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djkeev
Samba Moderator
Joined: September 30, 2007
Posts: 32598
Location: Reading Pennsylvania
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danfromsyr
Samba Member
Joined: March 01, 2004
Posts: 15144
Location: Syracuse, NY
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 Posted: Wed Mar 24, 2021 3:46 pm Post subject: Re: 14" Tire Options |
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Dave all of the 205/70/14 XL details are in Syncrohead's post..
Tire shop links often hit a generic entry point 1st. you chose the wrong ones to dislike.
| SyncroHead wrote: |
Interested if anyone has tried the GT Radial TOURING VP PLUS ??
Size: 205 /70 R14 98T XL
Seems well suited for our vans with either 14" steel or alloy wheels. Has a 98 load index with an XL ("Extra Load") rating
https://www.americastire.com/buy-tires/gt-radial-touring-vp-plus/p/31647
Depending on what part of the country you're in "America's Tire" is also "Discount Tire".
SECTION WIDTH 205
ASPECT RATIO 70
RIM DIAMETER 14
OVERALL DIAMETER 25.35"
RIM WIDTH RANGE 5.0" - 7.0"
WEIGHT 22 LBS
TREAD DEPTH 10/32"
LOAD INDEX 98
LOAD RANGE XL
MAX PSI 50 PSI
SPEED RATING UP TO 118 MPH
SIDEWALL DESC. BSW - BLACK SIDE WALL
WARRANTY 50000
Jim Davis |
_________________
| Abscate wrote: |
| These are the reasons we have words like “wanker” |
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djkeev
Samba Moderator
Joined: September 30, 2007
Posts: 32598
Location: Reading Pennsylvania
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crazyvwvanman
Samba Member
Joined: January 28, 2008
Posts: 9923
Location: Orbiting San Diego
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| Posted: Wed Mar 24, 2021 4:26 pm Post subject: Re: 14" Tire Options |
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I concur but many later Vanagons came with a LI 97 tire in that same size, an RF/XL passenger tire like these.
At least these can take 50 psi, unlike the ones VW fitted that maxed out at 41 psi.
I usually buy tires in sets of 5 and for sure would do so for tires like these.
Damage 1 and then you can still roll on a matching set of 4 with a new spare.
Mark
| djkeev wrote: |
.....
At only 98 and four plies it is the lower tier of being OK in my book.
Not unsafe but lacks the sidewall strength of a light truck tire.
Let us know how they work!
There are almost zero 205’s that even come close!
Dave |
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Xevin 
Samba Member
Joined: January 08, 2014
Posts: 7624
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| Posted: Wed Mar 24, 2021 9:06 pm Post subject: Re: 14" Tire Options |
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In the bug and the bays, I drink the Kool-aid for running tire pressure recommended by VW for stock size tires. And all the benefits of using
those numbers. Like this guy.
| EverettB wrote: |
Use the what your owner's manual or door jam sticker says. This is why it is there. It's based on the weight of your vehicle, not on the tire.
You can add 2-3 psi for highway travel to increase MPG. I have not referenced the Vanagon manuals specifically for this information but this is noted in earlier VW manuals that I have read.
Disagree? Ask your tire manufacturer what they recommend. |
I will add to EverettBs quote. Ask your tire manufacturer what they recommend specifically for the type of old Vanagon or ACVW you drive.
I don’t want this thread to be an air pressure debate. Plenty of those threads out there. I’ve seen a bunch of it. Go Westy’s too.
What I want to know is. Those of you running appropriately rated stock 14” tires. What is your sweet spot for handling highway and off road. Currently I’m running the sticker tire pressure in the Hankooks for a 1985 Weekender. Which is 39psi in front 48 in back. Put about a 1000 miles on them now in wind and wet stuff. I like it so far. I might want to experiment for fun. In the bays, VW gives an unloaded bus versus loaded bus recommendation. Was surprised the Van didn’t have two recommendations. Again Vanagon stuff is new to me.
Still fun to see what these new 14” tires can do.
_________________
Keep on Busin'
| 67rustavenger wrote: |
GFY's Xevin and VW_Jimbo!  |
| Clatter wrote: |
| Damn that Xevin... |
| skills@eurocarsplus wrote: |
I respect Xevin and he's a turd  |
| SGKent wrote: |
My God! Xevin and I 100% agree  |
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djkeev
Samba Moderator
Joined: September 30, 2007
Posts: 32598
Location: Reading Pennsylvania
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| Posted: Sun Mar 28, 2021 6:29 am Post subject: Re: 14" Tire Options |
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Well, yesterday was my maiden voyage.
About 200 miles round trip on Pennsylvania State Highways, mostly two lane roads winding NorthWest through coal country out of Reading up to Bloomsburg.
The ride was secure and vibration free.
The Van handled as a Van does in curves, a bit of body roll but surefooted.
Some of the roads over the various summits did indeed have curves!
I'm running 43psi front and 53 psi rear. It wasn't a soft luxurious ride. I may play with those pressures. Although I'd rather have good wear and stability over luxury car soft mush.
It was Sunny and warm, not a real test of traction.
