Baywindow tyre size and Make

[Eugene]

Hey Guys...what brand tyre did you put on your Bay. The correct size is 185R14. I see Dunlop Endura has this size but never been a fan of Dunlop. Next up, I see the replacement for the popular Firestone CV2000, nou CV2020 but it is 195R14. Anything else?
Ok and what did you pay?

[fig]

Hi Eugene

I used Dunlop Endura 185R14C tyres on a Fleetline panelvan and will never use them again. Roadholding in the wet was positively dangerous.

At the moment I'm using Contintal 185R14C on several buses with no issues. Last set I bought cost R1,150 each (ouch!).

This size is no longer made by many manufacturers. I was told Conti is the only one in SA now making 185R14C, but I'm not sure that's true.

[sean]

There isn't much to choose from in the 185R14's locally. As mentioned, the Dunlop's are absolute rubbish.

I have the 185R14's Continental Vanco 100's on most of my busses and they seem to be fine. I recall the last set being about R1000 each ex vat.

You can import a more classic tyre, I had a set of Classic Michelins brought in for my blue 76 bay, but then the price jumps to about R3000 per tyre.

[Eugene]

Thanks Fig/Sean
I think I'll pull the trigger on the Conti's...only about R90 more expensive that the Dunlops.

[Eugene]

Having said that, any views on the Firestone? It is almost the same price as the Conti but see the comparison....might help with 4th gear, seeing that it has a slightly larger circumference?

[Tony Z]

Eugene
Are you in a rush to buy tyres or can it wait?
I have 195R14's on my bus which I bought new that I'll be selling at some point in the near future. They have about 7000km on them
I'll be home on 6th, call me sometime and we can chat, or come visit

[Eugene]

Eugene
Are you in a rush to buy tyres or can it wait?
I have 195R14's on my bus which I bought new that I'll be selling at some point in the near future. They have about 7000km on them
I'll be home on 6th, call me sometime and we can chat, or come visit

Hey ProfZ...not in a hurry, will wait but why are you selling?

[Tony Z]

cause I cant leave things alone and always have other plans

[sean]

Having said that, any views on the Firestone? It is almost the same price as the Conti but see the comparison....might help with 4th gear, seeing that it has a slightly larger circumference?

The 195's wont only effect the 4th gear, its all of them.

Your bus has a 1700 gearbox (1600 essentially as the ratios are the same), but you have a 2l motor. So your setup will easily handle the 195's, probably advantages to it.

I personally don't like the 195's though as they simply incorrect. It is supposed to have 185's.

The 195 CV 2000's are also a very heavy commercial tyre. I believe too extreme and more suited to a Hi Ace carrying 16 passengers, although they do no harm. Its simply a very hard commercial ride for a classic bus that's not loaded full of passengers.

If you want the 195's, then you cant get anything better than the Michelin Agilus. Palm Tyres in Maitland will give the best price. I only buy these for my bakkies at work and the last set achieved 140 000km without issues of uneven wear, wobbling etc.

You used to get a passenger tyre with a re-in forced side wall, these were the best, but no longer available. They gave superior ride with limiting side wall movement in windy conditions etc.