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CessnaJon
Samba Member
Joined: August 15, 2008
Posts: 677
Location: Senoia,GA
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 Posted: Mon Mar 09, 2020 5:53 pm Post subject: Re: 14" Tire Options |
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I just installed a set of Hankooks to replace my beloved BFG A/t. It’s a great tire for a Vanagon- stable, quiet, and ample load range. But, they are lame looking, and perform horribly in wet grass. Man I sure miss those 14” BFGs.
I would pay a ridiculous amount of money for a new set of BFG ATs, or better yet a set AT K02s.
_________________
1973 Westy (shared birthday)
1990 Westy Multivan
2015 Passat TDI 6sp
2015 Sportwagon TDI 6sp
LR-JET, Gulfstream 159 |
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me4ou
Samba Member
Joined: April 29, 2018
Posts: 39
Location: Europe, Bulgaria
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| Posted: Sun Mar 15, 2020 4:15 pm Post subject: Re: 14" Tire Options |
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Hello, guys,
I am looking for an All Season tire for my stock 14" wheels. Something slightly more aggressive than a normal road tire, that has a bit more bite for light offroading and snow, but not a full blown spiky A/T.
Can you recommend something? |
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MuzzcoVW
Samba Member
Joined: February 21, 2018
Posts: 1462
Location: Westfield, MA.
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| Posted: Mon Mar 16, 2020 4:17 am Post subject: Re: 14" Tire Options |
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| B.O.B.Wanders wrote: |
I recently went to 15" rims and BFG KO2's but still wanted to keep a spare in the clamshell. I had done a gentle mod by removing the rod and adding a spacer in front to squeeze a 14" BFG in there. I wanted to see what I could do to narrow the size difference (25.5" KO to 27.9" KO2) but still use what I have without further modification or moving a spare to the rear ($$$).
I had put a set of the C-rated 27x8.5R14 Starfire SF510 LT's on my old Ford Ranger not long ago and thought with the slightly taller profile one of those might work out. Seems like a good solid tire.
So I put one on the old spare rim and it does just fit without rubbing the steering shaft etc.
I'm not getting into the load rating debate, but If I didn't have a full Westy, I would definitely consider the (Cooper) Starfires. The specs are identical to the General Grabber AT/X. If you are comfortable with the Grabbers for your van, you should consider these as an option as well. They are running around $100 apiece but I've seen them lower. [Caution: Cooper says 6"minimum rim width and OEM steel rims are 5.5". I'm OK with that - your mileage may vary]
The old BFG KO vs. KO2 for comparison
BFG KO2 vs Starfire SF510
On the van. Mounted to confirm fit and check the ride. I didn't notice any problem with tracking or issues with rubbing, although it is close to the UCA. I wouldn't want to leave it on for too long since there is still a noticeable size difference, but I'm comfortable with it for emergency use. I probably could've just gone with the old spare BFG and been fine for emergencies, but I really wanted to try this tire. (Yes, I'm carrying the OEM lug nuts and bolts)
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Are those the South Africa 15 inch rims you used? Also, what size Bfg? I'm considering going 15 or 16 inch myself. Do you have them installed yet? |
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me4ou
Samba Member
Joined: April 29, 2018
Posts: 39
Location: Europe, Bulgaria
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| Posted: Mon Mar 16, 2020 11:10 am Post subject: Re: 14" Tire Options |
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| Yeah, I saw those, but unfortunately I couldn't find them in my area (Eastern Europe) |
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VWeGoBeachNow
Samba Member
Joined: May 12, 2010
Posts: 197
Location: CRUISING DOWN PCH IN THE OC
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| Posted: Thu Mar 19, 2020 8:34 pm Post subject: Re: 14" Tire Options |
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Walmart is selling the STARFIRE SF-510 27X8.50R14LT 95Q Tire for 65.99 plus free shipping. 7 qty left!
