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NASkeet
Samba Member
Joined: April 29, 2006
Posts: 2958
Location: South Benfleet, Essex, UK
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 Posted: Sun Dec 25, 2022 9:15 am Post subject: Re: The Tire Sticky FAQ |
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| cdennisg wrote: |
| NASkeet wrote: |
| cdennisg wrote: |
Recently I looked at the tires on one of the modern small vans. Pretty sure it was a Ford Transit. It had 16" tires that were have load rated. I think they were 205/65's maybe? Might have to look into that again, but if they are readily available in that size it might be a good option for you.
EDIT: a real hasty search shows the Ford transit originally used a 215/55r16 tire. Might be a little small in overall diameter. But they are load rated. Maybe a 215/65r16 would work? They end up around 27" diameter, but are fairly wide. |
I would be surprised if a Ford Transit were factory-fitted with 215/55 R16 tyres! The 195/65 R16C or 205/65 R16C commercial-van tyres seem much more likely. In Great Britain, 65-Series commercial-van tyres on 16 inch wheels, have been used on the Ford Tourneo (minibus version of the Ford Transit) for many years.
I intend to used either 205/65 R16C or 215/65 R16C commercial-van tyres on 7 x 16 inch Mercedes C-Class alloy wheels (37 mm offset) on my 1973 VW "1600" Type 2 with 1911 cc, VW 412 LE, VW Type 4 style engine. |
Like I said, it was a hasty search. But that is what popped up on tire rack when searching a 2014 Ford Transit Connect LWB uses a 215/55r16. It jumps up to a 235 on some later years and models. |
A Ford Transit Connect is a VERY different vehicle from a Ford Transit or Ford Transit Custom. This is rather like confusing a Mercedes Vaneo with a Mercedes Viano; the former of which is based upon the first-generation Mercedes A-Class cars and the latter on the Mercedes Vito vans (similar in size to the VW Transporter T5 & T6)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercedes-Benz_Vaneo
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercedes-Benz_Vito
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Transit_Connect
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Transit_Connect#Second_generation_(2012)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Transit_Connect#North_America
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Transit
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Transit#Third_generation_(2000)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Transit#Fourth_generation_(2014)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Transit#Tourneo
_________________
Regards.
Nigel A. Skeet
Independent tutor (semi-retired) of mathematics, physics, technology & engineering for secondary, tertiary, further & higher education.
Much modified, RHD 1973 VW "1600" Type 2 Westfalia Continental campervan, with the World's only decent, cross-over-arm, SWF pantograph rear-window wiper
Onetime member, plus former Technical Editor & Editor of Transporter Talk magazine
Volkswagen Type 2 Owners' Club (Great Britain)
http://www.vwt2oc.net |
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cdennisg
Samba Member
Joined: November 02, 2004
Posts: 20278
Location: Sandpoint, ID
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| Posted: Sun Dec 25, 2022 12:31 pm Post subject: Re: The Tire Sticky FAQ |
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| NASkeet wrote: |
| cdennisg wrote: |
| NASkeet wrote: |
| cdennisg wrote: |
Recently I looked at the tires on one of the modern small vans. Pretty sure it was a Ford Transit. It had 16" tires that were have load rated. I think they were 205/65's maybe? Might have to look into that again, but if they are readily available in that size it might be a good option for you.
EDIT: a real hasty search shows the Ford transit originally used a 215/55r16 tire. Might be a little small in overall diameter. But they are load rated. Maybe a 215/65r16 would work? They end up around 27" diameter, but are fairly wide. |
I would be surprised if a Ford Transit were factory-fitted with 215/55 R16 tyres! The 195/65 R16C or 205/65 R16C commercial-van tyres seem much more likely. In Great Britain, 65-Series commercial-van tyres on 16 inch wheels, have been used on the Ford Tourneo (minibus version of the Ford Transit) for many years.
