| Author |
Message |
llilibel03
Samba Member
Joined: February 03, 2008
Posts: 767
Location: Redondo Beach California
|
 Posted: Fri Mar 17, 2017 8:18 am Post subject: Re: What TIRES fit? The ultimate tire thread! |
 |
|
OK. I've read the first post by Kamz a couple of times. I've given the entire thread the once over twice.
So maybe someone can help because I'm not finding it-
Does anybody know of a 26"-26.5" (205/65 r15 or r16) All Terrain tire with proper load rating? I know I could fit 27" and there are lots of All Terrain tires in that size, but I don' want the power loss that some (but not all) speak of.
It seems when you get down to the 26" or 26.5" size there are no more all terrain tires available for 15-16 inch rims.
We plan to do a lot of camping and 90% of the drive will be highway, but I want to access the unpaved roads once I get to the destination.'
Any help will be appreciated....
Pardon if I bump this up a couple of times until I get a answer.
ps I was thinking to myself, "What a first world problem!" |
|
| Back to top |
|
 |
llilibel03
Samba Member
Joined: February 03, 2008
Posts: 767
Location: Redondo Beach California
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
campism
Samba Member
Joined: September 07, 2007
Posts: 4492
Location: Richmond VA
|
| Posted: Fri Mar 17, 2017 10:26 am Post subject: Re: What TIRES fit? The ultimate tire thread! |
|
|
Check with www.tires-easy.com for the Achilles Multivan 205R65-16 that I am using on my Westy. Not all terrain but a decent tread, 26.5 diameter in that size and a 102 rating, and very inexpensive.
_________________
'87 Westy in Wolfram Grey Metallic |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
llilibel03
Samba Member
Joined: February 03, 2008
Posts: 767
Location: Redondo Beach California
|
| Posted: Fri Mar 17, 2017 12:35 pm Post subject: Re: What TIRES fit? The ultimate tire thread! |
|
|
| campism wrote: |
| Check with www.tires-easy.com for the Achilles Multivan 205R65-16 that I am using on my Westy. Not all terrain but a decent tread, 26.5 diameter in that size and a 102 rating, and very inexpensive. |
I couldn't find that tire on their site.
The continental tire I posted has a load rating of 99 which is 1555 lbs. after the 9% correction so I figure it is OK based on what I've read. But being a winter tire will it melt crossing the Arizona desert in the summer?
Last edited by llilibel03 on Fri Mar 17, 2017 12:39 pm; edited 1 time in total |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
bobbyblack 
Samba Member
Joined: May 21, 2015
Posts: 4351
Location: United States, Iowa
|
| Posted: Fri Mar 17, 2017 12:36 pm Post subject: Re: What TIRES fit? The ultimate tire thread! |
|
|
Chumford: those look very nice! That diameter seems like it would fit in the clamshell, but the width seems a bit over, have you tried it yet? I think there is a little hanger extension you can make if not.
Spare carrier mod:
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=7279860#7279860
_________________
'87 Westy 'Flossie','86 Westy 'R1','86 tintop GL - Subi2.2 'J2','83.5 stock tintop L 'ZoomBus','74 Karmann Ghia, '63 Notch
Last edited by bobbyblack on Fri Mar 17, 2017 12:56 pm; edited 1 time in total |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
bobbyblack
Samba Member
Joined: May 21, 2015
Posts: 4351
Location: United States, Iowa
|
| Posted: Fri Mar 17, 2017 12:51 pm Post subject: Re: What TIRES fit? The ultimate tire thread! |
|
|
llilibel03 :
I keep a draft in my email with tires I have run across over the time I am looking for tires.. Here is my list so far, but I don't know if it matches your interests.
have
195/75/14 @ 815 Revs per mile
options
215/60/16 @ 808 Revs
215/65/16 @ 769 Revs
Toyo Versado Noir 215/65R16 XL 102H BSW
~$95/tire
Continental 4x4 Contact All-season (SUV)
215/65R16
Load range: XL
Load index: 102V
Max load: 1874 lbs.
Nexen CP521 SUV
215/65R16
Load range: XL
Load index: 102T
Max load: 1874 lbs.
