Large tire/big meats - Stock suspension Bus thread

[70bus]

What PSI on the truck? How's the ride at that pressure?
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Craig K
70 Neunsitzer
65 Pritschenwagen
"If Von Dutch was alive, he'd walk in there with a pistol and shoot these people." - Robert Williams

Raul the 65 singlecab

Karl the 70 nine-seater

[Malokin Martin]

So I decided to take the Pepsi challenge.

These are both in flat lip 15 inch rim bus’ with stock suspension

1.) Wildpeak A/T 215/75 R15:

The tread is a little less aggressive, but surprisingly they make a little more noise. Not super loud, but a bit. The great part is they’re “D rated” up to 2095lbs, so for a camper they’re working really well. They fit nicely but do rub if I make an aggressive full turn at full lock, but that’s only happened twice in 2 years and it’s been minimal.

2.) BF Goodrich AT 215/75 R15:

I really like the look of the tread on these. They’re “C rated” up to 1765. Not loud at all, but that could be a function they’re on the pick-up truck. I think I’ve had them rub once at full turn and full lock, but that’s only happened once in 2 years and it’s been minimal.

Overall im happy with them both.

[AKdude]

Oh gorgeous patina queens...and capable! Perfect. 40psi it is then.

[Wade]

Here is my '56 with the Coker Firestone 6.70 bias plys. I wouldn't exactly call them "meats" but they are a bit larger than normal.

I love the tall look, and also the sturdiness of these tires. They drive really well. No flexing.

-Wade

[Squilly]

I've had the 215/75/r15 BFG KO2s on my both my buses for a few years now and have mostly good things to say about them. Haven't had any issues with rubbing and the wear is what I would expect on both of them.

I agree that around 40psi seems to be a good pressure to run. Although they can handle way more the ride just become super harsh. Aired down they have tons of grip on every surface aside from mud.

However, they're pretty heavy when compared to other tires - 32lbs. I do wonder about adding that unsprung weight to the bus and it's impact on the lifetime of the reduction boxes, trans, and brakes. Acceleration and brake performance is obviously reduced with heavier tires, but it's not like buses with these on them are set up to be high-performance anyway...

I haven't seen enough wear on the other parts to switch yet and the KO2s just look awesome. If I were starting over I might look at the Falken Wildpeak AT4W (heavier though at 38lbs ) or Toyo Open Country (28lbs). Grabbers still seem like the best to me for a 14" setup.

[AKdude]

215 75 15 KO2'S fit fine, no rub, 1/2" taller than the 205 75 15 Grabbers, and a heavier and straighter sidewall. Will try at 40psi and air down as needed for off road.

[70bus]

You can prolly fit the s/c on the back of the Unimog with no hacking.
_________________
Craig K
70 Neunsitzer
65 Pritschenwagen
"If Von Dutch was alive, he'd walk in there with a pistol and shoot these people." - Robert Williams

Raul the 65 singlecab

Karl the 70 nine-seater

[AS350driver]

[thom]

I was able to fit 335/80R20 on the back of my single cab

_________________
-Thom
1956 Single Cab
1957 Porsche 356A Sunroof
1957 23-Window Deluxe
1957 Mercedes Westfalia single cab
1963 Unimog 404
1965 E-Type

[zehbeh]

I have 15" wheels, and I have a 195/80/R15 in the rear spare tire well of my 64 walk through bus. Theoretical all 195s should have the same width, so your 195 R14 should fit in too.

[Buskraut]

Thanks for the feedback. Unless I hear otherwise, I'll get 4 195's mounted once my wheels are painted (Huge PITA... had to strip chrome from chrome-crazy PO, first by dipping which was semi-effective, then sandblasting, hammering on new hubcap clips, spraying with self-etching primer, then semi-gloss black, sealing joints to prevent rust in the cracks, then L82 silver white/clear coat... almost done!).

Based on the amount of spare tire well clearance I'll decide what size tire to use on the 5th wheel. Will report back...
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Erik S
'65 Type 251 / Deluxe
'03 Eurovan MVWK

[cdennisg]

[Malokin Martin]

[Buskraut]

Does anyone know the widest 14" tire that will fit in a rear spare tire well on a walk-thru bus? I'm planning on converting to 195/75/14's, but wondering if I need to go to a 185 for the spare.
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Erik S
'65 Type 251 / Deluxe
'03 Eurovan MVWK

[AKdude]

Been running General Grabber's 205 75 15's for years, no complaints. Next tire change will be BFG KO2'S 215 75 15's for a stronger sidewall and 6ply rating. Price difference is closer now when KO2'S are on sale, so stepping up. Thanks, Fish, glad you like the HiBearN8R

[Fish]

Wow, that's a beautiful bus.
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Prosit!

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# 303 and #156

Stop dead photo links! Post your photos to The Samba Gallery!

[AKdude]

205 75 15 AT2 Grabbers on my '58, good fit, tough enough, on/off road, quiet, nice ride, 4ply on stock rims. Getting hard to find. Next set going to 215 75 15 KO2's ,a bit taller, but a 6ply rating, more meat for overlanding.

[mtnbus]

Im happy with the bfgs

they look great on your rig!

[Saul Koll]

Those really look great!

[EJZero1]