I intend to used either 205/65 R16C or 215/65 R16C commercial-van tyres on 7 x 16 inch Mercedes C-Class alloy wheels (37 mm offset) on my 1973 VW "1600" Type 2 with 1911 cc, VW 412 LE, VW Type 4 style engine. |
Like I said, it was a hasty search. But that is what popped up on tire rack when searching a 2014 Ford Transit Connect LWB uses a 215/55r16. It jumps up to a 235 on some later years and models. |
A Ford Transit Connect is a VERY different vehicle from a Ford Transit or Ford Transit Custom. This is rather like confusing a Mercedes Vaneo with a Mercedes Viano; the former of which is based upon the first-generation Mercedes A-Class cars and the latter on the Mercedes Vito vans (similar in size to the VW Transporter T5 & T6)
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And yet you assumed I meant one or the other, when I didn't specify either and neither did you.
Thanks for the research list, I'll get right on it.
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NASkeet
Samba Member
Joined: April 29, 2006
Posts: 2958
Location: South Benfleet, Essex, UK
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| Posted: Mon Dec 26, 2022 8:39 am Post subject: Re: The Tire Sticky FAQ |
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| cdennisg wrote: |
| NASkeet wrote: |
| cdennisg wrote: |
| NASkeet wrote: |
| cdennisg wrote: |
Recently I looked at the tires on one of the modern small vans. Pretty sure it was a Ford Transit. It had 16" tires that were have load rated. I think they were 205/65's maybe? Might have to look into that again, but if they are readily available in that size it might be a good option for you.
EDIT: a real hasty search shows the Ford transit originally used a 215/55r16 tire. Might be a little small in overall diameter. But they are load rated. Maybe a 215/65r16 would work? They end up around 27" diameter, but are fairly wide. |
I would be surprised if a Ford Transit were factory-fitted with 215/55 R16 tyres! The 195/65 R16C or 205/65 R16C commercial-van tyres seem much more likely. In Great Britain, 65-Series commercial-van tyres on 16 inch wheels, have been used on the Ford Tourneo (minibus version of the Ford Transit) for many years.
I intend to used either 205/65 R16C or 215/65 R16C commercial-van tyres on 7 x 16 inch Mercedes C-Class alloy wheels (37 mm offset) on my 1973 VW "1600" Type 2 with 1911 cc, VW 412 LE, VW Type 4 style engine. |
Like I said, it was a hasty search. But that is what popped up on tire rack when searching a 2014 Ford Transit Connect LWB uses a 215/55r16. It jumps up to a 235 on some later years and models. |
A Ford Transit Connect is a VERY different vehicle from a Ford Transit or Ford Transit Custom. This is rather like confusing a Mercedes Vaneo with a Mercedes Viano; the former of which is based upon the first-generation Mercedes A-Class cars and the latter on the Mercedes Vito vans (similar in size to the VW Transporter T5 & T6)
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And yet you assumed I meant one or the other, when I didn't specify either and neither did you.
Thanks for the research list, I'll get right on it. |
In my part of World, the implicit assumption is that the description "Ford Transit" refers to a medium to large sized commercial van, of the lineage beginning in the mid-1960s; of which I have driven an early-1980s vintage model, that was a mobile sound-test laboratory for assessing sound transmission properties of party walls, separating adjacent dwellings.
The Ford Transit CONNECT is a completely different "kettle of fish" and one needs to specify the CONNECT part of the name, in order for people to hopefully deduce that one is referring to this small commercial vehicle, which is similar in size to a VW Caddy, based upon the VW Golf.
According to Ford's current brochure, the Ford Transit CONNECT is fitted with 205/60 R16 tyres on 6½ x 16 inch steel or alloy wheels.
https://www.ford.co.uk/content/dam/guxeu/uk/documents/feature-pdfs/FT-Transit_Connect.pdf
https://www.ford.co.uk/vans-and-pickups
The Ford Transit CONNECT appears to be in no way related to the Ford Transit, so it would have been better if it had been given a completely different name! 
https://www.ford.co.uk/owner/your-vehicle/tyres/offers/transit
https://www.etyres.co.uk/van-tyres
https://www.etyres.co.uk/continental/contivancontact-200
https://www.etyres.co.uk/manufacturers/ford/transit
https://www.etyres.co.uk/royal/commercial
https://www.etyres.co.uk/continental/contivancontact-100
https://www.etyres.co.uk/hankook/vantra-lt
_________________
Regards.
