I was wondering if anyone out there has over-sized tires on their Outlander. I just got new tires and went with 225/60R17, because I had more options available. So far, I really like the ride. I have some questions about how it is effecting my speedometer, though. Also, there is a little rubbing of the mud flap when backing and turning. Should I be concerned about this?

Thanks for the any info.

 

It will probably not cause any mechanical problems due to rubbing. But I wouldnot want my $20,000+ carto be making weird noises when backing/turning, or have a huge hole in my fender liner, but thats just me. Your best bet is to slightly lift the suspension, if you must go with such tires.

 

The stocks are 215 70 17 correct?

According to a tire calculator (http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalcold.html)

You're speedo is 4.2% too fast....so when the speedo says 60, you're going 57.5

If you went with a 225 65 17, there is only a 1.2% error

According to Tirerack, there are alot of options available at the stock size (they show 31 options), which is more than at the 225 60 17s you're looking at (19 options).

The 18's on the XLS only have 4 options

 

Just curious..why the tire change?

the 10 mm in larger width is about 3/8"..if that indeed is causing the rubbing that sounds like some seriously tight clearances with the wheels

 

I have successfully put 235-55-R18 tires on with NO rubbing.

 

I'm also curious if anyone notices any fuel mileage changes with the bigger tires.

When I had my VUE, I knew people that went to a 235 65 17 over a 235 60 17 (a 0.9" change in diameter) , and the mileage went down because the transmission would downshift more because of the higher load/RPM drop at speed

 

Its not just about tire size, its about your wheels/rims too. The 2007 Outlander has a 38mm positive offset, which means that looking at the rim in a crosssection, an imaginary line right across the middle from top to bottom is 0 offset, positive is out board, negative is inboard. Most front wheel drive primary vehicles are positve offsets which can really suck if your looking for offroad wheels. Most of which are negative offset.

There is a difference between offset and backspace. Backspace is the distance from the inboard rim of the wheel to the wheel mount. IE, backspace - offset = 0 offset/mid rim.

if the rims of "Jbroox" were less positive than stock, that would cause the rubbing. that and we dont know his wheel width. LS have a 16" wheel width, XLS have a 17" wheel width. However tire diameter on the LS is larger than XLS.

Further more, the closest distance to the wheel is not the wheel well, but actually the bottom of the coil support on your struts which on a LS is an ungainly 1.5".

So, with this information.... if anyone can help me out and tell me where and how to lift a new Outtie, I'ld greatly appreciate it. I've got a 2007 LS 4WD Charcoal stock, for now.

 

I have ASA wheels and 245-45-19 shod with Yokohama v-rated performance tires. I cannot complain, it handles like its on rails. I do notice more pronounced torque steer. No cupping or wear issues after 6500 miles.

 

I know that you are all looking at larger street tyres, but I went the other way.

I fitted 215/70R16 Offroad rubber. Great for bashing away in the bush (yes, an Aussie) in my gen 1 Outtie. A little bit less mileage though - the torque curve is all messed up at take-off speeds, so the engine loads a little more. The revs at highway speeds though is about 250RPM less than the original rubber, so a bit better highway MPG.

The originals were 215/60R16 by the way.

Scrubbing? Only until I scrubbed holes thru the plastic inner guards! No more scrubbing now!

Cheers,
www.tinmansplace.multiply.com


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Offroad rubber and a little mud.

 

Yours aren't oversized. 245/45/19 are the standard 19" OEM upgrade to European Outlanders.