08, 2008 4:00 am Post subject: |
|
|
| Jamos wrote: |
Just a quick update...
Apparently the "official" word from GoWesty is that they don't recommend using any tire on their wheels besides the Hydroedge.
I'm not sure how I feel about that...
I mean, I like them, but I also like to have options. |
I am glad it is not me that has to tell Lucus over there at GoWesty but brand new Hydroedges in size 215/65/15 will not pass inpsection in this state due to inadequate load capacity. They are only rated at load index 95 and a total load of 1510 under the SL or standard load rules, they just do not cut it. I don't know if CA requires a safetly inspection or not, bu tthey won't cut it here.
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. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Jamos
Samba Member
Joined: July 08, 2005
Posts: 766
Location: Lake Tahoe, CA
|
| Posted: Sun Jun 08, 2008 9:02 am Post subject: Re: Tire replacement question - GoWesty 15" Alloys |
|
|
| loogy wrote: |
| Jamos wrote: |
a side question:
I only have a 14" 185R14 steel wheel/tire as my spare. Should I need to use it, can I use the lugs/studs from the alloys with no problem? Or should I be looking for a set of stock wheel studs/nuts?
I would only use it to get me home, if need be. |
The lugs for your GoWesty wheels will not work properly on your steel spare. You will definately want to carry a set of stock steel wheel lug nuts and bolts. |
Hey loogy,
So Lucas at gowesty just told me that the lugs and nuts for "their" wheels are designed to be able to work with vanagon steel wheels as well. He said, "the lug nuts and bolts that hold the GoWesty wheels on are compatible with the factory 14” spare too. You can run the spare indefinitely even though it is a different size—no detrimental affects at all."
_________________
'86 Wolfy Westy Weekender
2020 Audi Q5 |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Christopher Schimke
Samba Member
Joined: August 03, 2005
Posts: 5524
Location: PNW
|
| Posted: Sun Jun 08, 2008 11:09 am Post subject: Re: Tire replacement question - GoWesty 15" Alloys |
|
|
| Jamos wrote: |
Hey loogy,
So Lucas at gowesty just told me that the lugs and nuts for "their" wheels are designed to be able to work with vanagon steel wheels as well. He said, "the lug nuts and bolts that hold the GoWesty wheels on are compatible with the factory 14” spare too. You can run the spare indefinitely even though it is a different size—no detrimental affects at all." |
Here again, their lug nuts/bolts are standard off the shelf 60º conical lug nuts from the aftermarket, nothing special.
The standard Vanagon steel wheels are designed for use with large ball seat lugs. Although a conical seat lug will fit into the lug hole, as a fellow Samba member found out, it can be a recipe for dissaster. This member used conical seat lug on a steel wheel designed for ball seats and had a wheel come loose. Okay, so some people over time have gotten away with it, but why take the chance? Isn't it easier the just use the right lugs rather than risk peoples saftey over the minor hassle of carrying an extra set?
I'm sorry to seem so negative over some of GoWesty's claims, but I simply do not agree with many of them. Case in point, Randy's post above.
_________________
"Sometimes you have to build a box to think outside of." - Bruce (not Springsteen)
*Custom wheel hardware for Audi/VW, Porsche and Mercedes wheels - Urethane Suspension Bushings*
T3Technique.com or contact me at [email protected] |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
mortII
Samba Member
Joined: December 27, 2006
Posts: 65
|
| Posted: Sun Jun 08, 2008 4:34 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| speaking of go-westy wheels, currently they don't have center caps available ... anyone know what year and model the replica Mercedes are off of? I was thinking of going directly to Mercedes and getting some center caps. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Christopher Schimke
Samba Member
Joined: August 03, 2005
Posts: 5524
Location: PNW
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Jamos
Samba Member
Joined: July 08, 2005
Posts: 766
Location: Lake Tahoe, CA
|
| Posted: Sun Jun 08, 2008 9:17 pm Post subject: |
|
|
thanks again loogy for the info...
While I take the gowesty info with a grain of salt, it's good to know that the lugs/nuts will work on my steel spare. I'll continue looking for a set of stock lugs/nuts (anyone have a set they'd like to pass on to me???), but at least now I know that it's a useable combo if I need to do it...
We are pondering taking a little trip this week, and this was the one thing that had me concerned...should I get an unexpected flat while out in the wilds somewhere.
again, thanks for the info, it's most appreciated.
_________________
'86 Wolfy Westy Weekender
2020 Audi Q5 |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Jamos
Samba Member
Joined: July 08, 2005
Posts: 766
Location: Lake Tahoe, CA
|
| Posted: Sat Jul 19, 2008 8:18 pm Post subject: |
|
|
So I saw TSR53 post this info over in loogy's new wheel thread, but I didn't want to muck up that thread if possible...
Anyway, these Nokian tires look like an awesome replacement for the GoWesty 15x7 alloys!
Has anyone else run them?
They have a 215/65 15 size that has a 100H load rating.
Here's the info copied from the other thread:
FYI, these new Nokian WRG2's might be the hot ticket for proper load range and replacement for the Continental Vanco 2s, and similar Michelin's. They come in a nice flavor of 15 and 16 sizes too. All season rated, asymmetrical inside-outside tread pattern. They are NOT pure winter tires and run great in the summer. Very, very trick tires. I've got the older style WRs on the Westfalia and for the last four years have run them on my //S6. Now with this new asymmetrical G2 tread, the spare can fit on ANY corner, any direction, schweet. Purchased from Vermont Tire, Williston Road (802) 658-1333.
WRG2 sizes, sizes
http://www.nokiantires.com/en/tire_wrg2.aspx?season=summer
_________________
'86 Wolfy Westy Weekender
2020 Audi Q5 |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
twscott
Samba Member
Joined: April 30, 2008
Posts: 18
Location: Hailey, Idaho
|
| Posted: Sun Jul 20, 2008 5:22 am Post subject: |
|
|
Just put a set of Hankook Z36 215/75R15 all season's on SA wheels to replace the passenger tires from the PO. Been on a week and so far really liking them.
_________________
87 Westy, "Rose" |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
dpdunrite
Samba Member
Joined: November 07, 2007
Posts: 30
Location: Bonney Lake
|
| Posted: Sun Jul 20, 2008 10:58 pm Post subject: tire sel;ection on gowesty wheel |
|
|
I have been running the Nokian Tyres' studless Hakkapeliitta CS Light Truck Commercial tire 205-65-15 on the same wheel that I purchased from small car. I have run about 1000 miles on them so far and have not had any problems. They handle great in all conditions and loaded rated proper.
http://www.nokiantires.com/en/tire_hakkacs.aspx?season=winter
They are relitivly quite and a little more aggresive tread patern than the hydro dege.
Hope the informations helps...
dp
_________________
"Fritz" 88 vanagon westfalia 2.1 wbx
"Frank" 89 Kawsaki Mule 450cc twin
"Tony" 00 B21 Kubota
"Niles" 85 xj6 Jaguar Sauveriegn
"Al" 07 Cheverolet Silverado Z71 LT crewcab
"Soney" 78 18' Sunrunner runabout
"Kelly" Wife
"Kirby" Black Lab
"Bear" Black cat |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