Nigel A. Skeet
Independent tutor (semi-retired) of mathematics, physics, technology & engineering for secondary, tertiary, further & higher education.
Much modified, RHD 1973 VW "1600" Type 2 Westfalia Continental campervan, with the World's only decent, cross-over-arm, SWF pantograph rear-window wiper
Onetime member, plus former Technical Editor & Editor of Transporter Talk magazine
Volkswagen Type 2 Owners' Club (Great Britain)
http://www.vwt2oc.net |
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cdennisg
Samba Member
Joined: November 02, 2004
Posts: 20278
Location: Sandpoint, ID
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| Posted: Mon Dec 26, 2022 9:28 am Post subject: Re: The Tire Sticky FAQ |
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jjvincent
Samba Member
Joined: January 11, 2016
Posts: 1268
Location: Bethlehem, PA
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| Posted: Mon Jan 09, 2023 8:16 am Post subject: Re: The Tire Sticky FAQ |
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Here's another request. I am going to bring back a 1968 Bus. All original except that it has a 911 engine and a 1979 Bus transmission. Right now it has dry rotted Michelin XWX 205/14 tires on it. Overall diameter is 26.8". Since the only place I can get replacements is through Coker tire for $455 each, I'd like to find a diameter that is the same and will not rub plus will mount on the stock wheels.
I am not going to be off roading it. Not looking for mpg. I fully understand the load rating thing as I owned a Eurovan for many years. Here's what it's like right now.
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richparker
Samba Member
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Posts: 6982
Location: Durango, CO
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Wildthings
Samba Member
Joined: March 13, 2005
Posts: 50351
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| Posted: Mon Jan 09, 2023 5:23 pm Post subject: Re: The Tire Sticky FAQ |
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| jjvincent wrote: |
Here's another request. I am going to bring back a 1968 Bus. All original except that it has a 911 engine and a 1979 Bus transmission. Right now it has dry rotted Michelin XWX 205/14 tires on it. Overall diameter is 26.8". Since the only place I can get replacements is through Coker tire for $455 each, I'd like to find a diameter that is the same and will not rub plus will mount on the stock wheels.
I am not going to be off roading it. Not looking for mpg. I fully understand the load rating thing as I owned a Eurovan for many years. Here's what it's like right now.
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We have 215/75R14's on our Vanagon at this point in time and they seem to be doing very well. If you aren't running really rough roads they should do well. |
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jjvincent
Samba Member
Joined: January 11, 2016
Posts: 1268
Location: Bethlehem, PA
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| Posted: Tue Jan 10, 2023 10:44 am Post subject: Re: The Tire Sticky FAQ |
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| Wildthings wrote: |
| jjvincent wrote: |
Here's another request. I am going to bring back a 1968 Bus. All original except that it has a 911 engine and a 1979 Bus transmission. Right now it has dry rotted Michelin XWX 205/14 tires on it. Overall diameter is 26.8". Since the only place I can get replacements is through Coker tire for $455 each, I'd like to find a diameter that is the same and will not rub plus will mount on the stock wheels.
I am not going to be off roading it. Not looking for mpg. I fully understand the load rating thing as I owned a Eurovan for many years. Here's what it's like right now.
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We have 215/75R14's on our Vanagon at this point in time and they seem to be doing very well. If you aren't running really rough roads they should do well. |
From what I have read, the 215/75/14 should fit. I'll look into something with the largest OD I can. I knew when growing up that it really needed the tallest tire just to reduce the rpm. You have to remember, what it has on it was pre intranets (by a long shot) and it was just using paper catalogs to find what was needed. I was amazed that they are not properly rated for load (were for speed though). Yet we traveled with that thing all over the US (fully loaded) and never a tire problem. Maybe an 89 load rating was different back in the day. Power is not a problem, so taller is better. |
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cdennisg
Samba Member
Joined: November 02, 2004
Posts: 20278
Location: Sandpoint, ID
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| Posted: Tue Jan 10, 2023 12:45 pm Post subject: Re: The Tire Sticky FAQ |
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| jjvincent wrote: |
| Wildthings wrote: |
| jjvincent wrote: |
Here's another request. I am going to bring back a 1968 Bus. All original except that it has a 911 engine and a 1979 Bus transmission. Right now it has dry rotted Michelin XWX 205/14 tires on it. Overall diameter is 26.8". Since the only place I can get replacements is through Coker tire for $455 each, I'd like to find a diameter that is the same and will not rub plus will mount on the stock wheels.
