Continental Vanco 2 225 / 70R15C tires

[rp709]

I have been interested in the Continental Vanco 2, but this article suggests a lowering of the load rating would be in order. Interesting. Tire Tech Information - Load Reduction of Euro- and P-Metric Tires on Light Trucks

[RLS]

I might be wrong, but I do not believe the Vanco2 tires are in that catagory. These are commercial tires and as such, carry both ratings. One thing I found Very interesting when I did my brakes, Is that these Aluminum Alcoa wheels are only rated at 2,200 lbs. Now comes the almighty question. Which is more important, the load capacity of the tires or the wheels?? I was blown away when I saw the load capacity of these wheels
On the subject of ST/LT tires, there is a LOT of reading one can do. I for one, have never read anyone popping a tire off while turning and using an LT tire. I also know from my own experience, these tires track better than the Marathon ones did, ride smoother and I can cruise all day at 75 mph without having to worry about them. These are my own thoughts. Everyone has to make up there own minds which is better.

[Lance M]

Originally Posted by RLS

Which is more important, the load capacity of the tires or the wheels?? I was blown away when I saw the load capacity of these wheels

Whichever is lower is the limiting component. In this case, your wheels.

[rp709]

The Tire Rack has allot of info to browse through. I finally put together a summation of this tire load issue. The Michelin LTX tires are a euro spec tire and therefore require a 9% reduction of the max load rating. Using the 235x75x15 LTX MX/2 will yield about 1,985 lbs. max load at 50 psi. The Continental, however, has a D load rating, just like the GYM ST tires that I have now. The Vanco 2 is rated at load range D, or 2450 lbs. at 65 psi. They also have a speed rating over 100 mph like the Michelin's. So, IMHO, the Vanco 2 had substantially more load capacity than a LTX Michelin. My Airstream GVWR is 7,200. So, I plan to buy the Vanco 2.

[Ridgerunner3]

Originally Posted by rp709

The Tire Rack has allot of info to browse through. I finally put together a summation of this tire load issue. The Michelin LTX tires are a euro spec tire and therefore require a 9% reduction of the max load rating. Using the 235x75x15 LTX MX/2 will yield about 1,985 lbs. max load at 50 psi. The Continental, however, has a D load rating, just like the GYM ST tires that I have now. The Vanco 2 is rated at load range D, or 2450 lbs. at 65 psi. They also have a speed rating over 100 mph like the Michelin's. So, IMHO, the Vanco 2 had substantially more load capacity than a LTX Michelin. My Airstream GVWR is 7,200. So, I plan to buy the Vanco 2.

Please give us updates on your new tires. I am trying to decide what is next for my AS tires. I hate to give up any ground clearance but the Vanco 2 really is getting my attention.

[TKNELLE]

rp709,
Can you comment why the Michelin load rating was calculated @ 50 psi Vs. running them @ 65 psi - which is the psi used to rate the Goodyear's?
Regards,
TKNELLE

PS We have Michelin MX/2's on our Yukon XL 496 cu in @ 45 psi front & 70 psi rear. VERY pleased with the MX/2's!

[RLS]

I believe the difference is in how a tire is constructed. A tire that has a lower load capacity, does not have the strength to hold more air than what is on the sidewall. A "C" rated tire only can hold 50 psi while a "D" rated tire holds 65 psi and more load capcity. The more load capacity, the more air is needed to hold it up. JMHO

[CapriRacer]

Originally Posted by RLS

I believe the difference is in how a tire is constructed. A tire that has a lower load capacity, does not have the strength to hold more air than what is on the sidewall. A "C" rated tire only can hold 50 psi while a "D" rated tire holds 65 psi and more load capcity. The more load capacity, the more air is needed to hold it up. JMHO

Perhaps a bit of clarification will help.

A tire's load carrying capacity is affected by inflation pressure: More pressure = more capacity.