_________________
88 Wolfsburg Limited Edition Vanagon GL Tin Top
Vesuve Grey underneath cheapo Vesuve Grey paint job
2.1 L
4spd |
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renaissanceman132
Samba Member
Joined: June 20, 2012
Posts: 6
Location: San Luis Obispo, CA
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| Posted: Sat Mar 21, 2020 6:59 am Post subject: Re: 14" Tire Options |
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Hey guys, I did a lot of research when I was looking for a 14" tire set for my 82 air-cooled. I didn't see anywhere on the forum mentioning some commercial tires that I found that work really well. If you're wanting a good all-season tire with a good high profile and not kill your gas milage, look at some of the commercial tire options. A lot of the tires discussed in this thread over the years are discontinued or no longer available.
I just got my full set of Otani MK1000's installed; 195R14C (also available in 185R14C if you choose). 8 ply, load range D, and very quiet on the road. Won't break the bank!
(Yes I did just get my rims powder coated  )
Some other commercial tires of these same sizes available through the interwebs include: Thunderer Rangers R101, and Duraturn Travia Van |
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jttosh
Samba Member
Joined: May 16, 2004
Posts: 451
Location: Cuyahoga Falls,Ohio
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| Posted: Sun May 10, 2020 5:52 pm Post subject: Re: 14" Tire Options |
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Are they making the General Grabber at2 anymore? Is that know the ATX ?
If I put the 14inch Grabbers on the Alloy rims will there be any rubbing?
Thanks
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"listening for the secret,searching for the sound" |
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jttosh
Samba Member
Joined: May 16, 2004
Posts: 451
Location: Cuyahoga Falls,Ohio
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| Posted: Mon May 11, 2020 5:23 am Post subject: Re: 14" Tire Options |
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Anyone know if they changed the at2 to the ATX? Do they make the at2 anymore? Also will these rub on alloys. ?
| jttosh wrote: |
Are they making the General Grabber at2 anymore? Is that know the ATX ?
If I put the 14inch Grabbers on the Alloy rims will there be any rubbing?
Thanks
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"listening for the secret,searching for the sound" |
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dhaavers
Samba Member
Joined: March 19, 2010
Posts: 7756
Location: NE MN (tinyurl.com/dhaaverslocation)
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| Posted: Mon May 11, 2020 5:33 am Post subject: Re: 14" Tire Options |
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Yep, AT2 discontinued, replaced by similar ATX.
*** Note to Kamz: tire sticky/PDF needs updating on this point ***
Should be OK on the (slightly wider) alloys, although my experience is with AT2's on steelies.
- Dave
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86 White Wolfsburg Westy Weekender
"The WonderVan"
<EDITED TO PROTECT INNOCENT PIXELS> |
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jttosh
Samba Member
Joined: May 16, 2004
Posts: 451
Location: Cuyahoga Falls,Ohio
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| Posted: Mon May 11, 2020 5:45 am Post subject: Re: 14" Tire Options |
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Thanks Dave!
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"listening for the secret,searching for the sound" |
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jttosh
Samba Member
Joined: May 16, 2004
Posts: 451
Location: Cuyahoga Falls,Ohio
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| Posted: Mon May 11, 2020 9:42 am Post subject: Re: 14" Tire Options |
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I am putting 14 inch alloys on with the General Grabbers, I have steel rims on now. Can I use the same lug nuts from the steel for alloys?
Pictured is what I have on now.
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"listening for the secret,searching for the sound" |
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dhaavers
Samba Member
Joined: March 19, 2010
Posts: 7756
Location: NE MN (tinyurl.com/dhaaverslocation)
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| Posted: Mon May 11, 2020 10:39 am Post subject: Re: 14" Tire Options |
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^^^ Definitely different hardware, although I'll let a real guru speak to that.
Or...check out the "What Wheels...???" sticky... 