I am not going to be off roading it. Not looking for mpg. I fully understand the load rating thing as I owned a Eurovan for many years. Here's what it's like right now.
|
We have 215/75R14's on our Vanagon at this point in time and they seem to be doing very well. If you aren't running really rough roads they should do well. |
From what I have read, the 215/75/14 should fit. I'll look into something with the largest OD I can. I knew when growing up that it really needed the tallest tire just to reduce the rpm. You have to remember, what it has on it was pre intranets (by a long shot) and it was just using paper catalogs to find what was needed. I was amazed that they are not properly rated for load (were for speed though). Yet we traveled with that thing all over the US (fully loaded) and never a tire problem. Maybe an 89 load rating was different back in the day. Power is not a problem, so taller is better. |
Taller is better, up to a point. If you could fit 33's out back, you might have the power to turn them, but your cooling fan is spinning way too slow at a given load/RPM. Always keep in mind your typical cruising speed, and the engine/cooling fan RPM given your rear tire diameter. It is an intricate dance with an air cooled VW.
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Shonandb
Samba Member
Joined: January 12, 2019
Posts: 1191
Location: Vancouver, BC
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| Posted: Tue Jan 10, 2023 1:48 pm Post subject: Re: The Tire Sticky FAQ |
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| jjvincent wrote: |
| Wildthings wrote: |
| jjvincent wrote: |
Here's another request. I am going to bring back a 1968 Bus. All original except that it has a 911 engine and a 1979 Bus transmission. Right now it has dry rotted Michelin XWX 205/14 tires on it. Overall diameter is 26.8". Since the only place I can get replacements is through Coker tire for $455 each, I'd like to find a diameter that is the same and will not rub plus will mount on the stock wheels.
I am not going to be off roading it. Not looking for mpg. I fully understand the load rating thing as I owned a Eurovan for many years. Here's what it's like right now.
|
We have 215/75R14's on our Vanagon at this point in time and they seem to be doing very well. If you aren't running really rough roads they should do well. |
From what I have read, the 215/75/14 should fit. I'll look into something with the largest OD I can. I knew when growing up that it really needed the tallest tire just to reduce the rpm. You have to remember, what it has on it was pre intranets (by a long shot) and it was just using paper catalogs to find what was needed. I was amazed that they are not properly rated for load (were for speed though). Yet we traveled with that thing all over the US (fully loaded) and never a tire problem. Maybe an 89 load rating was different back in the day. Power is not a problem, so taller is better. |
I ran my fully loaded (maybe overloaded) 73 Panel on a 2 year 30,000 mile trip around North America chasing wind, waves, and snow (and other things) on passenger tires (not load C or D) and never had an issue but that's another topic to debate.
If you have a 911 Porsche engine and a 79 transaxle I would say tire dia between 27.5" to 29" would work well to keep RPMs down but not put too much strain on the internals. Anything bigger will put a lot of stress on the gears depending on how you drive/heavy your foot is.
_________________
*******************************
76 Westy with a 2.5L Subaru SOHC + Vanagon (010) Automatic Transaxle
Build & Trip Thread: https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=758760
Previous 1973 Panel Bus:
Click to view image
Last edited by Shonandb on Tue Jan 10, 2023 3:15 pm; edited 1 time in total |
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jjvincent
Samba Member
Joined: January 11, 2016
Posts: 1268
Location: Bethlehem, PA
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| Posted: Tue Jan 10, 2023 2:09 pm Post subject: Re: The Tire Sticky FAQ |
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I hope I know. I only grew up with that Bus and traveled all over the US with it. I can tell you it does have a 911 engine in it as I had to get it up and running and pay a premium for parts from Italy (took 3 months to get) just to get carb floats that work.