Nokian Hakka C Van
215/65R16
Load range: C
Load index: 109/107T
Nokian WR C Van
215/65R16C
Load range: D
Load index: 109/107T
Continental ExtremeWinterContact
215/65R16 (Euro metric)
Load range: XL
Load index: 102T
Max load: 1874 lbs. -9% > 1705 lbs.
Max psi: 51
Revs/mile: 769
215/70/16 @ 742 Revs
225/60/16 @ 778 Revs
Imperial S110 225/60R16 102H BSW
~$89/tire
Nokian eNTYRE 2.0 225/60R16 XL 102H BSW
~107/tire
225/65/16 @ 756 Revs
CONTINENTAL
VANCOWINTER 2
Light Truck/SUV Studless Ice & Snow
Size: 205/65R16C 107/105T D
Sidewall Style: Blackwall
UTQG: None
_________________
'87 Westy 'Flossie','86 Westy 'R1','86 tintop GL - Subi2.2 'J2','83.5 stock tintop L 'ZoomBus','74 Karmann Ghia, '63 Notch |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
llilibel03
Samba Member
Joined: February 03, 2008
Posts: 767
Location: Redondo Beach California
|
| Posted: Fri Mar 17, 2017 2:47 pm Post subject: Re: What TIRES fit? The ultimate tire thread! |
|
|
| dustyrhodes wrote: |
I just installed 215/65/16 BFG KO2s on 16" South African steel wheels from van-cafe.
Stock springs and KYB shocks. GW 1.5" lift and Fox shocks coming as soon as my burley UCAs come in. Love the look so far!
[pics] |
Nice looking van. So these photos are with stock springs? did you have any rubbing? |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
campism
Samba Member
Joined: September 07, 2007
Posts: 4492
Location: Richmond VA
|
| Posted: Fri Mar 17, 2017 3:53 pm Post subject: Re: What TIRES fit? The ultimate tire thread! |
|
|
| llilibel03 wrote: |
| campism wrote: |
| Check with www.tires-easy.com for the Achilles Multivan 205R65-16 that I am using on my Westy. Not all terrain but a decent tread, 26.5 diameter in that size and a 102 rating, and very inexpensive. |
I couldn't find that tire on their site. |
These guys show it. The other place might have discontinued the tire. Price here is about the same.
https://www.onlinetires.com/products/vehicle/tires...5t+bw.html
_________________
'87 Westy in Wolfram Grey Metallic |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
bobbyblack
Samba Member
Joined: May 21, 2015
Posts: 4351
Location: United States, Iowa
|
| Posted: Sat Mar 18, 2017 10:23 am Post subject: Re: What TIRES fit? The ultimate tire thread! |
|
|
| bobbyblack wrote: |
| You do realize that the Vanagon is the equivalent of a 3/4 ton truck, right? Even on my '67 Westy, the tire shops I took it to refused to mount any tires less than C. It was in fact, illegal for them to do so. Check out how much the Type 2 has grown since the Splitty times. |
I happened to be reading the wikipedia entry re the Type 2 today. I have to correct the above claim of equiv. to a 3/4 ton truck.
As it turns out, the 750 kg (3/4 ton) cargo capacity version of the Type 2 ended in 1962, after the 1962 option of a 1000 kg version was released. Nobody wanted the 3/4 ton version anymore. Production of all Type 2's from then on were based the 1000kg (2205 lb) cargo capacity.
So, I learned something today because I was trying to remember back to 1988 when I couldn't afford all 4 tires I was trying to buy at the tire shop. I could only purchase 2 C rated tires at that time, I remember the guy said I had a 1 ton cargo capacity van which was a 1967 full westy so-42 turret, and it was illegal for him to put lower rated tires on. That was in Anchorage AK, so you can guess how much it hurt.
Anyway, Vanagons are not 3/4 ton, but instead 1 ton cargo rated. Hope I didn't mislead anyone. With that in mind, I will be keeping that lesson in mind when I get my next set of rubber. I scaled Flossie at 4100 lb with me in it, otherwise empty and 1/8 tank of gas. Add tools, camp gear, a spare engine and tranny (ok, I only did that twice on trips to AK) and 11 long haired friends of Jesus (JK) You get the picture.
