For Westies-at-watkins.org check out Watkins 2019
For Empirevwcamping.org go to NY State news on the dashboard.

Author Topic: tires for vanagon  (Read 6425 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Anonymous

  • LiMBO NEWBEE
  • *
  • Posts: 0
    • View Profile
tires for vanagon
« on: July 05, 2005, 09:14:09 PM »
My mechanic just told me is time(!) to change the original tires (Continental's) because of cracks in the tread. He warns me that only true 6 ply replacemnets, costing almost 1000$ are recommended. Is he full of hooey or are there cheaper replacements?<br><br>BTW: The original tire's are 1982's and only 46,000 km's on them!!!<br><br>thanks,<br>Cam Stapleton
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by Anonymous »

Anonymous

  • LiMBO NEWBEE
  • *
  • Posts: 0
    • View Profile
Re: tires for vanagon
« Reply #1 on: July 05, 2005, 09:29:03 PM »
I just purchased new tires for my 82 Westfalia.  I got the Michelin Agilis 185R14C 8 plys from Kal Tire here in BC. Hankook also makes an 8 ply tire for the Vanagon, the RA 08.  The Michelins only cost me $730 installed.  They are really narrow but don't feel  harsh and corner really well.  Good luck.<br><br>Dirk <br>82 Westfalia
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by Anonymous »

Anonymous

  • LiMBO NEWBEE
  • *
  • Posts: 0
    • View Profile
Re: tires for vanagon
« Reply #2 on: July 06, 2005, 10:52:36 AM »
The sidewall reinforced light truck tires really do make a difference. It makes the van much easier to handle in windy conditions and during cornering. This is from personal experience. <br><br>I don't currently have sidewall reinforced tires on my '81 but wish that I did. I do have 15" wheels and tires so the load rating of the tires is higher than what 14" ones would be. My friend has the 14" light truck tires (Yokohama?) on his '82 camper and last fall during a trip up to Maine we both noticed how much less wandering his van did on the highway in fairly windy conditions. I seemed to be constantly fighting and correcting for the wind and he was just cruising along with no trouble.<br><br>-Stan
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by Anonymous »

Anonymous

  • LiMBO NEWBEE
  • *
  • Posts: 0
    • View Profile
Re: tires for vanagon
« Reply #3 on: July 06, 2005, 01:06:08 PM »
I'm running the Michelin Agilis (14") also and highly recommend them.  I had installed Yokohama Super Van (356) and really like the Michelin over the Yoko's.<br><br>You can check tirerack.com ($101 Each + shipping), if you have a installer.  A mechanic I use has a tire machine so it is no problem to get them mounted & balanced.   You can investigate having them ordered by someone who carries Michelin tires as well.<br><br>John<br><br><br><br><br><br>
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by Anonymous »

Anonymous

  • LiMBO NEWBEE
  • *
  • Posts: 0
    • View Profile
Re: tires for vanagon
« Reply #4 on: July 06, 2005, 02:49:49 PM »
i have the vrstiens or ,which ever way they spell it, the only approved tires for vw vans . there is a very good read on the tires on the westfaila owners site nder the forums
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by Anonymous »

Anonymous

  • LiMBO NEWBEE
  • *
  • Posts: 0
    • View Profile
Re: tires for vanagon
« Reply #5 on: July 06, 2005, 06:25:06 PM »
hi there,<br>in this instance, i'd say he's full of hot air (rather than hooey)...i have the 6ply yokohamas on my van, and they were $70+/per tire, then you figure in installation, balancing, etc...you can do it for $450 easy, depending on your location...i've been very satisfied with the tires...good luck
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by Anonymous »

Anonymous

  • LiMBO NEWBEE
  • *
  • Posts: 0
    • View Profile
Re: tires for vanagon
« Reply #6 on: July 16, 2005, 12:39:43 PM »
Got Bridgestone light truck 6ply rated, love 'em, around $60 each, installed/balanced.
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by Anonymous »

Anonymous

  • LiMBO NEWBEE
  • *
  • Posts: 0
    • View Profile
Re: tires for vanagon
« Reply #7 on: July 26, 2005, 08:09:22 PM »
i use bridgestone rd-803 185r14's on my '85 vanagon, a really tough tire.  my vw will not pass state inspection without reinforced radials (you can't carry rated load safey).  it's benn awhile since i priced them, last time they were $71.- per tire.
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by Anonymous »

Anonymous

  • LiMBO NEWBEE
  • *
  • Posts: 0
    • View Profile
Re: tires for vanagon
« Reply #8 on: August 27, 2005, 12:00:56 AM »
I'd look for a new mechanic! As long as the load rating is adequate, there are many good "light truck" brands.  I've run 27 x 8.50 R14LT Load C for many years on my camper, with an all-terrain type tread. Great on the freeway, great off-road. Get stuck, drop the pressure some & motor out.  Dan
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by Anonymous »

Anonymous

  • LiMBO NEWBEE
  • *
  • Posts: 0
    • View Profile
Re: tires for vanagon
« Reply #9 on: September 25, 2005, 08:01:36 PM »
I got BF Goodrich Commercial T/A  Installed and ballanced , new lug bolts, environmental charge and tax $565.80 . they handle alot better than the snow tires the previous owner put on it. :)<br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br>
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by Anonymous »

Anonymous

  • LiMBO NEWBEE
  • *
  • Posts: 0
    • View Profile
Re: tires for vanagon
« Reply #10 on: May 01, 2006, 06:24:29 PM »
I put Khumo's on my 86 Westy and they are stong tires  with a quiet ride.  Wind is not a big problem.  Less than $270 for the set.
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by Anonymous »


For Westies-at-watkins.org check out Watkins 2019
For Empirevwcamping.org go to NY State news on the dashboard.