- Dave
_________________
86 White Wolfsburg Westy Weekender
"The WonderVan"
<EDITED TO PROTECT INNOCENT PIXELS> |
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campism
Samba Member
Joined: September 07, 2007
Posts: 4491
Location: Richmond VA
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| Posted: Tue May 12, 2020 4:40 am Post subject: Re: 14" Tire Options |
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| jttosh wrote: |
I am putting 14 inch alloys on with the General Grabbers, I have steel rims on now. Can I use the same lug nuts from the steel for alloys?
Pictured is what I have on now.
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Standard steelie round seat versus conical seat for alloy wheel.
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'87 Westy in Wolfram Grey Metallic |
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Westy Tweakin
Samba Member
Joined: August 31, 2016
Posts: 2
Location: Knoxville, TN
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| Posted: Wed Nov 11, 2020 6:31 pm Post subject: Re: 14" Tire Options |
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| renaissanceman132 wrote: |
Hey guys, I did a lot of research when I was looking for a 14" tire set for my 82 air-cooled. I didn't see anywhere on the forum mentioning some commercial tires that I found that work really well. If you're wanting a good all-season tire with a good high profile and not kill your gas milage, look at some of the commercial tire options. A lot of the tires discussed in this thread over the years are discontinued or no longer available.
I just got my full set of Otani MK1000's installed; 195R14C (also available in 185R14C if you choose). 8 ply, load range D, and very quiet on the road. Won't break the bank!
(Yes I did just get my rims powder coated )
*** Trying to figure out how to reply to this quote but it is late LOL*****I saw your post and decided to look them up. I picked up 5 after looking around and comparing my options. (I Like the way your wheels look!). I got $505 in everything. $425 for the 5 delivered. Found a local tire shop to mount, balanced, new stems and disposal of the old tires for $80 dollars. Just put about 30 miles on them so far but the feel good and are quiet.
Some other commercial tires of these same sizes available through the interwebs include: Thunderer Rangers R101, and Duraturn Travia Van |
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deadaheadub
Samba Member
Joined: April 18, 2004
Posts: 787
Location: New Mexico
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| Posted: Sat Nov 21, 2020 1:49 pm Post subject: Re: 14" Tire Options |
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Looking for experiences with a couple tires I'm considering. I've read volumes of posts on tires here on The Samba, and still have some questions. Tire specs confuse me, sorry I'm so unsophisticated in these matters. Still learning, so I turn to the information masters here.
I've an 84 Westy poptop, so it's pretty heavy. It has passenger tires on now from the PO under the correct load rating so I want to replace before they give me trouble.
What keeps coming up in my searches locally and online are the Yokohama Y356 ($106) and the Hankook Vantra LT ($110).
I want tires that handle well on the highway, where they'll be most of the time driving to camping spots, but are decent handling in dirt, mud, probably some snow or ice at times (but much less). I have 14" stock rims, and I don't really want to lose power going up hills by radically changing the tire diameter or its handling either by making them much wider. Though a little wider looking would be nice over the look of skinny tires on this big vehicle- but it's not the most critical detail.
General Grabbers are also in the consideration. Are appropriate Vredesteins still available? Which?
Also wondering how moving to a 195 instead of the 185s would alter the driving experience. Taller tires slow your climbing speeds, but will moving up to 195s or 205s cause a noticeable power loss?
My question is for people with experience and/or knowledge of the qualities of these tires in terms of handling on highways as well as in dirt and mud, their ride on the highway including road noise, dealing with some ice or snow, etc.
Any advice you can impart would be greatly appreciated.
Other available suggestions of tires for my applications would also be welcome.
thank you |
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CessnaJon
Samba Member
Joined: August 15, 2008
Posts: 677
Location: Senoia,GA
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| Posted: Sat Nov 21, 2020 7:22 pm Post subject: Re: 14" Tire Options |
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I have the Hankook Vantras on my 90 Westy now. They are quiet and handle well on the road. They have terrible traction off of the pavement, and in my opinion, look really lame.
They had a tough act to follow, as I had the BFG 195/75/14 AT installed for the previous 10 years/60k miles . I would pay a ridiculous amount of money to have a new set again.