_________________
'87 Westy 'Flossie','86 Westy 'R1','86 tintop GL - Subi2.2 'J2','83.5 stock tintop L 'ZoomBus','74 Karmann Ghia, '63 Notch |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
llilibel03
Samba Member
Joined: February 03, 2008
Posts: 767
Location: Redondo Beach California
|
| Posted: Mon Mar 20, 2017 8:30 am Post subject: Re: What TIRES fit? The ultimate tire thread! |
|
|
| bobbyblack wrote: |
| bobbyblack wrote: |
| You do realize that the Vanagon is the equivalent of a 3/4 ton truck, right? Even on my '67 Westy, the tire shops I took it to refused to mount any tires less than C. It was in fact, illegal for them to do so. Check out how much the Type 2 has grown since the Splitty times. |
I happened to be reading the wikipedia entry re the Type 2 today. I have to correct the above claim of equiv. to a 3/4 ton truck.
As it turns out, the 750 kg (3/4 ton) cargo capacity version of the Type 2 ended in 1962, after the 1962 option of a 1000 kg version was released. Nobody wanted the 3/4 ton version anymore. Production of all Type 2's from then on were based the 1000kg (2205 lb) cargo capacity.
So, I learned something today because I was trying to remember back to 1988 when I couldn't afford all 4 tires I was trying to buy at the tire shop. I could only purchase 2 C rated tires at that time, I remember the guy said I had a 1 ton cargo capacity van which was a 1967 full westy so-42 turret, and it was illegal for him to put lower rated tires on. That was in Anchorage AK, so you can guess how much it hurt.
Anyway, Vanagons are not 3/4 ton, but instead 1 ton cargo rated. Hope I didn't mislead anyone. With that in mind, I will be keeping that lesson in mind when I get my next set of rubber. I scaled Flossie at 4100 lb with me in it, otherwise empty and 1/8 tank of gas. Add tools, camp gear, a spare engine and tranny (ok, I only did that twice on trips to AK) and 11 long haired friends of Jesus (JK) You get the picture. |
I was wondering exactly what was meant by the "Fully Loaded Vanagon" in the original post. Westy camper? Full tank of gas, water tank full, 4 passengers? Camp equipment.
I looked at the Westy I just bought and the tires areLoad rated 90! And the guy said he took his family of four camping with it. He didn't seem like a "live life dangerously" kind of guy (retired JPL engineer). He even told me when I bought it, "Oh you can get a lot more miles out of these." They are kind of cracking which is what got me on my tire hunt in the first place.
Should I put his Primera 190/70r14 load 90 tires on the recommended tire list? |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
dgonedge
Samba Member
Joined: March 20, 2017
Posts: 2
Location: Littleton, CO
|
| Posted: Mon Mar 20, 2017 9:20 am Post subject: Re: What TIRES fit? The ultimate tire thread! |
|
|
2003 Eurovan Weekender:
I burned through a set of the Bridgestone Dueller tires in just 18,000 miles. Disappointing, to say the least. I was not interested in dealing with warranty as I did not want to receive another discount set.
I just installed a set of:
Nokian WR C Van
215/65R16C
Load range: D
Load index: 109/107T
Paid $130/tire, Discount Tire Store, Littleton, CO. They do not have the tire price in their system, but they are able to order it.
My initial review is that they are very quiet. (Tire Pressures: Front-44, Rear-40) They do not provide as much grip as the Dueller in cornering, but I do not usually drive my EV in sportscar mode (only sometimes). They look stout, and have a good tread pattern to my untrained eye. They give me a sense of confidence that they are going to last, since their weight rating far exceeds the EV's.
I topped it off with a fresh alignment.