The transaxle came from a brand new 79 Camper that fell off the loading truck back in 1979. So, my dad bought the transaxle and installed it into the Bus. According to my dads written records, it has 13K miles on that item. Engine has 23K on it.
Proof it has said 911 engine in it.
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cdennisg
Samba Member
Joined: November 02, 2004
Posts: 20278
Location: Sandpoint, ID
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| Posted: Tue Jan 10, 2023 2:22 pm Post subject: Re: The Tire Sticky FAQ |
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Does the 911 style cooling system have similar issues as the air cooled VW where tire diameter can have a deleterious effect on the cooling efficiency? Yes, I know the cooling fan is still engine RPM dependent, but I would guess that since the 911 engine has noticeably more HP, it likely does not strain to push that bus around, therefore producing less heat.
Man, that looks like it would be a blast to drive!
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jjvincent
Samba Member
Joined: January 11, 2016
Posts: 1268
Location: Bethlehem, PA
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| Posted: Tue Jan 10, 2023 3:58 pm Post subject: Re: The Tire Sticky FAQ |
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| cdennisg wrote: |
Does the 911 style cooling system have similar issues as the air cooled VW where tire diameter can have a deleterious effect on the cooling efficiency? Yes, I know the cooling fan is still engine RPM dependent, but I would guess that since the 911 engine has noticeably more HP, it likely does not strain to push that bus around, therefore producing less heat.
Man, that looks like it would be a blast to drive! |
I only have experience with 914 engines when it comes to 4 bangers. So I am limited in my knowledge. I do know that th 911 engine is a dry sump. Thus on a typical oil change, it was 11 qt of oil. Remember, you couldn't get it all out. This bus does have an external cooler (like 911's came with optionally). It has a Troutman manifold with a thermostat that opens at 180 deg F. Plus the bus has the Porsche instrument located where the clock would be in a Bus, thus it reports oil temp and pressure.
Highest I ever seen it report was 220 deg F while we were coming back from the Rocky Mountains back in 1980. It was 105 Deg F in Salina KS that day. That was running with 4 passengers and fully loaded. This was in the day of radar jamers, CB's and radar detectors. Thus he speed was approximately 80- 100 mph. It even has cigarette lighters installed just to run the jammer and detector. Even has a Midland CB radio in it (the CW McAll version).
I will agree, that was unsafe but back then, that's the way we rolled. |
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cdennisg
Samba Member
Joined: November 02, 2004
Posts: 20278
Location: Sandpoint, ID
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| Posted: Tue Jan 10, 2023 7:08 pm Post subject: Re: The Tire Sticky FAQ |
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| jjvincent wrote: |
| cdennisg wrote: |
Does the 911 style cooling system have similar issues as the air cooled VW where tire diameter can have a deleterious effect on the cooling efficiency? Yes, I know the cooling fan is still engine RPM dependent, but I would guess that since the 911 engine has noticeably more HP, it likely does not strain to push that bus around, therefore producing less heat.
Man, that looks like it would be a blast to drive! |
I only have experience with 914 engines when it comes to 4 bangers. So I am limited in my knowledge. I do know that th 911 engine is a dry sump. Thus on a typical oil change, it was 11 qt of oil. Remember, you couldn't get it all out. This bus does have an external cooler (like 911's came with optionally). It has a Troutman manifold with a thermostat that opens at 180 deg F. Plus the bus has the Porsche instrument located where the clock would be in a Bus, thus it reports oil temp and pressure.
Highest I ever seen it report was 220 deg F while we were coming back from the Rocky Mountains back in 1980. It was 105 Deg F in Salina KS that day. That was running with 4 passengers and fully loaded. This was in the day of radar jamers, CB's and radar detectors. Thus he speed was approximately 80- 100 mph. It even has cigarette lighters installed just to run the jammer and detector. Even has a Midland CB radio in it (the CW McAll version).
I will agree, that was unsafe but back then, that's the way we rolled. |
Excuse my french, but that is fucking awesome.
