Larger Tire Size for Offroading

[edmck101]

We purchased an '05 Vue (3.5L AWD) a couple of years back to tow behind our motorhome. It came with 235/65R/17 tires which are just slightly taller than the factory 235/60R/17 tires. After selling the motorhome we landed here in Phoenix where we've discovered the fun of exploring old mining roads that lead up into the nearby mountains. Some of these roads are strictly 4WD but many are passable (with patience and care) in our Vue thanks to the good ground clearance. My question: Can we safely increase that clearance by increasing the Vue's tires size up to 235/70R/17? I know the Vue isn't the most stable vehicle on the road; will I be making it worse by going to bigger tires? I could use the extra clearance for the backroads but I don't want to screw up the car's handling or steering geometry on the highway. Thanks for your thoughts.

[RedGeminiPA]

My '04 FWD V6 is wearing 245/65/17s (They were on it when I bought it in November), and I find the highway stability to be just fine. It obviously doesn't handle as good as my '05 Red Line, but it definitely rides MUCH smoother. When the time comes to replace them, I'll see if I can find a similar tire.

I don't think I'd go any larger than these. They seem to only effect the speed odometer by an average of 3 MPH at 70 MPH.

They also fill in the wheel wells nicely.

[Thundercat]

I like the "V-Tec V6" on the tailgate!....where did you find it?

[emsvitil]

I don't think you'd have any stability issues.

You might have rubbing issues up front..........


With current tires, turn the front wheels back and forth and see how close the tire comes to rubbing anything (inner fender plastic).

From that you can see how much larger in diameter you can go.

[RedGeminiPA]

Originally Posted by Thundercat

I like the "V-Tec V6" on the tailgate!....where did you find it?

Thanks. I found the "VTEC" badge on eBay... the V6 is stock.

I think they were around $9 each... decent, but the finish is getting goofy already.

[RedGeminiPA]

Originally Posted by emsvitil

I don't think you'd have any stability issues.

You might have rubbing issues up front..........


With current tires, turn the front wheels back and forth and see how close the tire comes to rubbing anything (inner fender plastic).

From that you can see how much larger in diameter you can go.

The 235/70/17 would be fine, considering my 245/65/17 doesn't rub at all. There's a little room left.

235/70/17 = 164.5mm sidewall height
245/65/17 = 159.25mm sidewall height

5.25mm difference won't mean much, when 235/70/17 is 10mm more narrow than mine.

[Tom92SCm]

BIG tires on VUEs:
http://www.saturnfans.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=178920
http://www.saturnfans.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=147440
http://www.saturnfans.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=161594

[RedGeminiPA]

Originally Posted by Tom92SCm

BIG tires on VUEs:
http://www.saturnfans.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=178920
http://www.saturnfans.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=147440
http://www.saturnfans.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=161594

The second link is interesting...

"The Problem : The stock P235/60SR17 tire is as big as you can safely go without rubbing your lower front strut braces

The Fix: Add wheel spacers. You can find them on google shopping Keyword search “5x4.5 Wheel Spacers”. Only Add a 1.5 inch spacer or bigger spacer. Any less will not be sufficient for bigger tires. However it is true only the front 2 tires need spacers. I encourage you to purchase a set of 4. It gives the Vue a mild aggressive stance that stands out."

I haven't looked that close at my '04's clearance concerning the strut. I thought there was still a good 3/4" (or so) left with my 245/65/17s. If I remember, I'll check it tomorrow. Granted, my tires aren't new, but they still have very good tread left. I haven't had a front wheel off of it yet, but I feel certain there aren't spacers on it.

He is referring to the bottom plate for the spring on the strut, right? Above-the-tire clearance?

[RedGeminiPA]

Here's a pic of the spacing left with these tires:

[djb383]

I'm not to sure about the 235/70/17 tire.....that's a 30" tall tire, mathematically and stock 235/60/17 is 28" tall.

[RedGeminiPA]

Originally Posted by RedGeminiPA

The 235/70/17 would be fine, considering my 245/65/17 doesn't rub at all. There's a little room left.

235/70/17 = 164.5mm sidewall height
245/65/17 = 159.25mm sidewall height

5.25mm difference won't mean much, when 235/70/17 is 10mm more narrow than mine.

Going by my tires, 5.25mm more would rub, and mine do not have spacers on them. My pinky barely fits between the tire and lower spring plate on the strut (pictured above).