| Author |
Message |
jimf909
Samba Member
Joined: April 03, 2014
Posts: 8185
Location: WA/ID
|
 Posted: Tue Dec 26, 2023 8:43 pm Post subject: Re: 14" Tire Options |
 |
|
| mottoguzzi wrote: |
| Anybody tried Maxtrek Su-800 A/T 205R14 8 ply 107 load index $90.00, not sure if they would fit stock alloys. |
It'll be interesting to see if anyone has experience with these. They look good, the load rating is very good and the price is pretty good too.
It's odd that they don't spec an aspect ratio, e.g. 205/xx R14. The spec'd 27" diameter suggest an 80 aspect ratio which is tall for a 205 tire and makes this tire 6.4% taller than stock (your engine will run slower at the same mph and the van will be less quick than with the stock tire diameter).
https://www.prioritytire.com/maxtrek-su-800-a-t-lt-205r14-107-105q-d-8-ply-at-all-terrain-tire
Weird (to me) that aspect ratio isn't spec'd with these...
As the manufacturers only provide the tire width and the rim diameter with these tires, various brands and models will have size differences. In order to ensure the correct size is purchased, the overall tire diameter that is needed should be checked.
_________________
- Jim
| Butcher wrote: |
| This is the main fault with DIY'ers, they get together on these forums and pat themselves on their backs spreading bad information. |
Guilty as charged.
Current: 1990 Westy Camper - Bostig RG4, 2wd, manual trans w/Peloquin, NAHT high-top, 280 ah LFP battery, 160 watts solar, Flash Silver, seam rust, bondo, etc., etc.
Past: 1985 Westy Camper - 1.9 wbx, 2wd, manual trans, Merian Brown, (sold after 17 years to Northwesty who converted it to a Syncro). |
|
| Back to top |
|
 |
Alan Brase
Samba Member
Joined: March 28, 2004
Posts: 4570
Location: Cedar Falls, Iowa
|
| Posted: Wed Dec 27, 2023 5:06 am Post subject: Re: 14" Tire Options |
|
|
| jimf909 wrote: |
It'll be interesting to see if anyone has experience with these. They look good, the load rating is very good and the price is pretty good too.
It's odd that they don't spec an aspect ratio, e.g. 205/xx R14. The spec'd 27" diameter suggest an 80 aspect ratio which is tall for a 205 tire and makes this tire 6.4% taller than stock (your engine will run slower at the same mph and the van will be less quick than with the stock tire diameter).
https://www.prioritytire.com/maxtrek-su-800-a-t-lt-205r14-107-105q-d-8-ply-at-all-terrain-tire
Weird (to me) that aspect ratio isn't spec'd with these...
As the manufacturers only provide the tire width and the rim diameter with these tires, various brands and models will have size differences. In order to ensure the correct size is purchased, the overall tire diameter that is needed should be checked. |
Seems to me that UN SPECIFIED aspect ratio has been discussed VERY many times.
If unspecified it is assumed to be .82 Don't blame the tire manufacturer it is an industry wide convention mostly for light commercial tires.
So a 205/82-14 is 27" in diameter?
Seems like a great way to gain 3/4" ground clearance (if that's what you want) and to gain a couple ticks in higher gearing
Just the thing if you put in a torquier motor and wish to slow the motor down at speed.
_________________
Al Brase
Projects: 67 sunroof bug, 67 Porsche 912 Targa, 70 Westy
Dec 1955 Single Cab pickup WANT 15" BUS RIMS dated 8/55, thru 12/55
To New owners: 1969 doublecab, 1971 Dormobile
Vanagons:
80 P27 Westy JUL 1979, 3rd oldest known US
83 1.6TD Vanagon, 87 Wolfie Westy daily driver, swap meet home |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
jimf909
Samba Member
Joined: April 03, 2014
Posts: 8185
Location: WA/ID
|
| Posted: Wed Dec 27, 2023 10:56 am Post subject: Re: 14" Tire Options |
|
|
Okay. I recall the stock 185/14 tires w/out a stated aspect ratio but assumed that current tires stated one. Regardless, the product page doesn't say assume a .82 ratio, it says the tires will vary. Thanks for the clarification.
