Tires for a 78 Bus

Red Mosquito · Post by **Red Mosquito** » Thu Sep 06, 2007 5:32 pm

Any recommendations on what type of tire I should use for my camper? Right now there are some 195/75/14's and they are looking a little rough.

regis101 · Post by **regis101** » Thu Sep 06, 2007 7:27 pm

Hankook 185/14's. Also their 195/14's

Browse around on Busdepot's site about tire info.

Also read the numerous pages on thesamba tire sticky.

In the end, you won't be disappointed with the Hankook's

busman78 · Post by **busman78** » Fri Sep 07, 2007 6:59 am

Second on the Hankooks, using 195's on both my buses. Best ride I have ever had.

Red Mosquito · Post by **Red Mosquito** » Fri Sep 07, 2007 8:40 am

I was in a shop yesterday and the guys said that I should be using 6 ply tires (at least that's what I think he said. I stopped paying attention to him as I realized that he had no idea what he was talking about when it came to VW's.

melville · Post by **melville** » Fri Sep 07, 2007 8:50 am

Red Mosquito wrote:I was in a shop yesterday and the guys said that I should be using 6 ply tires (at least that's what I think he said. I stopped paying attention to him as I realized that he had no idea what he was talking about when it came to VW's.

Believe it or not, your tire guy was right! That is actually a good tire guy! For more tire info, check the thread (should still be on page 1) started by Piper.

A lot of tire guys think "it's only some stinkfoot hippy van" and they do not treat our vehicles' tire needs seriously. At the very least, your guy checked the fitment book.

As always, I recommend the Michelin Agilis 61 in a 185-14C. I've had great luck on the 71 Kombi and the 74 Westy.

Later

Mel

Red Mosquito · Post by **Red Mosquito** » Fri Sep 07, 2007 9:00 am

Well thats good to hear. I t was a rough day with the mechanic. At least he was right about the tires. As far as brand name goes I may have to chose something different (I'm not in a location that has easy access to a lot of variety when it comes to tires) But I now know what sizes you guys are recommending and that the 6ply is necessary. Thanks for all your help guys!!

Red Mosquito · Post by **Red Mosquito** » Fri Sep 07, 2007 9:35 am

Oh...one more thing. When I choose what tires I want, am I going to have to get different rims? The rims have 195/14 tires right now. If I go with the 185 will I have to change the rims?

busman78 · Post by **busman78** » Fri Sep 07, 2007 10:02 am

Nope, stock rims are 5.5" and are quite happy with the 185 or 195. You do need 6ply C rating or even a 8ply D if you have a Westy. Course a 8ply can be a bit jaw jarring on a bumpy road.

Piper · Post by **Piper** » Sun Sep 09, 2007 3:05 pm

check out the tires thread I posted on here not too long ago, I'm running Michelen Algis tires, theyre 6 ply, and I like em a lot.