A normal 205/70-14 tire will have a load index of 92 and the maximum carry
capacity achieved at 35 psi. A 98 LI by default is already a reinforced tire
in that size and increased capacity actually comes from being operated a
higher inflation pressure.  This tire is 98 with a maximum inflation
pressure of 51 psi. I have never seen a 99 LI in this size.  As I stated
earlier this is the best all-purpose tire available for the Vanagon in the
stock size. 1653 pounds X 4 gives over 1,000 pounds reserve even for the
Syncros. Whatever a 185/80 may offer in strength, it lacks in ride,
handling,  and traction.

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=General&tireModel=Altimax+R
T&partnum=07TR4AMAXRTXL&vehicleSearch=false&fromCompare1=yes&tab=Specs

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
mark drillock
Sent: Monday, December 06, 2010 8:34 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: Tire vendors

If you look at your door sticker and see the size 205/70/14 listed on it,
look to the right and it will say a load index number. Most door stickers I
have seen say 97 for THAT SIZE which is a PASSENGER size normally and only
allowable on a Vanagon if a reinforced or extra load type, which that tire
is. Some later Vanagon models says 99 for that size. That tire is rated 98,
so use your own discretion. I would use it for a van that says 97 but
pressure comes into play too.

Mark

Mister Tom wrote:
> The Tire Rack sight rates these tires as heavy duty passenger tires as
> opposed to Light Truck.  Max psi is 41.
>
> Ref: http://tinyurl.com/2bko4ug
>
> This is still considered OK for a Westy?
>
> Thanks...
>
> Tom Salicos
>
>
>