YMMV.
_________________
1973 Westy (shared birthday)
1990 Westy Multivan
2015 Passat TDI 6sp
2015 Sportwagon TDI 6sp
LR-JET, Gulfstream 159 |
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dhaavers
Samba Member
Joined: March 19, 2010
Posts: 7756
Location: NE MN (tinyurl.com/dhaaverslocation)
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| Posted: Sat Nov 21, 2020 7:55 pm Post subject: Re: 14" Tire Options |
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FWIW: I ran Hankook RA-08's for about 8 years (predecessor of the RA-18 Vantra)...which were affordable & sturdy,
great on the highway & fine on gravel, although worthless on snow, mud or even wet grass...   
They also had a definite "pizza-cutter" look on the van; less than inspiring for appearance & "attitude"... 
I've since gone to General Grabber AT2's (now replaced by ATX) before my first Utah trip and have been very
impressed by the upgrade...very capable in all conditions, dry <or> wet rocks, snow, mud, etc... A definite
night and day difference, & I'll never go back to Hankooks...
Likewise, YMMV. So, where do you want to take your van...??? <shrug> 
- Dave
_________________
86 White Wolfsburg Westy Weekender
"The WonderVan"
<EDITED TO PROTECT INNOCENT PIXELS> |
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deadaheadub
Samba Member
Joined: April 18, 2004
Posts: 787
Location: New Mexico
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| Posted: Sat Nov 21, 2020 8:42 pm Post subject: Re: 14" Tire Options |
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| Thanks for your input, CessnaJon, it's very helpful. |
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deadaheadub
Samba Member
Joined: April 18, 2004
Posts: 787
Location: New Mexico
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| Posted: Sat Nov 21, 2020 8:52 pm Post subject: Re: 14" Tire Options |
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| dhaavers wrote: |
FWIW: I ran Hankook RA-08's for about 8 years (predecessor of the RA-18 Vantra)...which were affordable & sturdy,
great on the highway & fine on gravel, although worthless on snow, mud or even wet grass...
They also had a definite "pizza-cutter" look on the van; less than inspiring for appearance & "attitude"...
I've since gone to General Grabber AT2's (now replaced by ATX) before my first Utah trip and have been very
impressed by the upgrade...very capable in all conditions, dry <or> wet rocks, snow, mud, etc... A definite
night and day difference, & I'll never go back to Hankooks...
Likewise, YMMV. So, where do you want to take your van...??? <shrug>
- Dave |
Thanks, Dave. Very helpful.
I will put most miles on the highway, getting to camping off road in dirt, mud, rocks, occasional snow and ice at times.
What size are yours? Larger or wider than the 185s? 195s, 205s? If so, did you notice much difference in handling in wind, cornering, diminished power up grades with the larger diameter tires?
Thank you. |
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dhaavers
Samba Member
Joined: March 19, 2010
Posts: 7756
Location: NE MN (tinyurl.com/dhaaverslocation)
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| Posted: Sat Nov 21, 2020 10:46 pm Post subject: Re: 14" Tire Options |
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The Grabber AT2's are 27x8.5R14 LT...quite a bit wider than 195's & about 10% taller than stock.
With a 95 load rating I'm not sure I'd run them on a "full kitchen" Westy camper, but even fully loaded
my Weekender runs about 800# lighter than a full Westy so I went with the recommendation and I've
been very happy with them. I definitely feel the difference in getting out on the highway but the rpm's
once up to speed put it right in the WBX sweet spot. Real hills/mountains are not much different than
stock, maybe just gotta downshift a little earlier & the WBX does the rest.
Yes, sidewalls are a bit softer than the Hankooks so they offer a bit of "give" but once they set in
on a corner they're like riding on rails the rest of the way. Long story short, I like 'em a lot...
FWIW... (Sorry, not really an action shot, but you can see the tires & Milt's has a very good burger...  )
- Dave
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"The WonderVan"
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