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samwise
Samba Member
Joined: May 04, 2010
Posts: 611
Location: North Salt Lake, Utah
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| Posted: Thu Jan 19, 2023 12:30 pm Post subject: Re: The Tire Sticky FAQ |
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So, I think I am reading the tire info correctly, in as much as:
the 1979 Station Wagon and Camper have a GVWR of 4,960 (5,070 for Kombi and Van), so divide that by four and as long as the tires have a load index > 88 they are in the mix (more is better to a certain point)
Speed rating of Q (99mph) is also good
MInimum 6-ply, so load range C1 (max tire pressure 50psi) - not C2 has that maxes out at 35psi, which is too low for the back tires
Hence why the General Gabber ATX in 27x8.50x14 in load range C1, with the ratings of 95 Q are a good option, right?
My Bus hasn't moved for a couple of years for various reasons, so I am wary of the Hankook RA08s on there at the moment. Can't see a date code on the tires, but I bought the bus in 2012, and fitted those tires in the March, so I'm gonng go with needing to save up for replacements 
_________________
Ben
1979 7-passenger bus
Harvee the Wonder Bus' pics |
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Wildthings
Samba Member
Joined: March 13, 2005
Posts: 50351
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| Posted: Thu Jan 19, 2023 2:38 pm Post subject: Re: The Tire Sticky FAQ |
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The rear axle rating is 1433# for a "station wagon" and a bit higher for a Kombi or Camper built from a Kombi, IIRC. The lowest rated tire VW used was a reinforced passenger tire with a 97 load rating, which handled the 1433# load after being derated 10% for truck use. The 27x8.5R14, 6ply with a 95 load rating will handle the axle load as well, and my experience is that they give as good or better handling as a 185R14C truck tire while taking off road abuse well.
Getting the tire pressure right for your use is important. You can use the PSI recommendations on the placard as a starting point but may find that if you adjust the pressure by +/- 2 or 4 psi you will get better handling. The maximum cold inflation pressure given on the tires will likely be higher than what you need, especially for the front.
Last edited by Wildthings on Fri Jan 20, 2023 12:24 am; edited 1 time in total |
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nemobuscaptain
Samba Member
Joined: March 07, 2002
Posts: 3874
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| Posted: Thu Jan 19, 2023 11:00 pm Post subject: Re: The Tire Sticky FAQ |
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| samwise wrote: |
So, I think I am reading the tire info correctly, in as much as:
the 1979 Station Wagon and Camper have a GVWR of 4,960 (5,070 for Kombi and Van), so divide that by four and as long as the tires have a load index > 88 they are in the mix (more is better to a certain point)
Speed rating of Q (99mph) is also good
MInimum 6-ply, so load range C1 (max tire pressure 50psi) - not C2 has that maxes out at 35psi, which is too low for the back tires |
None of that are the proper minimum tire specs, from VW. VW says nothing about ply rating or load index... or for that matter about speed rating.
All we really know is that VW specified the 185R14C (Commercial) and 185R14R (Reinforced) tires. Everything else is reverse "engineering" if you will.
Six ply tires haven't been around since the bias ply days. Hopefully no one is running those except to shows. Perhaps all the people who keep saying this MEAN ply RATING, though the 185R14 Reinforced tire didn't have a 6 ply RATING either. Again, see the Ratwell photos. If your bus came from the VW factory after Aug 70, it came with radial tires with 2 ply sidewalls and 4 or so tread plies.
I would never drive around in a bus with an 88 load rating. The minimum spec for 185R14Reinforced (like the old Mich X) was like a 94 rating (pics here of some 185R14R tires from back in the day https://www.ratwell.com/technical/TirePhotos.html ) The latest 185R14 Reinforced tires I remember were Continental something or others and they had an XL load rating but not Load Range C. All the 185R14C tires are either load range C or D. Personally, I'd never go under those specs. There are just too many 185R14C or 27x8.50R14 LRC or LRD tires available.
I don't know what Load Range C1 or C2 is. Never heard of it.
I don't think speed rating matters in a bus.
We also know that VW approved of the 205/70/14 Reinforced for the (heavier) vanagon and still required commercial tires (load range C or D) for later "Eurovan" transporters despite them having 15-17" wheels and tires.
