tire chain size

[bluebus86]

Hi: I got an 86 vanagon and have Hankook RA08 195R14 tires on stock steel rims. I understand these are larger tires than stock.

I need to fit tire chains on the van. the tire chain refereance charts do not list a 195R14 tire. the listing has a number rather than "R" in the tire sizing (example 195 75 14)

how do I translate the 195R14 tire size to one of the numbered sizes???

see attached tire size/chain chart....http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/automotive/detail-page/SCC_Tire_Guide_2013_Passenger_Light_Truck.pdf

thanks!!!!
_________________
Help Prevent VW Engine Fires, see this link.....Engine safety wire information

Stop introducing dirt into your oil when adjusting valves ... https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=683022

[Ahwahnee]

The '75' in your example is the aspect ratio -- that would be approximately '80' for a metric tire like you mention.

I believe the 'R' simply indicates that the tire is a radial.

So... chains for a 195 80 14 would likely be what you seek.

[bluebus86]

ok, so your saying they left out the number 80 in the tire size designation on the ones I have on my van.
That is not cool, but at least I know what it is equivalent too now, thanks!!!!

golly I have looked all over TireRack and other places and none of the online tire calculators even allow you to enter the R, and with no aspect ratio to enter, the calculators don't function.

So I need to look for chains that fit a 195-80-14 tire.


PS the chain/tire guide that I attached in the above posts does NOT offer a 195-80-14 tire chain size, the list ends at 195-75-14!!!!

crap!!! want to go to Yosemite Saturday, and cant figure what size chains I need.
_________________
Help Prevent VW Engine Fires, see this link.....Engine safety wire information

Stop introducing dirt into your oil when adjusting valves ... https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=683022

[jackbombay]

[chimivee]

[dcaver01]

Piggy backing on this thread.

I have the Yokohama 185R14 Tires, Model Y356 C.

Need to pick up some chains, can't figure out what the aspect ratio would be for these. Looks like it would be 55, 60 or 65. Not sure why Yokohama doesn't include this number.

Can anyone advise on which size is correct? Also if you have this tire and recommend a specific chain that would be welcomed also.

First time purchasing/using tire chains.

Thanks!

[outcaststudios]

measure the distance from the edge of the tire to the top of the rim and convert it to mm's and that will be your aspect ratio.
_________________
'88Doka JX td
'69 westy
(rip)couple bugs
(rip)three type III"s
(rip) '81 vanagon
a bunch of french stuff,and 9 motorcycles.

https://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=2573791

[dcaver01]

Thanks for the reply.

Wouldn't that just give me the section height of the tire? Aspect is width divided by height, right?

I'd love to just get the official number so I can be sure I'm spending my money on the right tire chains.

[crazyvwvanman]

That size doesn't have an aspect ratio as part of the size description. 82 or 80 is the closest.

195/75/14 tires are fairly close to that size tire overall.

Mark

[outcaststudios]

[outcaststudios]

[dcaver01]

Thanks yea, I measured, not sure how accurate it is as I'm using a ruler on a surface that isn't flat.

Came up with 140/120/85

I'll let you know if the snow chains fit these specs.

[IdahoDoug]

That's a tough call to measure the sidewall, due to variations in rim lip, and the vagueness of where to measure the height. I like Mark's reply to pick your tire chains - use 75 and since chains are designed for a variety and some extra, they will fit even though the actual size is 80 or 82.

As mentioned, a little prep of the chains and installing them once where it is warm and dry is a great call. You can be sure neither of those two variables will accompany your first real installation! It will be cold, wet, and possibly dark. In addition, it may be stressful due to a storm, and there may be other vehicles blasting past you at uncomfortable speeds and tossing slush on you.

Doug
_________________
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

[outcaststudios]

lol ok.
_________________
'88Doka JX td
'69 westy
(rip)couple bugs
(rip)three type III"s
(rip) '81 vanagon
a bunch of french stuff,and 9 motorcycles.

https://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=2573791

[Wildthings]

You can't determine the design section width very well as the actual section width is dependent on the width of the rim the tire is installed on. You pretty much need to go by the tire size charts.

Always test fit your chains before heading out into the wilds.

[dcaver01]

Thanks for the feedback guys, I'll definitely do a dry run before heading up into the snowy mountains this weekend.

I'm looking at getting this model from peerless: http://www.peerlesschain.com/tire-chain-finder/traction/tirechains/713

Says it fits 185-14, appears to fit a wide range of tires so maybe this is the way to go. I'll let you know how it goes. If you don't hear back, assume I got stuck in a snow drift.

[Tobias Duncan]

[dcaver01]

Thanks Tobias, I checked out the review and those do seem like a solid option. Went ahead and ordered.