Tallest Tire

[skypilot_1]

Anyone know what the largest 18" tire size will fit on TourX OEM suspension. Like a little more ground clearance. Thank

 

[MelsRegal]

Anything over 3% larger will cause inaccuracy in any system dependant on speed readings.

 

[visitor]

Anyone know what the largest 18" tire size will fit on TourX OEM suspension. Like a little more ground clearance. Thank

Good reference @ TireSize.com - click on "Alternate Sizes" & there's a guide with measurements displayed.

 

[Hulk311]

You have to be very careful about getting taller tires because there is hardly any wheel gap on these vehicles. This is the only vehicle I ever had that during winter when there is ice build up in the wheel gap I just can't kick it off with my shoe, I have to use a ruler or a metal rod to scrape the ice off.

 

[skypilot_1]

Good reference @ TireSize.com - click on "Alternate Sizes" & there's a guide with measurements displayed.

Thanks, but not the point. I know what the tire sizes are........just don't know what the largest tire that will fit is. OEM is 27.3 inches.

 

[MelsRegal]

Thanks, but not the point. I know what the tire sizes are........just don't know what the largest tire that will fit is. OEM is 27.3 inches.

235/55x18 increases diameter about 1" and that is a 3.3% increase

 

[visitor]

Thanks, but not the point. I know what the tire sizes are........just don't know what the largest tire that will fit is. OEM is 27.3 inches.

TireSize FAQ:

Generally, it is recommended to not exceed a 3% difference when changing from the OEM size on a non-modified vehicle. A green row means that the alternate tire diameter matches the calculated tire diameter. However it does not mean that the tire will definitely work for your application, the width of the tire still needs to be accounted for.

The largest tire that will "fit" ultimately depends on how you use it. If you're going to drive 5 mph carefully everywhere you go, you'll get away with a larger diameter & width than the average driver - who'll get away with a larger diameter & width than a more aggressive driver.
No one's going to have empirical data for that question, unless they've ruined a tire or car by using one that's 'too' big.
The 'green rows' @ the TireSize chart suggest that 27.6" is the "largest tire that will fit" usably.

 

[adam728]

As said here, and answered on the FaceBook group before, you won't get much taller of a tire under the TourX.

My winter tires are 215/65/17, and clock in 19mm, or 0.75" taller than stock. They rub in the back of the front wheel wells when turning.

Going from the stock 235/50/18 to a 235/55/18 will put you a full inch taller than stock, and, at least on my car, it would likely rub much more than I would find acceptable. You could go 245/50/18. Give you 10mm more width and 10mm more height (~3/8", or 3/16 more ground clearance). Really, if you need more ground clearance than the TourX offers stock, you should be shopping Subaru. There is no good or easy way to add any significant clearance to these cars.

 

[adam728]

215/65/17 winters. Comparison is with 255/45/18's.

 

[2RegalHouse]

215/65/17 winters. Comparison is with 255/45/18's.
View attachment 45999

With those larger tires filling the wheel wells during winter driving - do you ever get snow and ice build-up that inhibits steering? I've seen people who drive mostly straight on the highway for an hour or two in the snow and ice and end up with a lot of build-up. I'd be worried about turning clearance with your larger tires if snow and ice started to cake up in there. How has it been for you?

 

[adam728]

I have had rubbing, but never anything thick/solid enough to be an issue. If it really jams up, the plastic flex is enough that the ice breaks and falls out. I have, on occasion, spent some time with the hot water car wash blasting out buildup.

 

[bollox74]

My first two years of ownership were in Minnesota and I had to park outside (no garage home or work)
The wheel wells would regularly get gunked up with ice & road mung, I'd have to manually remove it from the well liners and the tires.
Thinner winter tires helped some by allowing more space all around - but I'd recco winter tires no matter what if you're in the snowbelt.

If you park in an enclosed garage overnight you pretty much eliminate this issue.

 

[visitor]

View attachment 45999

i'm starting to look for a set of steel rims, as we may have to start running our TourX in the salt next winter

Do you remember where yours came from or brand or source?

Thanks

 

[adam728]

i'm starting to look for a set of steel rims, as we may have to start running our TourX in the salt next winter

Do you remember where yours came from or brand or source?

Thanks

Refurbished Dodge Magnum wheels from eBay. They are a 17x7, 22mm offset. So the outer edge lands about 6mm further out than the stockers. Unfortunately, the fronts just barely kiss the caliper, so I had to add a 3mm spacer for breathing room. 3 winters, no issues.

Also sorta wish I went with aluminums. Salt gets in the space between the outer rim hoop and inner wheel/hub joint. And the rust spreads. Have touched them up twice, looking pretty bubbly again. Hubcaps or don't-give-a-craps coming next winter.

 

[visitor]

83-7718 fits - found a used set locally & will go with them.

 

[abizzle]

Going from the stock 235/50/18 to a 235/55/18 will put you a full inch taller than stock

The TourX stock tire size is 235/50R18? That’s 14.5mm taller than the 245/45R18 on my car. I guess maybe the TourX, with the extra weight, could benefit from taller tires.

 

[adam728]

The TourX stock tire size is 235/50R18? That’s 14.5mm taller than the 245/45R18 on my car. I guess maybe the TourX, with the extra weight, could benefit from taller tires.

If I had to guess, I would think GM threw the slightly taller tire on the TourX for the same reason they put cladding on it - to appeal to the out-doorsy crowd.

Load rating of the stock tires are 1,565 lbs Sportback, 1,609 lbs TourX. Plenty of 245/45/18 tire models with load ratings near 1,800 lbs.

 

[Buckjoe]

I was thinking about 255 45 18’s, until I hit some serious potholes. They’re a great size match, but I’d worry about rim damage. Especially with no spare….

 

[adam728]

I was thinking about 255 45 18’s, until I hit some serious potholes. They’re a great size match, but I’d worry about rim damage. Especially with no spare….

255/45/18 is about 1/4" shorter than a 235/50/18. So 1/8" less sidewall. If you really want more sidewall, going down to a 17" rim will net the largest gain.

 

[visitor]

Our Cooper Evolution Winter 215/60R17's are ~ 0.1" shorter than the stock 235/50/18.