Tyre types, size and ratings on our new Bongo

[Ron Miel]

Have read, as much as time allows, earlier threads on tyres and wheels, and noted comments like soft Japanese tyres, heavier loads in full Bongo conversions, need for higher pressures than 'book' pressures, must change to UK tyres, and so on.

However, after a fair amount of off-forum research in addition, I think our Japanese manufactured tyres are probably OK - but would appreciate any more expert comments, please.

The tyres, which are in visually very good condition with, I estimate, 6,000-7,000 miles left on them, are (all round) Dunlop Le Mans RV502s, marked 215/70 R15 98H.

Have read the 'Tyres' fact sheet, and that appears to be more than adequate, although when I do eventually change them I'll revert to 195/70s on the front to restore the designed steering and tyre wear characteristics.

At delivery to us, the tyres were significantly under-inflated, even against the manual, so I'll not mention the converter's name here - but that WAS disappointing as, for mutual convenience, the vehicle was delivered to us, via a motorway run of about 250 miles. I've now set the pressures at 35psi front/37psi rear for the moment, and would be nervous of going any higher, as they are marked 40psi maximum.

In fact, as these are international grade tyres, seemingly well within Mazda's design parameters, is there really much reason to inflate significantly above the 'book' pressures of 26psi front/35psi rear - as much debated elsewhere? Yes, a full Bongo conversion weighs a bit more than a bare bones ex works MPV Bongo but the latter was designed to carry up to eight adults, and there's only the missus and me!

One other thing - has anybody actually had insurance cover problems due to the uncertainty and Bongonauts' variable approaches to tyre sizes and pressures - including 215s on the front, as in our case?

Grateful for any informed inputs. Thanks

[mister munkey]

That sounds like a fine set of boots to me Ron. the sizes fit & the load rating is more than adequate.

I run mine at 36 front/40 rear but play with them yourself to find the best feel for your set-up.

[Ron Miel]

Thanks for inputs keefysher and mister munkey

[M 80NGD]

Hi Ron,congratulations on your retirement first. I agree with Keith on van tyres for a bongo,after all,it

is 2 tonne in weight!! I've got the original Bridgestone tyres from Japan on the rear,and new Nanko

215 tyres on the front(2 wheel drive).

I went to my local garage recently,for an M.O.T.,and though the original Japan tyres passed with plenty of

tread,they suggested I change them,as they've been on the bongo for 12+ years and tyres should be changed

every 5 years,no matter what condition they're in!! I've ordered 2 new van tyres for the rear,bit more

expensive,but longer lasting and capable of taking the the weight of a fully converted bongo. Cheers,Lee.

[Ron Miel]

Hi Ron,congratulations on your retirement first. I agree with Keith on van tyres for a bongo,after all,it

is 2 tonne in weight!! I've got the original Bridgestone tyres from Japan on the rear,and new Nanko

215 tyres on the front(2 wheel drive).

I went to my local garage recently,for an M.O.T.,and though the original Japan tyres passed with plenty of

tread,they suggested I change them,as they've been on the bongo for 12+ years and tyres should be changed every 5 years,no matter what condition they're in!! I've ordered 2 new van tyres for the rear,bit more

expensive,but longer lasting and capable of taking the the weight of a fully converted bongo. Cheers,Lee.

More good advice, many thanks Lee. I was actually a bit concerned about the lowish pressures* (25 n/s/f, 26 o/s/f, 28 n/s/r 29 o/s/r) after the 250 miles delivery run, and whether anybody thinks that alone should get the tyres changed. None of you experts has picked up on that, though, so I'll assume probably not.

Don't think these are the original tyres BTW, judging by condition vs mileage (and 215s all round), and the van is only 7 years old, so hopefully that's not too strong a factor yet, either.

As I said, they look very good, and I've also got tyre sealant ready to bung into them. Perhaps as they're also a bit over-spec (load and speed) vs the Bongo manual, they won't be too likely to have been harmed, and I'll at least get next season out of them. I know it's my call in the end, but I was just trying to collect other useful inputs before finally deciding.

Thanks again/cheers

David (Ron Miel = honey rum, in Spanish. Favourite tipple!)

*(Double-checked using a Michelin Hi Power Rapid Inflator and a Halfords Digital Mini Pressure Gauge)