Marci thanks for info, for one bus I wanted to run with Radar they are 15" found good LT at discount tires and they did a great job putting them on my Radars. Now on my 67 Bondo Condo bus going with stock 14's. Thank you again save me time I ordered ( 5) of these tires from them today. I know I'm far from having the camper bus on the road but when I'm ready I do not want to find out I cannot find a good LT 14" tires like these. I found a discount code for them.
most of my old cars are 14, getting hard to find, on crusty l run a 215 to up the gear ratio for top speed, but they are tight getting in, l have to let the air out then fill them up once they are past the wheel well on the rear,
Mustie1 yep, I’ve had 215 on it before, but I’m serious when I say NO ONE makes 14” anything anymore...it’s kind of sad...can always bump bus rim up to beetle 15”s but don’t really want to...I should be set for some time now tho!
Extremely helpful info on tires. I will save this to my favorites when its time to purchase. What a lovely ending. I was yelling and cheering for you all. Looked so fun cruising. Excellent video!
can't wait to see that westy in all its glory running down the road! loved that bus from the first time you shared on your channel! I can see the vision even though it's work, so going to be worth it!
Thanks for sharing your experience, Marci. I was on the fence between these and another set and after your video decided that the Hankook RA18 was the best choice for me. And I could not be happier with them. They improved the handling and performance of my '71 all around. Speed, turning/cornering and braking. No doubt the manufacturer intended size and rating and the best road tire you can buy for 14 inch wheeled buses. Thank you again!
I fastened the new hubcap clips on my VW Thing with aluminum pop rivets...worked like a charm, and soooo much easier than bucking the steel rivets that came with the clips...so much for "originality"! you can't see them under the hubcaps anyway.
Awesome video Marci! I will definitely consider these! I'm assuming they have them in 15" as well? Looked like a fun night out on the town with the Family!
I'm not sure about the 15" but I would say they do...I personally like the LOOK of the grabber at2/atx better but with the type of driving I do these are exactly what I need! we are always our own parade! lol
Hi great video super information tires definitely make a huge difference. Love that your whole family is into vw life! Thought dad was busted when cop pulled up along side at stop light lol. Oreos only kind of ice cream yummmmmmmmmmmmm
yes we make our own parade everywhere we go! lol the there were actually two cops, one was beside me (the one you can see) and one behind dad...and one of them was my cousin, but yes we also thought we were getting busted for the headlights! lol thanks for being here Mike!
If you like scenic views hit the link below...fast forward through Ann the beginning to where I drive through the bridge, beautiful part of area right down the road from me! ua-cam.com/video/QhiTt8XydUE/v-deo.html
yep...I've run other really good tires years ago...and then had that major blow out last summer and just haven't been able to find anything with proper rating...these are exactly the tire I had been looking for without going Bias-ply
What size were your original tires that were balloning? I have some 205/70/14 and they seem to be ok. But I would rather some light truck tires for my van
They were pretty much the same size, but they were not a truck tire! Weak sidewalls and just collapsed. These were such an improvement! And they still are doing great!
Yep! Good video Marci. We have heard good thinks about this Hankook r18. As you know we use the general Grabbers. We love them. Seems like they're both good options depending on what you need. A lot of times Discount Tire can't balance wide fives. I'm surprised. And I would not even have let them driven my bus but that's a whole other story LOL
VW Life I absolutely LOVE the look of the grabbers they look much better on the bus...and our tire barn here is awesome truly really good guys...they have put 10, yes 10 sets of tires on my mini, as it has 400,000 miles on it...they warned me a couple clips might get damaged I said do it anyway, we have our own balancer for wide 5, but no weights😂
@@marcijunebug oh wow that's awesome. Yeah I guess you have that plate adapter thingy. Keep up the good work love the video on the multiple camera angles we have a good video coming out next Thursday that I think you'll like
Ok...ok....now I have to get a bug. You fed my bug fever.... I loved seeing your family and their VW too. We going to sell the old 1919 Model T and find a VW. Hope to see you at Elnora this coming weekend
haha...Yeah we ARE our own parade! the model T!!!!! no say it ain't so! hey maybe send me some details on that in messenger once you have those settled. One my buddies is a Model T guy.