_________________
Ohio Valley Tribe, Full Moon Bus Club https://www.facebook.com/groups/294422277314227/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/FullMoonBusClub
RIP Bob Hoover https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=427791
Hoover Sermons: https://www.vwsage.com/images/vwsage/Bob%20Hoovers%20Sermons.pdf |
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NASkeet
Samba Member
Joined: April 29, 2006
Posts: 2958
Location: South Benfleet, Essex, UK
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| Posted: Mon Jan 23, 2023 1:43 pm Post subject: Re: The Tire Sticky FAQ |
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| nemobuscaptain wrote: |
| samwise wrote: |
So, I think I am reading the tire info correctly, in as much as:
the 1979 Station Wagon and Camper have a GVWR of 4,960 (5,070 for Kombi and Van), so divide that by four and as long as the tires have a load index > 88 they are in the mix (more is better to a certain point)
Speed rating of Q (99mph) is also good
MInimum 6-ply, so load range C1 (max tire pressure 50psi) - not C2 has that maxes out at 35psi, which is too low for the back tires |
None of that are the proper minimum tire specs, from VW. VW says nothing about ply rating or load index... or for that matter about speed rating.
All we really know is that VW specified the 185R14C (Commercial) and 185R14R (Reinforced) tires. Everything else is reverse "engineering" if you will.
Six ply tires haven't been around since the bias ply days. Hopefully no one is running those except to shows. Perhaps all the people who keep saying this MEAN ply RATING, though the 185R14 Reinforced tire didn't have a 6 ply RATING either. Again, see the Ratwell photos. If your bus came from the VW factory after Aug 70, it came with radial tires with 2 ply sidewalls and 4 or so tread plies.
I would never drive around in a bus with an 88 load rating. The minimum spec for 185R14Reinforced (like the old Mich X) was like a 94 rating (pics here of some 185R14R tires from back in the day https://www.ratwell.com/technical/TirePhotos.html ) The latest 185R14 Reinforced tires I remember were Continental something or others and they had an XL load rating but not Load Range C. All the 185R14C tires are either load range C or D. Personally, I'd never go under those specs. There are just too many 185R14C or 27x8.50R14 LRC or LRD tires available.
I don't know what Load Range C1 or C2 is. Never heard of it.
I don't think speed rating matters in a bus.
We also know that VW approved of the 205/70/14 Reinforced for the (heavier) vanagon and still required commercial tires (load range C or D) for later "Eurovan" transporters despite them having 15-17" wheels and tires. |
Be careful to avoid confusion between vehicle gross weights and load ratings in pounds and kilogrammes or other units (e.g. hundredweight or tons); especially when the measurement units are NOT explicitly stated!  
So far as I can determine, my British specification, 1973 model-year (manufactured in late-August or early-September 1972), VW 1600 Type 2 Kombi (i.e. Type 23-517) based, Westfalia Continental motor-caravan, was factory-fitted with cross-ply tyres, as indicated in the owner's handbook. It certainly had cross-ply tyres when my father bought it second-hand in January 1975 with a mileage reading of circa 29,000 on the odometer.
Apart from the Microbus L model & Ambulance that were equipped with 185 SR14 Heavy Duty (interpreted as Reinforced) radial-ply tyres and the Fire Truck that was equipped with 185 SR14C radial-ply commercial-van tyres, ALL other 1973 models were factory-fitted with cross-ply tyres, unless radial-ply tyres were substituted as a factory-fitted, extra-cost option.
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/archives/manuals/8_72_bus.php
The five new Michelin XZX radial-ply tyres (still have lots of tread!) that were retro-fitted in circa 1977/78 (circa 45 years ago) to my 1973 model-year, VW 1600 Type 2 Westfalia Continental motor-caravan, are marked 185 SR14 Reinforced | Max Load 1540 lbs | Max Pressure 40 psi | Made in UK, with a 105 mph speed rating. One wheel & tyre was weighed on my vintage bathroom scales, which read 2 stone 12½ pounds (i.e. 184 kg in S.I. metric units or 40½ pounds in USA parlance!)