The only traction test was a bit of muddy pulverized coal at a truck fill depot I saw along the way..... the Yokohamas did great. My shoes however? What a mess after taking the photo!
Took a quick spin in this mornings rain, but the drivers wiper pivot was failing so nothing long.
The little I drove down my steep curvy road, they did well.
Dave
_________________
Stop Dead Photo Links how to post photos
Ghia
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=392473
Vanagon
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=6315537#6315537
Beetle
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=482968&highlight=74+super+vert
Last edited by djkeev on Sun Mar 28, 2021 8:48 am; edited 1 time in total |
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djkeev
Samba Moderator
Joined: September 30, 2007
Posts: 32598
Location: Reading Pennsylvania
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| Posted: Sun Mar 28, 2021 8:35 am Post subject: Re: 14" Tire Options |
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I braved the rains and fixed the wiper arm, I just returned from a 21 mile wet journey. Driving rain and various road conditions, all paved.
From narrow farm lanes to 4 lane divided highway.
These tires were surefooted and stable.
I only went up to about 60 mph in the torrential rain, traffic was light but I had no traction worries.
Once I got off the highway I took the backroads home. I even tried to slip around wet curves but they held tight. I wasn't crazy trying just "oops! Too fast" trying. You know the turns, poorly designed sharp lefts and rights around the farmers fields!
On my grassy wet down slope where the Hankook RA08's got stuck, I backed right out this morning. No slip at all.
Ice and snow season seems to be over.
Wait until Next year for a cold weather report.
Dave
_________________
Stop Dead Photo Links how to post photos
Ghia
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=392473
Vanagon
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=6315537#6315537
Beetle
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=482968&highlight=74+super+vert
Last edited by djkeev on Sun Mar 28, 2021 8:50 am; edited 1 time in total |
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SyncroHead
Samba Member
Joined: May 23, 2005
Posts: 1141
Location: Northern Nevada
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| Posted: Sun Mar 28, 2021 8:43 am Post subject: Re: 14" Tire Options |
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| djkeev wrote: |
Found them! GT Radial VP
That size 205/70R14 is the only 14” size that will work.
The 195 and 185 are woefully under rated.
At only 98 and four plies it is the lower tier of being OK in my book.
Not unsafe but lacks the sidewall strength of a light truck tire.
Let us know how they work!
There are almost zero 205’s that even come close!
Dave |
Regarding plies and strength, America's Tire website has this to say about modern tire design using fewer, but stronger plies than in the past to achieve the equivalent strength:
"Load range is based on an older measurement called ply rating. All tires are constructed of rubber and cord layers referred to as “plies”. Historically, more plies gave a tire a larger load carrying capacity, so manufacturers would count the plies and use this number to denote carrying capacity.
However, modern tire construction uses fewer, stronger plies. Therefore, load range simply defines the tire’s toughness and maximum allowable air pressure, as opposed to specific information about the actual plies being used. For example, a “C” load range indicates that a tire is equivalent to a 6-ply construction tire. This tire isn’t actually built with 6 plies, but rather one or two plies of equivalent strength."
This site:
https://www.americastire.com/learn/load-range-load-index
_________________
"A Vanagon? It's not a car or a van. It's a hobby!"
Check out:
www.VANAVATION.com
www.SyncroSafari.org and
www.Vanagons.org
| sphet wrote: |
| I have *no* idea what the previous owner carried in his Westy... angry donkeys? |
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djkeev
Samba Moderator
Joined: September 30, 2007
Posts: 32598
Location: Reading Pennsylvania
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oasis
Samba Member
Joined: December 12, 2002
Posts: 2168
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| Posted: Wed Mar 31, 2021 7:54 pm Post subject: Re: 14" Tire Options |
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I appreciate all of the updates and info. Thanks! 
_________________
Now: 2003 New Beetle Turbo S / 1990 Single Cab Transporter / 2014 Tiguan R-Line 4motion / 2013 Tiguan S / 2002 Golf GLS TDI
Past: 1974 Thing Acapulco / 2009 Eos Komfort / 1997 Jetta GT / 2002 Cabrio GLX / 2002 Passat GLS / 1971 Super Beetle / 1993 EuroVan MV Westfalia / 1981 Pickup LX / 1985 Vanagon / 1986 Jetta GLI |
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slogfilet
Samba Member
Joined: April 22, 2021
Posts: 1
Location: WA
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| Posted: Thu Apr 22, 2021 12:20 pm Post subject: Re: 14" Tire Options |
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Excellent thread! I acquired my first Westy a month ago (83, with Tiico 2.0 conversion) and need tires this season.
I'm looking at the General Grabber ATX... I have concerns about rubbing on the control arm. What can mitigate this? I'm on stock steelies, but can get alloys. Also, is the steering effort noticeably increased over the 185s?
Thanks!
PS - Post any good deals. =) |
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SyncroHead
Samba Member
Joined: May 23, 2005
Posts: 1141
Location: Northern Nevada
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| Posted: Mon Apr 26, 2021 9:39 am Post subject: Re: 14" Tire Options |
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There have been countless people use the LT27x8.5-14 tires and I've never heard of rubbing on the control arm. Earlier users of this size used Bridgestone and BFGoodrich, but since BFG stopped making this size, most now use the General Grabbers. I have these on my '89 2WD Westy.