_________________
- Jim
| Butcher wrote: |
| This is the main fault with DIY'ers, they get together on these forums and pat themselves on their backs spreading bad information. |
Guilty as charged.
Current: 1990 Westy Camper - Bostig RG4, 2wd, manual trans w/Peloquin, NAHT high-top, 280 ah LFP battery, 160 watts solar, Flash Silver, seam rust, bondo, etc., etc.
Past: 1985 Westy Camper - 1.9 wbx, 2wd, manual trans, Merian Brown, (sold after 17 years to Northwesty who converted it to a Syncro). |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Wildthings
Samba Member
Joined: March 13, 2005
Posts: 52431
|
| Posted: Wed Dec 27, 2023 12:07 pm Post subject: Re: 14" Tire Options |
|
|
| mottoguzzi wrote: |
| Anybody tried Maxtrek Su-800 A/T 205R14 8 ply 107 load index $90.00, not sure if they would fit stock alloys. |
Tire Easy-Truck list a 5-7" rim width, so should fit the 6" wide alloys just fine. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
crazyvwvanman
Samba Member
Joined: January 28, 2008
Posts: 10389
Location: Orbiting San Diego
|
| Posted: Wed Dec 27, 2023 12:28 pm Post subject: Re: 14" Tire Options |
|
|
That 205R14 tire size is listed on the driver door sticker showing the recommended inflation pressures.
Vanagon Syncros 86-91
205R14C
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
1988M5
Samba Member
Joined: January 23, 2016
Posts: 844
Location: Tucson, AZ
|
| Posted: Wed Dec 27, 2023 12:38 pm Post subject: Re: 14" Tire Options |
|
|
| crazyvwvanman wrote: |
That 205R14 tire size is listed on the driver door sticker showing the recommended inflation pressures.
Vanagon Syncros 86-91
205R14C
|
I wonder if they recommend lower pressure to keep the same gear ratios/ speed?
_________________
1991 tin top GL
2002 Winnebago Vista. VW VR6 24V Eurovan front clip powered class C 21' RV.
Some BMWs. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
crazyvwvanman
Samba Member
Joined: January 28, 2008
Posts: 10389
Location: Orbiting San Diego
|
| Posted: Wed Dec 27, 2023 12:48 pm Post subject: Re: 14" Tire Options |
|
|
No, they do it for other reasons.
The pressure has a very minor effect on tire circumference.
Mark
| 1988M5 wrote: |
.....
I wonder if they recommend lower pressure to keep the same gear ratios/ speed? |
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Wildthings
Samba Member
Joined: March 13, 2005
Posts: 52431
|
| Posted: Wed Dec 27, 2023 6:10 pm Post subject: Re: 14" Tire Options |
|
|
| 1988M5 wrote: |
I wonder if they recommend lower pressure to keep the same gear ratios/ speed? |
The recommended pressures should keep the load across the tread rows about the same when under full load conditions. If you never (or seldom if ever) drive your van at the maximum axle load, you can get by with lower pressure.
The chalk test or checking the tread row temperatures with an IR thermometer will tell you whether you have too little or too much air for the load you are carrying. By adjusting the front to rear bias you can also adjust the amount of understeer. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
otiswesty
Samba Member
Joined: November 21, 2006
Posts: 1768
Location: Portland
|
| Posted: Wed Dec 27, 2023 10:43 pm Post subject: Re: 14" Tire Options |
|
|
Looking at the Goodyear Wrangler AT in 195/75/14
Its the stock size in an LT and AT tire, plus I used to run this size on my bus.
Any thoughts?
_________________
1978 Sage Green P22 Westfalia
1988 T3 Syncro Single cab
Just a regular guy |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
borninabus 
Samba R&D Dept.
Joined: May 18, 2006
Posts: 4741
Location: Arizona Highways
|
| Posted: Thu Dec 28, 2023 7:16 am Post subject: Re: 14" Tire Options |
|
|
| otiswesty wrote: |
| Any thoughts? |
yeah. they are a good tire comparable to the old BFG A/T, but are usually obscenely expensive.
some years ago, you could find the guy in your town that worked on the mail trucks and he would have a bunch of these tires around in various states of wear--with and without winter studs. the USPS uses this tire on the LLV mail trucks and i used to pick up "take offs" for dirt cheap.
pretty sure the only reason this tire is around is for the USPS.