My very experienced tire guy said that a good "passenger" tire is fine since if you get one that has a 1500 pound (or so) weight rating and a relatively high maximum air pressure rating and keep the pressure up it will be perfectly safe. The camper version can weigh around 5000 lbs, so with 4 tires at 1565 you get a 6260 pound rating as long as you keep the pressures up. I am using the Hankook Kinergy ST and keep the pressures at 45 pounds which gives an overall rating of 5523 pounds, well within a safety range for a 5000 lb vehicle. It is a 215 70R14 and fits quite well with plenty of clearance and greater width. Remember the maximum weight ratings of even a truck tire only apply if the tire is at maximum pressure indicated on the tire wall. My tires do not bulge at 45 pounds and run quite well. I have the camper model and don't drive like a race car anyway. Any comments?
I've ran about every tire made and I'm telling you it DOES matter...I haul regularly with this truck and this tire (hankook vantra ra18) is light years above anything else. The issue with this particular year of truck/bus is that it has 14" rims...NOT 15" so you are very very limited when searching for a tire. The biggest difference other than the handling on this tire is the reduced road noise...I'd say it is 1/2 any other tire I've ever ran. I won't ever put anything else on it unless I upgrade to a 15" then I might consider something else available, but as long as I am running the 14's vantra's it is!
This video helped me buy tires for my 67’ Kombi. I just hope that these Hannok Tires never get dis-continued cos’ 14’s are getting harder and harder to find. Marci, you should check out the cost on these jewels now. The price has dropped since you made this video.
Oh I’m glad! I’ve been very happy with them! The reduced road noice from what I was running was crazy! If they stop making them I might have to find an old set of bus rims, since the early buses were 15’s! Fingers crossed they don’t…
Everyone recommends these Hankooks I am going to order a set as well. I have a set of mismatched truck tires on my bus, they are actually pretty nice and I can't push myself to throw away perfectly good tires. I need to use them a bit.
Well I’ve had mine on long enough I can tell you with certainty you will not be disappointed they are awesome! Smoothest and quietest rude that bus has ever had!
I'm sorry I don't...but honestly after running the hankook tires I won't ever run anything else on this bus. It handles like a dream and the road noise is almost non-existent. I USE this truck, like almost abuse it and I'm so very happy with this tire choice...and for the price, well you just can't beat them... Good luck
Thank your so much for the video! I bought my camper, but now realised that the previous owner had put on passenger tyres on it. Gotta fix that. Quick question. These tyres can take up to 65psi. What do you pump them to on your fully loaded truck? I have a type 2 camper. Fully loaded it sags somewhat at the rear at 40psi. But maybe it's because of the passenger tyres, instead of LT.
If I’m fully loaded I pretty much max out my pressure, but honestly I have not had an issue with these tires at all even if they are a bit “low” on air pressure. I always check tire pressure before a long trip and if I am towing or hauling just to be sure…but they are great tires and I am still very happy with the choice!
Hey, Marci. I have been doing tire research for my '69 baywindow with year-correct original steel 14" x 5" rims. Your video has been very reassuring, as I came to the same conclusion regarding the Hankook RA18 commercial tire. The only difference is that I'm going with 195s rather than 185s. The 195s are a tad bit taller (26.2") compared to the 185s (25.6"). The taller 195s will bring the revs down just a bit while on the freeway. I'm getting mine from tires-easy.com. Thanks for a very helpful video. It also reminded me that need to find a place which can mount these new shoes on the wide-5 lug pattern and also balance them on the correct equipment.
D B glad it helped! I’ve been very happy with my choice, best part is the road noise it really reduced! Very quiet tire! And I use my truck like a truck, haul with it all the time...these tires don’t even act like I have a load on! Love them! Good luck with your! 👍
lol weeeeellll I had been saving and looking for one for nearly 20 years...just refused to pay prices people wanted. A friend of mine was down pickin' in Kentucky and found it for me! It has it's issues but all in all a very solid bus. There are plenty of them out there hit up thesamba.com the trouble is they are sky high and I'm a deal gal! lol YES we LOVE that little trailer! We are getting ready to start the redo of a 1947 A.J. Higgins tent trailer in a few weeks and it is very cool as well! thanks for watching! Stay tuned lots of great projects coming up this summer!
