[T2] Tire choice for 15x6 rims

[Sami Dakhlia]

Hi,
In eager anticipating of my annual pilgrimage back to California,
where I will reunite with extended family and '75 bus (not necessarily
in that order), I'm making a to-do list. I'll write separate emails
for each project to keep things straight on the mailing list.

The first one is tires. The 215/65R15 (I have 15x6 rims) Continental
Contacts (reinforced and rated 99T) have served me well, but are now
over 14 years old and showing small cracks.  I'm contemplating a set
of Michelin Defenders or the cheaper General AltiMAX RT43, in the same
size, both having a 96 load rating (1565 lbs.).

The 215/65R15 Defender, which is neither LT nor C or D rated, is
GoWesty's upgrade choice. They claim that the 96 load rating is good
enough. Thoughts?

The AltiMAX RT43 have the same specs and get praise on the tirerack
website and at $74 a piece look like a bargain next to the $116
Defender. Opinions?

TIA,
Sami