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Wabisabi0214 Samba Member
Joined: June 25, 2016 Posts: 3
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Posted: Mon Feb 20, 2023 11:28 pm Post subject: Re: What TIRES fit? The ultimate tire thread! |
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rlebo wrote: |
My first post…..be kind.
1991, Carat Tin Top, Factory 14” Alloys, owned since 1993, 243K miles
I’ve been researching stock tires sizes (205/70/14)
My old Michelin MXL’s are finally showing signs of sidewall checking and it’s time for new shoes. I’d like to keep the same size tire (with dwindling choices).
Has anyone installed General Altimax RT45 205/70R14 98T XL ???
They are apparently made by Continental.
With a 98 max load derated 9% (1653 x .91) = 1504 lbs which is over the required 1433 lbs for a 2WD
These Generals have the XL sidewall Load Range and max PSI of 51lbs
Following is a site with all the specs. Walmart is cheaper.
https://www.tireagent.com/products/general-altimax-rt45-15577330000
Looking forward to replies or alternate tires and reasons why, with links.
Thank you. |
I had some experience with Altimax a few years ago and they always had problems being slightly out of round when new and then getting worse due to the belts getting torn/broken. I was lucky to get half the guaranteed mileage out of them and that was with putting up with vibration from the above. They were cheaper but not worth it. |
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VicVan Samba Member
Joined: July 01, 2015 Posts: 1840 Location: Vancouver Island, BC
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Posted: Tue Feb 21, 2023 11:45 am Post subject: Re: What TIRES fit? The ultimate tire thread! |
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Well, given the lack of options in 215/60R16, I'm now looking at 215/65R16. Many options, including the Nokian WR4, but I'm wary of the bigger size
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I'm currently running 215/60, so 1.9% bigger than stock, I'm happy with the gearing and rpm as it is (keep in mind it is an Inline 4 VW 2.0 L, 135 hp, 135 lb.ft hooked up to a stock automatic transmission).
Using 215/65 would increase diameter another 3.1% more than what I have now. How big of a difference does it actually make, dirving wise, especially uphill? _________________ '90 Little Blue Truck, 2WD auto, FAS GenV 2.0 NA (AVH) |
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tjet Samba Member
Joined: June 10, 2014 Posts: 3533 Location: CA & NM
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Posted: Tue Feb 21, 2023 2:14 pm Post subject: Re: What TIRES fit? The ultimate tire thread! |
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I'm replacing my .85 4th gear with a .925 in my syncro. I'm running a 29" tire, and with the new gear, the cruise RPM will be close to the factory 26" tire. (4.86 R&P) |
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do.dah Samba Member
Joined: August 27, 2015 Posts: 444 Location: Washington
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Posted: Tue Feb 21, 2023 11:17 pm Post subject: Re: What TIRES fit? The ultimate tire thread! |
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I'm running 205/65-16's with a 2.3 wbx'r with a 4 speed. In 4th gear, I can accelerate, if you wanna call it that, without dropping a gear, going up most mountain passes around here. |
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DuncanS Samba Member
Joined: October 17, 2013 Posts: 4583 Location: New Hampshire
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Posted: Wed Feb 22, 2023 7:09 am Post subject: Re: What TIRES fit? The ultimate tire thread! |
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do.dah--What brand?
Duncan |
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VicVan Samba Member
Joined: July 01, 2015 Posts: 1840 Location: Vancouver Island, BC
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thebaz67 Samba Member
Joined: June 24, 2010 Posts: 38 Location: Louisa, Virginia
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thebaz67 Samba Member
Joined: June 24, 2010 Posts: 38 Location: Louisa, Virginia
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VicVan Samba Member
Joined: July 01, 2015 Posts: 1840 Location: Vancouver Island, BC
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Posted: Fri Mar 10, 2023 4:15 pm Post subject: Re: What TIRES fit? The ultimate tire thread! |
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Thanks! I actually went for Nokian WRC3 in 205 65 16. I wanted to gather some first impressions before posting an update. _________________ '90 Little Blue Truck, 2WD auto, FAS GenV 2.0 NA (AVH) |
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Mckinleyvillian Samba Member
Joined: July 22, 2021 Posts: 504 Location: Macktown, CA
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Posted: Fri Mar 17, 2023 8:56 pm Post subject: Re: What TIRES fit? The ultimate tire thread! |
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i've got some general altimax artic studded snow tires with studs sitting on a set of wheels. the tires have great life left to them and i'd really like to see how 15s ride...
anyone have experience driving destudded tires? I realize it's not ideal but I'm never going to use these snow tires and they haven't sold on CL... _________________ so many roads i know
all i want is one to take me home
85 Vanagon GL 1.9 stick |
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DuncanS Samba Member
Joined: October 17, 2013 Posts: 4583 Location: New Hampshire
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Posted: Sat Mar 18, 2023 3:30 am Post subject: Re: What TIRES fit? The ultimate tire thread! |
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They drive just fine.
Duncan |
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MacDude Samba Member
Joined: July 26, 2014 Posts: 101 Location: Bonny Doon
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Posted: Tue Apr 18, 2023 4:39 pm Post subject: Re: What TIRES fit? The ultimate tire thread! |
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VicVan wrote: |
wesitarz wrote: |
Seem to be more choices with 215 65R 16 looking at Tire Rack. Run a different tire on the rears? |
I know, but 215 65 takes me 7% bigger than stock, that's too much. And I'd rather have one type of tire only... |
@VicVan what did you end up getting? _________________ '84 Wolfsburg Westfalia
'90 White Multivan (currently not running) |
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BCE56 Samba Member
Joined: July 16, 2013 Posts: 358 Location: So Cal
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Posted: Wed Apr 19, 2023 11:45 am Post subject: Re: What TIRES fit? The ultimate tire thread! |
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Starting to think about new tires.
