Tyre types, size and ratings on our new Bongo
Posted: Fri Nov 14, 2008 10:35 pm
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
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
I agree with Keith on van tyres for a bongo,after all,it
I've got the original Bridgestone tyres from Japan on the rear,and new Nanko
Cheers,Lee.