_________________
88 Van WBX, A/T - 13 JSW TDI 6M/T - 2012 Touareg TDI Sport |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
brickster
Samba Member
Joined: January 05, 2004
Posts: 595
Location: CO, USA
|
| Posted: Thu Dec 28, 2023 7:56 am Post subject: Re: 14" Tire Options |
|
|
If you search this thread, you'll find some discussion of them. Load index of 93 (1433lbs) and expensive (minimum of $230 per tire when I checked today). I think I read that Goodyear has a fat, guaranteed USPS contract for these to use on mail trucks, so there is zero incentive to competitively market them?
For that style of tread, it seems like most are using the 27" Grabbers. If you have the stock engine, that extra diameter will noticeably affect performance. I have read that a spring lift is not necessary, but not positive on that. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
airshipper
Samba Member
Joined: December 04, 2014
Posts: 10
Location: Akron, Ohio
|
| Posted: Thu Dec 28, 2023 11:04 pm Post subject: Re: 14" Tire Options |
|
|
| otiswesty wrote: |
Looking at the Goodyear Wrangler AT in 195/75/14
Its the stock size in an LT and AT tire, plus I used to run this size on my bus.
Any thoughts? |
I tried going back to 14's last year for a few months (after having 16's) and went with these. Driving around town, they were the best tires I've ever had on the van. However, it was tough going back to a narrower tire when driving on a windy day on the highway. I got too spoiled with my 215/55/16's, but if you are going to stick with 14's, these are a great, but expensive choice.
PM me if you're interested in a discount code for these. I might know a guy. 
_________________
'84 Bostig Westy Wolfsburg Auto |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
CessnaJon
Samba Member
Joined: August 15, 2008
Posts: 679
Location: Senoia,GA
|
| Posted: Fri Dec 29, 2023 4:51 am Post subject: Re: 14" Tire Options |
|
|
| borninabus wrote: |
| otiswesty wrote: |
| Any thoughts? |
yeah. they are a good tire comparable to the old BFG A/T, but are usually obscenely expensive.
some years ago, you could find the guy in your town that worked on the mail trucks and he would have a bunch of these tires around in various states of wear--with and without winter studs. the USPS uses this tire on the LLV mail trucks and i used to pick up "take offs" for dirt cheap.
pretty sure the only reason this tire is around is for the USPS. |
You are correct. Further fleecing of the U.S. taxpayer.
_________________
1973 Westy (shared birthday)
1990 Westy Multivan
2015 Passat TDI 6sp
2015 Sportwagon TDI 6sp
LR-JET, Gulfstream 159 |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
brickster
Samba Member
Joined: January 05, 2004
Posts: 595
Location: CO, USA
|
| Posted: Wed Jan 10, 2024 8:08 am Post subject: Re: 14" Tire Options |
|
|
Is anyone running the AltiMAX RT45 205/70R14 in Load Index 98? 8.2" wide, so would these rub without spacers?
_________________
1984 Campmobile Automatic |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Wildthings
Samba Member
Joined: March 13, 2005
Posts: 52431
|
| Posted: Wed Jan 10, 2024 9:47 am Post subject: Re: 14" Tire Options |
|
|
| brickster wrote: |
| Is anyone running the AltiMAX RT45 205/70R14 in Load Index 98? 8.2" wide, so would these rub without spacers? |
I have run 215/70R14's and now have 215/75R14's mounted on stock alloy rims and not had rubbing problems. 27x8.5r14 which are just a tiny bit larger than the 215/75r14s gave rubbing problems on my '91 low sitting Multivan but not on my higher sitting 83 1/2 with steel rims (both have the springs they came with)
205/70R14 was a stock size. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
jimf909
Samba Member
Joined: April 03, 2014
Posts: 8185
Location: WA/ID
|
| Posted: Wed Jan 10, 2024 10:45 am Post subject: Re: 14" Tire Options |
|
|
| 1988M5 wrote: |
| crazyvwvanman wrote: |
That 205R14 tire size is listed on the driver door sticker showing the recommended inflation pressures.
