My van currently has Firestone Vanhawk 185R14C tyres. I haven't checked them since we bought the van last Ianuary (bad I know) so I looked at the Ratwell site and that indicated they should be at 30psi for the front and 40 for the back. However when going to do this the tyres were currently at 70 up front and 60 at the back so we put them to what was recommended, however at that level it is near impossible to turn the steering wheel when doing less than 5mph (parking became impossible) so we put the front to 42. Does anyone know what they should be at as the 40/30 seems too low but I think the 70/60 is the absolute maximum recommended for the tires so don't really want that either, is it as simple as just going in the middle or is it more technical than that?
Crikey, you're lucky you didn't have to turn a sharp corner in anger, you'd most likely have gone straight on! 30, 40 is correct and I bet the ride is softer!
You haven't got any power assistance, so trouble turning the wheel at very low speeds is normal. A hassle, but it's one of the "features" of what is, basically, a 1970s delivery van. I wouldn't drive with tyres at 60/70 - exciting in the wet, I bet!
I've only really had a handling problem in the wind, although its the only van ive driven so nothing to compare it to.
2.1 bar front 3.25 bar rear. Compared with a vehicle having PAS the steering can feel heavy below 5mph when parking, its normal for these.
Just don't turn the wheel when you're stationary. As long as you're creeping along it's easy enough? Maybe the OP has a tiny aftermarket steering wheel? That can make for interesting parking...
If you're getting blown all over the place, time to get your steering looked at. You should feel some buffeting, but not get blown across three lanes
Anyone in your area that could give you an opinion? Most owners are aware of the vagaries of the steering on one of these.
You'll remember Jimbo? He was convinced there was something wrong with his stiff steering, and it was very heavy. Also that his front suspension springs had had it, because his didn't ride as high as a lot do. At his insistance I replaced the springs with new and it sat to the mm at the same height. So what was the answer? Did you ever see inside Jimbo's van? He had one of everything and a load of other stuff too.
There was - he arrived to have new front arches with the bed out and made and a half finished coffee on the side. Jimbo was from a different planet to me.
30/44psi according to the sticker. You could have big problems with your insurers if tyre pressure were much out
I'd forgotten his! Having dined at his "restaurant" with three others from KC yes it had everything...the plumbed in hot water system must have weighed a ton on its own.
Try over on JK someone may be able to help, Danbury Doug for instance ( he was one of the participants at the "dinner" ) I wish I had taken some at the time...seeing was believing looking inside Jimbo's van!
Thanks. Steering has been looked at and just recently fitted a new steering damper and all new shocks. I dont have much furniture inside, a full width r&r, overhead locker and 2 small units at front (half height of front seats)
