Tire load ratings

[Rik]

Hey all!

I've been looking at some larger tires for my stock wheels as I want to lower the revs at speed. The size i'm looking at is 205-80 r14, which doesn't give me a wealth of options. Where I live (the Netherlands) the only tires in that size I can find have a load rating of 109 or higher, which is more than stock I think. Do you think that will be a problem?

I'm looking for some decent on-road tires that will also give me some grip/strength on slightly muddy/gravely trails. The best I have found so far is the Grenlander L-max 9. Any thoughts on this? Thanks!

[clift_d]

The load rating given by VW for the stock 185R14 tyres on a rear wheel drive van was 97, i.e., only 730kg per tyre, so using tyres with a higher rating of 109 (1030kg per tyre) shouldn't be an issue.

[Oren Kipnis]

The higher the load rating, the better.

The Grenlander tyre that you mention is Chinese, a brand which I never heard of, and wouldn't fit to any of my cars.

The best option is more expensive, fitting 215/75R15 tyres on matching rims (steel only), and you will find an very wide choice of All Terrain tyres of all the leading manufacturers, which will be excellent on the highway as well.

Good luck.

[Rik]

Thanks for your reactions! Good to know that a higher load rating is no issue. Currently I have no plans to switch to 15 inch wheels (I'm aware of all the benefits) because I want to keep my steel hubcaps.

Thanks for your comments on the grenlanders as well, I might look into some Toyo tires I found in the right size instead. Infortunately, no M+S or anything similar available from a known brand as far as I'm aware.