Yes tires make a huge difference on any vehicle. I thought VW had 15 inch tires on both the Buses and Bugs? Any time is ice cream time especially when it starts to get warmer!
Oh yes do I know on tires...my mini has 400,000mi on it an I’ve owned since it had 2miles...I drive 30,000-40,000 miles some years and thus go through tires pretty quick, always feels totally different with new ones! Some older (pressed bumper era) busses had 15”, my 58 panel has 15”...but I believe 61-67 on splits were 14, 15” beetle WILL FIT, just not stock! Thanks for watching
Marci thanks for info, for one bus I wanted to run with Radar they are 15" found good LT at discount tires and they did a great job putting them on my Radars. Now on my 67 Bondo Condo bus going with stock 14's. Thank you again save me time I ordered ( 5) of these tires from them today. I know I'm far from having the camper bus on the road but when I'm ready I do not want to find out I cannot find a good LT 14" tires like these. I found a discount code for them.
Awesome! you will NOT regret it! and yes i meant to mention the code, but forgot (sign of getting old i guess) really great tire for the price too!
most of my old cars are 14, getting hard to find, on crusty l run a 215 to up the gear ratio for top speed, but they are tight getting in, l have to let the air out then fill them up once they are past the wheel well on the rear,
Mustie1 yep, I’ve had 215 on it before, but I’m serious when I say NO ONE makes 14” anything anymore...it’s kind of sad...can always bump bus rim up to beetle 15”s but don’t really want to...I should be set for some time now tho!
Extremely helpful info on tires. I will save this to my favorites when its time to purchase. What a lovely ending. I was yelling and cheering for you all. Looked so fun cruising. Excellent video!
I was blown away at how few (make that 3!!!) 14” truck tires are available...guess the other option is to switch to 15” beetle wheels! Thanks!
great video & good times out there as well . Thank you for the info , I'll be getting a set for the 66 Westy .
can't wait to see that westy in all its glory running down the road! loved that bus from the first time you shared on your channel! I can see the vision even though it's work, so going to be worth it!
Thanks for sharing your experience, Marci. I was on the fence between these and another set and after your video decided that the Hankook RA18 was the best choice for me. And I could not be happier with them. They improved the handling and performance of my '71 all around. Speed, turning/cornering and braking. No doubt the manufacturer intended size and rating and the best road tire you can buy for 14 inch wheeled buses. Thank you again!
Shawn P I’m glad to hear that! I love mine! I was also impressed with how much quieter my truck was with them! Thanks for the feedback!
@@marcijunebug Yes, so quiet they're silent! I love your double cab too.
Thanks...It's a really good ole truck, and I USE it like a truck, haul with it all the time!
Great info on the tires. I could watch video of working semaphores and Ruby all day( you know I am a bug guy). Great Video Marci. BIG THUMBS UP
yep...it was a very good evening indeed! Dad is quite proud of those semaphores!!! and i have to admit they are cool! thanks for also supporting me!
Very good info Marci...love the double cab! Good times!
Thanks love that ole truck!
I fastened the new hubcap clips on my VW Thing with aluminum pop rivets...worked like a charm, and soooo much easier than bucking the steel rivets that came with the clips...so much for "originality"! you can't see them under the hubcaps anyway.
work smarter, not harder!
Awesome video Marci! I will definitely consider these! I'm assuming they have them in 15" as well? Looked like a fun night out on the town with the Family!
I'm not sure about the 15" but I would say they do...I personally like the LOOK of the grabber at2/atx better but with the type of driving I do these are exactly what I need! we are always our own parade! lol
Hi great video super information tires definitely make a huge difference. Love that your whole family is into vw life! Thought dad was busted when cop pulled up along side at stop light lol. Oreos only kind of ice cream yummmmmmmmmmmmm
yes we make our own parade everywhere we go! lol the there were actually two cops, one was beside me (the one you can see) and one behind dad...and one of them was my cousin, but yes we also thought we were getting busted for the headlights! lol thanks for being here Mike!