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
llilibel03
Samba Member
Joined: February 03, 2008
Posts: 767
Location: Redondo Beach California
|
| Posted: Mon Mar 20, 2017 9:22 am Post subject: Re: What TIRES fit? The ultimate tire thread! |
|
|
| A lot of the tires in the size I want to get with the proper load rating are winter tires. What could I expect in tread life with winter tires? |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
dgonedge
Samba Member
Joined: March 20, 2017
Posts: 2
Location: Littleton, CO
|
| Posted: Mon Mar 20, 2017 9:32 am Post subject: Re: What TIRES fit? The ultimate tire thread! |
|
|
| Winter tires, if you drive them full time will probably last 24-30,000 miles. I keep a separate set of studded tires, on a separate set of wheels, for Colorado snow days. The studded tires provide incredible traction on ice or snow. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
IdahoDoug
Samba Member
Joined: June 12, 2010
Posts: 10251
Location: N. Idaho
|
| Posted: Tue Mar 21, 2017 9:09 pm Post subject: Re: What TIRES fit? The ultimate tire thread! |
|
|
I don't think a blanket statement on winter tire life is accurate, and that's why tire makers don't provide mile warranty on winter tires in general. A guy living in Redondo Beach, CA on snow tires is not going to be happy with tire life on most winter tires.
_________________
1987 2WD Wolfsburg Vanagon Weekender "Mango", two fully locked 80 Series LandCruisers. 2017 Subaru Outback boxer. 1990 Audi 90 Quattro 20V with rear locking differential, 1990 burgundy parts Vanagon. 1984 Porsche 944, 1988 Toyota Supra 5 speed targa, 2002 BMW 325iX, 1982 Toyota Sunrader |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
llilibel03
Samba Member
Joined: February 03, 2008
Posts: 767
Location: Redondo Beach California
|
| Posted: Wed Mar 22, 2017 8:58 am Post subject: Re: What TIRES fit? The ultimate tire thread! |
|
|
I ended up going with Yokohama Geolandars 205/70r15 and Gowesty alloys. They are on the "recommended" list although there is a question mark earlier on in Kamz's post. I figure since the previous owner went for trips with a family of four for years on load rated 90 tires, I should be OK on load rated 96 SUV tires.
Man, was that a more complicated task than I anticipated!
Now if I can get it smogged (it didn't pass)....I can start planning our spring break trip to Utah...
Last edited by llilibel03 on Wed Mar 22, 2017 8:59 pm; edited 1 time in total |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
raoul mitgong
Samba Member
Joined: July 05, 2009
Posts: 1338
Location: Denver, CO
|
| Posted: Wed Mar 22, 2017 3:50 pm Post subject: Re: What TIRES fit? The ultimate tire thread! |
|
|
Kumho Road Venture MT KL71, 27x8.5R14LT.
I couldn't find anything regarding this tire via the search. It falls short of the 1521 by only 1 pound. It is LT rated so no 9% reduction. Same spec's as the General Grabber AT2s that many run on their 14" rims. Directional so not ideal for Syncros. Nice aggressive Pre-Runner tire. Thought I'd share.
https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=...wAod_RgEQA
_________________
84 Westy with a 2.1 (Groover)
86 Tintop Syncro (Crow)
86 Tintop Syncro to Westy project (Tom Servo)
91 Westy (Only the top 12 inches of this van (a burn victim)) |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Westaru
Samba Member
Joined: October 10, 2016
Posts: 189
Location: Utah
|
| Posted: Wed Mar 22, 2017 5:11 pm Post subject: Re: What TIRES fit? The ultimate tire thread! |
|
|
| mellowslow wrote: |
| Ride_On wrote: |
| Does anyone have any experience with the Michelin Defender LTX tires on a Vanagon or Bus? Relative had LTX's on a Highlander and they were very good and very durable. We currently have quite old Michelin Agilis tires on our bus and Michelin winters on our car so leaning that way - Michelin's always impressed me. Upgrading to 16" wheels, so have to get them shod! Appreciate the reference for the Nokian Entyres too. |
I have had a set of 205 15 65 Michellin Defender LTX on my '87 Westy Weekender for about 12,000 miles.
My tires were mounted up last spring and I've been very happy with all aspects of this tire's performance. I did mad research last winter as this line of tires was kind of new. I am starting to see these tires on many different pickups, SUV, and jeep type vehicles in the last year.
The biggest surprise for me has been this tire's snow ability. It looks like a snow tire. Nice to not be stuck in my own driveway in a little snow storm.