The single new Michelin XZX radial-ply tyre that was fitted in circa 1988/89 to the supplementary spare wheel of my 1973 model-year, VW 1600 Type 2 Westfalia Continental motor-caravan is marked 185 R14 94R Reinforced | Max Load 1540 lbs | Max Pressure 40 psi | Made in UK, with a 105 mph speed rating. This wheel & tyre was weighed on my vintage bathroom scales, which read 2 stone 12 pounds (i.e. 181 kg in S.I. metric units or 40 pounds in USA parlance!)
Note: 1 kg = 22046 pounds, so 1540 pounds = 69854 kg; corresponding to a load index of approximately 95½ @ 40 psi
Derating a Reinforced radial-ply tyre (1540 lbs load rating) by 10% according to USA practice for a commercial-van or light-truck, would give one a load rating of 62869 kg @ 40 psi, which is less than 650 kg; half the 1973 VW Kombi rear-axles 1,300 kg maximum load limit.
Note: 14 pounds = 1 stone | 8 stone = 1 hundredweight | 20 hundredweight = 1 ton
_________________
Regards.
Nigel A. Skeet
Independent tutor (semi-retired) of mathematics, physics, technology & engineering for secondary, tertiary, further & higher education.
Much modified, RHD 1973 VW "1600" Type 2 Westfalia Continental campervan, with the World's only decent, cross-over-arm, SWF pantograph rear-window wiper
Onetime member, plus former Technical Editor & Editor of Transporter Talk magazine
Volkswagen Type 2 Owners' Club (Great Britain)
http://www.vwt2oc.net
Last edited by NASkeet on Tue Feb 07, 2023 2:24 pm; edited 4 times in total |
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NASkeet
Samba Member
Joined: April 29, 2006
Posts: 2958
Location: South Benfleet, Essex, UK
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| Posted: Sun Jan 29, 2023 12:36 pm Post subject: Re: The Tire Sticky FAQ |
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| nemobuscaptain wrote: |
| I would never drive around in a bus with an 88 load rating. The minimum spec for 185R14Reinforced (like the old Mich X) was like a 94 rating (pics here of some 185R14R tires from back in the day https://www.ratwell.com/technical/TirePhotos.html) |
https://www.ratwell.com/technical/TirePhotos.html
Michelin XZX (made Oct '99) - NLA - Photos courtesy of Karl Von Salzen - Found in Junkyard
The second picture to the right of this one on Richard Atwell's website, is NOT of a Michelin XZX tread pattern. I know because I currently have SIX of them for my 1973 VW "1600" Type 2; five of which date from circa 1977/78!
https://www.michelin.co.uk/classic/tyres/michelin-xzx
https://www.cokertire.com/tires/michelin-xzx.html
https://www.longstonetyres.co.uk/michelin-classic-tyres/xzx.html
https://www.blackcircles.com/tyres/brands/michelin/xzx
forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-914-914-6-technical-forum/3177-anyone-tried-michelin-xzx.html
_________________
Regards.
Nigel A. Skeet
Independent tutor (semi-retired) of mathematics, physics, technology & engineering for secondary, tertiary, further & higher education.
Much modified, RHD 1973 VW "1600" Type 2 Westfalia Continental campervan, with the World's only decent, cross-over-arm, SWF pantograph rear-window wiper
Onetime member, plus former Technical Editor & Editor of Transporter Talk magazine
Volkswagen Type 2 Owners' Club (Great Britain)
http://www.vwt2oc.net |
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olafwagner
Samba Member
Joined: November 11, 2021
Posts: 33
Location: Encinitas, CA
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| Posted: Sun Feb 05, 2023 6:11 pm Post subject: Re: The Tire Sticky FAQ |
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My '78 bus came with old tires (2008 date code), so it is time for a new set. The current tires on the Bus are Yokohama's (185r14). The spare wheel seems to be a 'Unocal 76' (size 195r14) with a white stripe (and no date code) so I assume that tire is ancient.
Anyway, based on this thread, I am pretty set on going with the Hankook Vantra LT's.
The question that I have is should I go for the 'default' 185's, or should I opt for the wider 195's?
There is a $15 price delta which is pretty small, I am just curious on your opinion as the 'better' choice. |
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