Thanks for the touring, allways like to see some countryside over there ,can't get used to driving on the wrong side of the roads
If you like scenic views hit the link below...fast forward through Ann the beginning to where I drive through the bridge, beautiful part of area right down the road from me!
ua-cam.com/video/QhiTt8XydUE/v-deo.html
Great tire info...I've had problems with soft tires on my bus in the past
yep...I've run other really good tires years ago...and then had that major blow out last summer and just haven't been able to find anything with proper rating...these are exactly the tire I had been looking for without going Bias-ply
i had the tires mounted and balanced at TireBarn in Bloomington, IN
great guys!
What size were your original tires that were balloning? I have some 205/70/14 and they seem to be ok. But I would rather some light truck tires for my van
They were pretty much the same size, but they were not a truck tire! Weak sidewalls and just collapsed. These were such an improvement! And they still are doing great!
@@marcijunebug Thanks! I am going to ride these ones out and get truck tires when it is time to get new tires
@@Blackfilmguild you won't believe the difference when you upgrade! stay safe out there!
Great info, video and thumbnail! Thanks for the info I know someone who needs to hear this. I hit the share button 👍
Thanks ! Appreciate that
Now that's a great thumbnail 😍 woohoo new shoes for rusty! 😁
Haha! I’d been saving it til I did the tire video lol took it 4th of July when I was broke down on side of road lol
Yep! Good video Marci. We have heard good thinks about this Hankook r18. As you know we use the general Grabbers. We love them. Seems like they're both good options depending on what you need. A lot of times Discount Tire can't balance wide fives. I'm surprised. And I would not even have let them driven my bus but that's a whole other story LOL
VW Life I absolutely LOVE the look of the grabbers they look much better on the bus...and our tire barn here is awesome truly really good guys...they have put 10, yes 10 sets of tires on my mini, as it has 400,000 miles on it...they warned me a couple clips might get damaged I said do it anyway, we have our own balancer for wide 5, but no weights😂
@@marcijunebug oh wow that's awesome. Yeah I guess you have that plate adapter thingy. Keep up the good work love the video on the multiple camera angles we have a good video coming out next Thursday that I think you'll like
Ok...ok....now I have to get a bug. You fed my bug fever.... I loved seeing your family and their VW too. We going to sell the old 1919 Model T and find a VW. Hope to see you at Elnora this coming weekend
haha...Yeah we ARE our own parade! the model T!!!!! no say it ain't so! hey maybe send me some details on that in messenger once you have those settled. One my buddies is a Model T guy.
My very experienced tire guy said that a good "passenger" tire is fine since if you get one that has a 1500 pound (or so) weight rating and a relatively high maximum air pressure rating and keep the pressure up it will be perfectly safe.
The camper version can weigh around 5000 lbs, so with 4 tires at 1565 you get a 6260 pound rating as long as you keep the pressures up.
I am using the Hankook Kinergy ST and keep the pressures at 45 pounds which gives an overall rating of 5523 pounds, well within a safety range for a 5000 lb vehicle.
It is a 215 70R14 and fits quite well with plenty of clearance and greater width. Remember the maximum weight ratings of even a truck tire only apply if the tire is at maximum pressure indicated on the tire wall.
My tires do not bulge at 45 pounds and run quite well. I have the camper model and don't drive like a race car anyway.
Any comments?
I've ran about every tire made and I'm telling you it DOES matter...I haul regularly with this truck and this tire (hankook vantra ra18) is light years above anything else. The issue with this particular year of truck/bus is that it has 14" rims...NOT 15" so you are very very limited when searching for a tire. The biggest difference other than the handling on this tire is the reduced road noise...I'd say it is 1/2 any other tire I've ever ran. I won't ever put anything else on it unless I upgrade to a 15" then I might consider something else available, but as long as I am running the 14's vantra's it is!
The footage of all the vw's driving is pure balm.
Haha! Thanks I told someone...we make our own parade when we go out for ice cream! 😂
This video helped me buy tires for my 67’ Kombi.
I just hope that these Hannok Tires never get dis-continued cos’ 14’s are getting harder and harder to find.
Marci, you should check out the cost on these jewels now. The price has dropped since you made this video.