Current tires are approximately 10 years old, have about 30 K miles on them. Five wheel rotation per Jon Slider every 5000 miles. A bit more than 1/2 tread remaining. Some slight feathering is noticeable. Sidewall cracks are visible near the rims and at the base of the tread lugs.
I have been quite satisfied w/ these BFG AT/TAs. 215/75 R15 on Rhein rims..
What i can expect from the newer AT/TA KO2s? _________________ =BCE56=
'86 Syncro tintop
EJ22, OBD II early SC adapter plate conversion
Side project: '69 Frankenbug "It's alive!" |
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4Gears4Tires Samba Member
Joined: October 08, 2018 Posts: 3016 Location: MD
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Posted: Thu Apr 20, 2023 7:48 am Post subject: Re: What TIRES fit? The ultimate tire thread! |
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FYI, you should replace tires after a max of 7 years. 10 years is rolling the dice on de-lamination.
KO2s are great tires. _________________ '87 Syncro
Ferric Oxyhydroxide Superleggera Edition |
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dobryan Samba Member
Joined: March 24, 2006 Posts: 16501 Location: Brookeville, MD
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Posted: Thu Apr 20, 2023 8:16 am Post subject: Re: What TIRES fit? The ultimate tire thread! |
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BCE56 wrote: |
Starting to think about new tires.
Current tires are approximately 10 years old, have about 30 K miles on them. Five wheel rotation per Jon Slider every 5000 miles. A bit more than 1/2 tread remaining. Some slight feathering is noticeable. Sidewall cracks are visible near the rims and at the base of the tread lugs.
I have been quite satisfied w/ these BFG AT/TAs. 215/75 R15 on Rhein rims..
What i can expect from the newer AT/TA KO2s? |
I think the newer ones are quiter than the previous version. I like mine. Same size, same rims even. _________________ Dave O
'87 Westy w/ 2002 Subaru EJ25 and Peloquin TBD
"To travel hopefully is a better thing than to arrive." Robert Louis Stevenson
MD>Canada>AK>WA>OR>CA>AZ>UT>WY>SD
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=620646
Building a bus for travel in Europe (euroBus)
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=695371
The Western Syncro build
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=746794 |
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BCE56 Samba Member
Joined: July 16, 2013 Posts: 358 Location: So Cal
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Posted: Thu Apr 20, 2023 1:35 pm Post subject: Re: What TIRES fit? The ultimate tire thread! |
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Now- Must I buy 5?
Or only 4, (saving the best as spare) and hope for the best? _________________ =BCE56=
'86 Syncro tintop
EJ22, OBD II early SC adapter plate conversion
Side project: '69 Frankenbug "It's alive!" |
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DuncanS Samba Member
Joined: October 17, 2013 Posts: 4583 Location: New Hampshire
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Posted: Thu Apr 20, 2023 8:03 pm Post subject: Re: What TIRES fit? The ultimate tire thread! |
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Depends on how you drive. I wouldn't go deep into Death-if-you-can't-get-out-country, but if driving around town and you can quickly get another so you only have to put 40 ish miles on the spare, then buy 4. But 2 years from now the spare won't be getting any better down there, and I'd want to replace it in any event. So you put off spending $200 only for a couple of years and by then the tires will be $250. And now you will be rotating a new one with used ones, and that means....what? Guess I'd pony up now.
Duncan |
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MacDude Samba Member
Joined: July 26, 2014 Posts: 101 Location: Bonny Doon
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Posted: Fri Apr 21, 2023 9:38 am Post subject: Re: What TIRES fit? The ultimate tire thread! |
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After bouncing around various forums and discussions I ended up at my local Big-O because they had a couple of different tires that fit and were XL rated.
Now I have these.
https://www.bigotires.com/tires/line/big-o/legacy-as-plus/prod5360001
I decided that I'm not off highway enough to justify AT tread.
Have a good summer! _________________ '84 Wolfsburg Westfalia
'90 White Multivan (currently not running) |
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BCE56 Samba Member
Joined: July 16, 2013 Posts: 358 Location: So Cal
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Posted: Fri Apr 21, 2023 11:56 am Post subject: Re: What TIRES fit? The ultimate tire thread! |
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I've been running BFG AT's since the mid '70's w/ no problems. These were on Detroit 4X4 trucks until I got the Syncro.
My rig sees mostly city streets and periodic long-distance HWY travel, occasional dirt roads cautiously negotiated as I usually travel solo.
I figure these tires will get me to Syncrofest but I wouldn't trust them to survive a 2700 mi round trip to CO this summer.
With that in mind I just registered on America's Tire/BFG website for $110 discount on a set of 4 tires.
*
LATER: Bit the bullet. Five new tires should be here next Tuesday. _________________ =BCE56=
'86 Syncro tintop
EJ22, OBD II early SC adapter plate conversion
Side project: '69 Frankenbug "It's alive!" |
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DuncanS Samba Member
Joined: October 17, 2013 Posts: 4583 Location: New Hampshire
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Posted: Sat Apr 22, 2023 5:50 am Post subject: Re: What TIRES fit? The ultimate tire thread! |
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Size??
Duncan |
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