Possible rubbing I suppose if there were year-to-year control arm variances, but I don't think there will be an issue. I have power steering, so I noticed no steering effort change. Non PS may I suppose.
Jim Davis
_________________
"A Vanagon? It's not a car or a van. It's a hobby!"
Check out:
www.VANAVATION.com
www.SyncroSafari.org and
www.Vanagons.org
| sphet wrote: |
| I have *no* idea what the previous owner carried in his Westy... angry donkeys? |
Last edited by SyncroHead on Mon May 17, 2021 2:04 pm; edited 1 time in total |
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Boegrrl
Samba Member
Joined: March 26, 2007
Posts: 156
Location: Fla
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| Posted: Thu Apr 29, 2021 11:41 am Post subject: Re: 14" Tire Options |
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Hi Gents, nice to be back on the Samba.
Thanks for all the great information. I have a limited budget so I just ordered these for my Weekender. (hope the Bilsteins don’t mind being supported by the GT)
GT Radial TOURING VP PLUS
Size: 205 /70 R14 98T XL
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'87 Wolfsburg Weekender |
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Jim Bear
Samba Member
Joined: March 25, 2006
Posts: 670
Location: Watkinsville, GA
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| Posted: Fri Apr 30, 2021 7:38 am Post subject: Re: 14" Tire Options |
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| djkeev wrote: |
Yokohama SuperVan 356
Y356 LT185R14 8 Ply Rating
Load Range D 1850 lbs @ 65psi cold
Dave |
Dave, where did you get those? The best price I am seeing is $124.
_________________
"You're either on the bus, or you're off the bus." ~kk
'85 Vanagon Westy - George In the Stable 2020-?/'74 Weekender - Ophelia In the Stable 2007- ?/'69 Beetle Convertible - SOLD 2017-2020/'67 Beetle - September SOLD 2013-2016  /'67 SO42 Westy - Sage SOLD 1996-2001 /'69 Transporter - Baby Blue SOLD 1995-1995/'72 Westy - Nelly - SOLD 1990-1995--STOP FRACKING |
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djkeev
Samba Moderator
Joined: September 30, 2007
Posts: 32598
Location: Reading Pennsylvania
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MagentaMoufette
Samba Member
Joined: February 16, 2021
Posts: 2
Location: Berkeley, CA
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| Posted: Mon May 17, 2021 9:25 am Post subject: Re: 14" Tire Options |
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I'm beginning my quest for new tires for my '87 Vanagon (which I've transformed into a camper) and as I am currently in the Bay Area the worst weather I experience is terrible wind. I've taken my van over the Sierra in winter, too, although it's not the worst winter weather (I'm originally from Buffalo NY), any patch of black ice was nerve-wrecking.
I'm looking for all season, not the most hardcore, and stabilizing for wind. Alloy wheels.
I'd love to hear about any tire experiences from folks with similar needs.
I'm on a budget but safety first.
Thanks ya'll. |
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iiigoiii
Samba Member
Joined: January 05, 2008
Posts: 307
Location: Bay Area, CA
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peasant
Samba Member
Joined: April 25, 2009
Posts: 321
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| Posted: Mon Sep 13, 2021 4:54 pm Post subject: Re: 14" Tire Options |
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Hi all, I have read through all 25 pages of this thread and am just wondering if there is any consensus on a few items.
Does anyone know if the Grabbers will work on a Carat model? Seems there was concern about rubbing with the lower springs
Are the Grabbers suitable for a westy? I recall something about being suitable for 2wd vans but not rated for the extra weight of a westy
Anyone have any review of the GT radial Touring 205/70/r14s? How do they perform in wet/muddy non paved terrain
Thank you for any input, finally have to switch out some old coopers on my carat and am weighing all the options
_________________
89 wolfsberg weekender carat
89 Westfalia |
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SSWesty
Samba Member
Joined: August 20, 2008
Posts: 732
Location: Bellevue
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| Posted: Mon Sep 13, 2021 5:30 pm Post subject: Re: 14" Tire Options |
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| I've run the prior version AT Grabbers on my Westy and I now have one season on the current generation. I'm usually always running at or below 5,000 pounds loaded up for travel. Grabbers are load rated at 1,520 pounds per tire so I feel comfortable running them. |
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gpbruce lyons
Samba Member
Joined: June 30, 2004
Posts: 62
Location: Vancouver, BC
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| Posted: Mon Sep 13, 2021 6:01 pm Post subject: Re: 14" Tire Options |
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My experience with Grabber ATs includes the purchase of 3 sets in the last 4 years (1 last Gen, 2 Current Gen), about 30K miles on 2 Campers, Vancouver BC rain, snow and ice and 80 MPH road trips; would do it again!
My research prior to going with the Generals was extensive and comprehensive and renewed prior to each purchase, same conclusion. They still have tread at 50K Miles when I replace them. Happy Trails to you! |
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