But the load carrying capacity is limited by the strength of the casing - so they produce tires in "Load Ranges": More load range = higher inflation pressure (and higher load capacity)

[rp709]

The Conti's look like a nice tire. I decided not to loose the .6 inch of ground clearance with a 225/70/15. My dealer obtained Maxxis 225/75/15 E load range tires. I have gone with these. The Maxxis website shows the load rating at different tire inflation pressures. I'll go with 60-65 Psi max on my 7200# gross Safari which will give me a D load rating, which is what Airstream outfitted the trailer with. I replace 8 year old Goodyear Marathon D rated tires. I always inflated them to 60 psi I they have been flawless. I did notice they were made in Canada. All the bad luck out there with GYM tires convinced me to give something else a try. But, they were great for me. Anyway, an E load rated tire is stronger and I hope this continues the good luck I have had.

[Ridgerunner3]

I have had Maxxis 225/75/15 D load range tires on my 6300# Safari 25 for 12 months. I have 10,000 miles on them. I run them at 65 psig. No signs of abnormal wear, no problems. They hold air very well. I am getting ready to add a few pounds of air to them in the morning as the ambient temperature has dropped many degrees. They were made in Thailand. I bought them from Discount Tire Direct. I don't go over 65mph.

ST tires still concern me. I am studying my options for my next set of tires. Early failure of my Maxxis tires will seal the deal on LT tires for my next set of tires.

[RLS]

Originally Posted by rp709

The Conti's look like a nice tire. I decided not to loose the .6 inch of ground clearance with a 225/70/15.

Just to let others know, the .6 is just a tad off. The Marathons have a diameter of 28.3" and the Vanco2 are 27.4". That means you lose 0.45" ground clearance

That being said, I think a person should get whatever they feel comfortable and safe with. I hope all stays good with them.

[CapriRacer]

Originally Posted by rp709

The Conti's look like a nice tire. I decided not to loose the .6 inch of ground clearance with a 225/70/15. My dealer obtained Maxxis 225/75/15 E load range tires. I have gone with these. The Maxxis website shows the load rating at different tire inflation pressures. I'll go with 60-65 Psi max on my 7200# gross Safari which will give me a D load rating, which is what Airstream outfitted the trailer with. I replace 8 year old Goodyear Marathon D rated tires. I always inflated them to 60 psi I they have been flawless. I did notice they were made in Canada. All the bad luck out there with GYM tires convinced me to give something else a try. But, they were great for me. Anyway, an E load rated tire is stronger and I hope this continues the good luck I have had.

A couple of thoughts:

The 225/70R15 Load Range D should NOT be a replacement for an ST225/75R15 (except for the Load Range C). That's the wrong direction for load carrying capacity. The 225/70R15 Load Range D CAN be a replacement for ST205/75R15 provided there is enough room under the fenders.

Second, given that there have been many reports of tire failures with 15" tires, my standard recommendation is to go UP in load carrying capacity. That means if your trailer came with Load Range D, go with Load Range E (and use the higher pressure). I think it is wishful thinking that using a Load Range E tire and inflating it to Load Range D pressures is somehow better.

[Ridgerunner3]

I sent an email to Continental tire corporate to get their recommendations for using Vanco2 tires on a travel trailer. Here is their response:

"Thank you for contacting Customer Relations at Continental Tire the Americas, LLC

The Vanco 2 tires are suitable for trailers. Thank you for your interest in our products and we appreciate your business.


Sincerely,

Continental Tire the Americas, LLC."

[r carl]

Here is a good goodyear. Not a china tire.
Goodyear*Cargo G26

[BeachHouse]

The continental really seems like a good option for replacing GYM's. I looked into using them and found them hard to come by. I suppose they could have been ordered, but I was concerned about future availability especially if I had failure somewhere remote that my one spare wouldn't be sufficient. I suppose that makes me paranoid.

[Ridgerunner3]

Have any of you with 225 70R 15 D Vanco2 tires installed one these tires on your spare wheel and fit it into your spare tire carrier. Will it fit without modification of the spare tire rack?