Not loud on the road but if I listen for these tires, I can hear them.
Spun these tires once in an off road, wet, muddy grass leaving a reggae festival situation, but no difficulty getting where I needed to go.
Have powered through some deeper beach sand (that washed onto the road and dried excellent testing ground  )
These are great tires to enhance the capabilities of the van without the compromising effects of a softer or deeper more aggressive lugged tire.
Sturdy enough weight rating and lacking the harsh ride of delivery van spec tires.
No noticeable wear in 12,000 miles (van got alignment, rotation twice during that time). |
Thanks for this update! I have had a set of the BFG 215/75/15's on my '84 Westy for around 650 miles now. Although I love the way they look, it's taken just a bit too much power away from my van at 5000' above sea level. Looking at the Defender LTX in 205/65/15 as a suitable replacement. Now if I could just talk the shop into giving me a decent trade in value for them! |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
porterbrown
Samba Member
Joined: February 25, 2005
Posts: 718
Location: Bentonville, AR
|
| Posted: Wed Mar 22, 2017 8:29 pm Post subject: Re: What TIRES fit? The ultimate tire thread! |
|
|
| dgonedge wrote: |
2003 Eurovan Weekender:
I burned through a set of the Bridgestone Dueller tires in just 18,000 miles. Disappointing, to say the least. I was not interested in dealing with warranty as I did not want to receive another discount set.
I just installed a set of:
Nokian WR C Van
215/65R16C
Load range: D
Load index: 109/107T
Paid $130/tire, Discount Tire Store, Littleton, CO. They do not have the tire price in their system, but they are able to order it.
My initial review is that they are very quiet. (Tire Pressures: Front-44, Rear-40) They do not provide as much grip as the Dueller in cornering, but I do not usually drive my EV in sportscar mode (only sometimes). They look stout, and have a good tread pattern to my untrained eye. They give me a sense of confidence that they are going to last, since their weight rating far exceeds the EV's.
I topped it off with a fresh alignment.
[pics] |
I'm running the same tire on a '90 Westy, and I love them. Super stout tire....they do ride pretty rigid, but I'm fine with it. They also seem to be wearing very well. I have my spare on a rear swing-out, and do the 5-tire rotation.
_________________
'90 Westfalia GL Automatic |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
kamzcab86
Samba Moderator
Joined: July 26, 2008
Posts: 7923
Location: Arizona
|
| Posted: Thu Mar 23, 2017 7:29 pm Post subject: Re: What TIRES fit? The ultimate tire thread! |
|
|
Finally have a chance to reply...
| andrew163980 wrote: |
The LTX was much better and more grippy? |
I, personally, did not get the Defender LTX, but plenty of vans are sporting them. I went with the Conti Vanco 4 and it has performed splendidly. 
| soissisc wrote: |
| Quote: |
| it is within the 5% change in revolutions per mile he recommends |
It is "She", I believe, from my rabbit convertible days... |
| raoul mitgong wrote: |
| Kumho Road Venture MT KL71, 27x8.5R14LT. |
Still sold by retailers, however, discontinued in that size by Kumho. 
Most importantly, the first post has finally been updated. Even more importantly, you'll see that the first post is no longer as lengthy as it was. All of the detailed information and some additional info, has been moved into a PDF, which allows for better organization, easier to read, and simpler to update. 
_________________
~Kamz 
1986 Cabriolet: www.Cabby-Info.com
 1990 Vanagon Westfalia: Old Blue's Blog
2016 Golf GTI S
"Real knowledge is to know the extent of one's ignorance." - 孔子 |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
raoul mitgong
Samba Member
Joined: July 05, 2009
Posts: 1338
Location: Denver, CO
|
| Posted: Fri Mar 24, 2017 9:04 am Post subject: Re: What TIRES fit? The ultimate tire thread! |
|
|
We are lucky to have you Kamz.
-d
_________________
84 Westy with a 2.1 (Groover)
86 Tintop Syncro (Crow)
86 Tintop Syncro to Westy project (Tom Servo)
91 Westy (Only the top 12 inches of this van (a burn victim)) |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