Vanagon Syncros 86-91
205R14C
|
I wonder if they recommend lower pressure to keep the same gear ratios/ speed? |
A tire has the same circumference and travel per revolution at 10 psi or 40 psi. While the tire diameter appears smaller that doesn't shrink the length of the tread.
Link
_________________
- Jim
| Butcher wrote: |
| This is the main fault with DIY'ers, they get together on these forums and pat themselves on their backs spreading bad information. |
Guilty as charged.
Current: 1990 Westy Camper - Bostig RG4, 2wd, manual trans w/Peloquin, NAHT high-top, 280 ah LFP battery, 160 watts solar, Flash Silver, seam rust, bondo, etc., etc.
Past: 1985 Westy Camper - 1.9 wbx, 2wd, manual trans, Merian Brown, (sold after 17 years to Northwesty who converted it to a Syncro). |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
crazyvwvanman
Samba Member
Joined: January 28, 2008
Posts: 10389
Location: Orbiting San Diego
|
| Posted: Wed Jan 10, 2024 4:10 pm Post subject: Re: 14" Tire Options |
|
|
I performed the same kind of test about 20 years ago only more accurately.
There was a difference in the rolling circumference but it was very small.
If you look closely that video shows a small difference as well.
Mark |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
brickster
Samba Member
Joined: January 05, 2004
Posts: 595
Location: CO, USA
|
| Posted: Wed Jan 10, 2024 5:58 pm Post subject: Re: 14" Tire Options |
|
|
| Wildthings wrote: |
| brickster wrote: |
| Is anyone running the AltiMAX RT45 205/70R14 in Load Index 98? 8.2" wide, so would these rub without spacers? |
205/70R14 was a stock size. |
Thanks. I was aware, but sometimes dimensions can vary a bit and I wasn't sure if this tire was on the wider side of the spectrum. I have steel wheels. Are you saying there's a difference in offset between stock steels and aluminums?
I am tempted to try these simply because my Vantras are not useful for loose surfaces (snow, dirt, sand and mud). I will say that they're very good for highway and easy dirt roads, quiet and stable.
_________________
1984 Campmobile Automatic |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Wildthings
Samba Member
Joined: March 13, 2005
Posts: 52431
|
| Posted: Wed Jan 10, 2024 6:24 pm Post subject: Re: 14" Tire Options |
|
|
| crazyvwvanman wrote: |
I performed the same kind of test about 20 years ago only more accurately.
There was a difference in the rolling circumference but it was very small.
If you look closely that video shows a small difference as well.
Mark |
I measured the difference in circumference with pressure 20+ years ago. Since the spare tire on an old FJ40 sits on a swing carrier in the back of the rig and is very accessible, I choice it to experiment with. The tire would have been a P235/75r15. IIRC the difference in the circumference going from 0 psi to 40 psi was minor, like 3/16 of an inch. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
vanagonjr
Samba Member
Joined: October 07, 2010
Posts: 3635
Location: Dartmouth, Mass.
|
| Posted: Wed Jan 10, 2024 8:42 pm Post subject: Re: 14" Tire Options |
|
|
| Wildthings wrote: |
| I measured the difference in circumference with pressure 20+ years ago. Since the spare tire on an old FJ40 sits on a swing carrier in the back of the rig and is very accessible, I choice it to experiment with. The tire would have been a P235/75r15. IIRC the difference in the circumference going from 0 psi to 40 psi was minor, like 3/16 of an inch. |
I observed the same thing recently when fussing with a 27” in the front clamshell. “Lower the air pressure!”they cried.
The OD had virtually zero difference.
_________________
John - 86 Wolfsburg Westfalia "Weekender"
Flint reversed 1.8T W/Passat 5-Speed
LiMBO (late model bus club) www.limbobus.org
LiMBO is on Facebook too! https://www.facebook.com/groups/
FAQ thread: http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=525798 |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
