Switch to 16” tires, I want to keep it simple

[jimf909]

[tjet]

[jimf909]

^^^Ha! I studied the photo for awhile, looked for the tire size, saw the bbq...Wait! That's my house! Those ARE my tires!

So, yes. I'd forgotten I added that photo to the gallery.
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- Jim

[nemobuscaptain]

[tjet]

[bjrogers86auto]

[CelestysWesty]

So after a couple weeks of research and pricing it out, considering everyone’s advice and feedback, and my own needs and budget I ended up going with probably the most standard option:
Hankook Vantra RA18- 19514, 106R 8 ply.
Slightly wider tire and heavier load rating, but basically a standard Vanagon tire that fits, is safe, and satisfies all of my immediate needs.

I came to this decision for a few reasons:
1. I learned through this discussion that my current tires are badly underrated. My desire to switch to 16” quickly got upgraded to an immediate need to change tires to properly rated tires fast.
2. A LOT of people vouch for the Hankooks as a solid option.
3. I live in south Florida and frankly, the van doesn’t do any steep climbs, aggressive driving, or have any real need for tough all season tires. Our roads are pretty good here, so for the moment, this seemed like the way to go.
4. Water, however, was a consideration, and having a narrower tire with all the rain we get seemed like the best option.
5. I like the look of the 16” tires, Bigger rims, and taller stance overall on the van, but new wheels and hardware was easily going to double my budget. And I have plenty of body work in my foreseeable future if I’m concerned about aesthetics.
6. No modifications on the spare tire carrier.
7. At $88 a pop, and free shipping, I couldn’t go wrong on the price.

Thanks to everyone for their generous info sharing. Learned a ton along the way, and have a pretty legit spreadsheet with tire and wheel Preferences for when and if I do eventually decide to switch to a different size....
Then of course, by that time I’m sure half the tires on my list will already be discontinued and I’ll start this process all over again.

But I’m better for it. Thanks Samba community!
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'86 Westy (Canadian model)
Now she lives in Miami, teaching her about Sunshine.
Trying to remedy the rust of her past.

[Steve M.]

Glad to hear it. Upgraded wheels and tires is as you found more complicated then it first looks. I wanted larger diameter tires for off road and rather then going through the necessary mods to do it I just decided to go the route that was already proven by VW for the Syncro 16. That made it simple for me plus I did get the 4wd I wanted as opposed to getting the Syncro 14" and doing the mods.

Has does it ride with the new Hankooks now vs. the old tires you had?

Where in South Florida are you located near?
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This free advice is worth exactly what you paid for it.

There are seven days in a week. Someday is not one of them.

[Vanagon Nut]

[jimf909]

OP, you made a rock-solid choice: good tires for your needs and truly simple. As with many of these choices, the path to the decision can be a bit complicated though.

I drove a Vanagon for 17 years with 185 14s and enjoyed every minute. Now I'm experimenting with 15s after running several sets of 16s on the wheels that came with this van. Every tire and wheel purchase has included a bunch reading at the samba.
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- Jim

[tjet]

[levi]

Wow.
You went from a passenger 89 load to a 106 8 ply rating.

I'd say you chose very wisely.
_________________
One of these days I'm gonna settle down,
but till I do I won't be hangin round.
Going down that long lonesome highway,
gonna see life my way

https://youtu.be/cSrL0BXsO40

[michaelbteam]

FWIW: Twice, I've bought the 15" Carat wheel and Nokian tire package from Van Cafe, and loved them; they arrive mounted and ready to ride.
I also have 16" VW wheels and Michelin XIce2 winter tires on a Syncro, and also 15" Rhein rims with KO2s for same van. I think I prefer the 15" wheels.
Virtually the same tire height with each package, adjusted for wheel size, if that makes sense. Which it did to me when I researched it until my brain hurt!

[CelestysWesty]