Oh I’m glad! I’ve been very happy with them! The reduced road noice from what I was running was crazy! If they stop making them I might have to find an old set of bus rims, since the early buses were 15’s! Fingers crossed they don’t…
Everyone recommends these Hankooks I am going to order a set as well. I have a set of mismatched truck tires on my bus, they are actually pretty nice and I can't push myself to throw away perfectly good tires. I need to use them a bit.
Well I’ve had mine on long enough I can tell you with certainty you will not be disappointed they are awesome! Smoothest and quietest rude that bus has ever had!
Hi Marci! You mentioned the Yokohama tires. I live in Florida so those could be a good fit for my bus. Do you recall what the model was?
I'm sorry I don't...but honestly after running the hankook tires I won't ever run anything else on this bus. It handles like a dream and the road noise is almost non-existent. I USE this truck, like almost abuse it and I'm so very happy with this tire choice...and for the price, well you just can't beat them... Good luck
Thank your so much for the video! I bought my camper, but now realised that the previous owner had put on passenger tyres on it. Gotta fix that.
Quick question. These tyres can take up to 65psi. What do you pump them to on your fully loaded truck?
I have a type 2 camper. Fully loaded it sags somewhat at the rear at 40psi. But maybe it's because of the passenger tyres, instead of LT.
If I’m fully loaded I pretty much max out my pressure, but honestly I have not had an issue with these tires at all even if they are a bit “low” on air pressure. I always check tire pressure before a long trip and if I am towing or hauling just to be sure…but they are great tires and I am still very happy with the choice!
Hey, Marci. I have been doing tire research for my '69 baywindow with year-correct original steel 14" x 5" rims. Your video has been very reassuring, as I came to the same conclusion regarding the Hankook RA18 commercial tire. The only difference is that I'm going with 195s rather than 185s. The 195s are a tad bit taller (26.2") compared to the 185s (25.6"). The taller 195s will bring the revs down just a bit while on the freeway. I'm getting mine from tires-easy.com. Thanks for a very helpful video. It also reminded me that need to find a place which can mount these new shoes on the wide-5 lug pattern and also balance them on the correct equipment.
D B glad it helped! I’ve been very happy with my choice, best part is the road noise it really reduced! Very quiet tire! And I use my truck like a truck, haul with it all the time...these tires don’t even act like I have a load on! Love them! Good luck with your! 👍
So, how do you find a double cab? They are pretty rare now. Love the apache's too!
lol weeeeellll I had been saving and looking for one for nearly 20 years...just refused to pay prices people wanted. A friend of mine was down pickin' in Kentucky and found it for me! It has it's issues but all in all a very solid bus. There are plenty of them out there hit up thesamba.com the trouble is they are sky high and I'm a deal gal! lol YES we LOVE that little trailer! We are getting ready to start the redo of a 1947 A.J. Higgins tent trailer in a few weeks and it is very cool as well! thanks for watching! Stay tuned lots of great projects coming up this summer!
How is the road noise with the General grabber?
loud! I'd say maybe twice as loud as the Hankook? Maybe even more...and the handling is much better on the Hankook...my personal opinion of course
@@marcijunebug I was told by Discount tire that they had discontinued the Hankooks LT 14”.?
I think they are called RA18 now, same tire, just changed the naming
Pronounced Han-Cook. They are the better tires out there. Looks like you need a speedo cable and hose. Easy fix if you can get them parts.
AHH good to know! THANKS! yes, speedo I already fixed...no more bouncy bouncy needle! Although every VW I've ever had has done that a little bit!
So funny! hey you're like kid on Christmas! 👍 👍
I was! 👍
Yes tires make a huge difference on any vehicle. I thought VW had 15 inch tires on both the Buses and Bugs? Any time is ice cream time especially when it starts to get warmer!
Oh yes do I know on tires...my mini has 400,000mi on it an I’ve owned since it had 2miles...I drive 30,000-40,000 miles some years and thus go through tires pretty quick, always feels totally different with new ones! Some older (pressed bumper era) busses had 15”, my 58 panel has 15”...but I believe 61-67 on splits were 14, 15” beetle WILL FIT, just not stock! Thanks for watching