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Solar panels and larger wheels

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Technical Discussion' started by SmellyTofu, Jun 18, 2011.

  1. SmellyTofu

    SmellyTofu Average punter

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    I've had a read of people upsizing their tyre/wheels on their Prius but I've noted that there is nowhere in the world where solar panels and 17" are available together. Not even in the home country of Japan allows this combination.

    I'm suspicious about this as most fruits and desirable combinations go on the cars in Japan, however, it is not the case with Prius with solar panels.

    Now the question is, has anyone done this and not had problems with 17" + solar panels and does anyone think that there may be some strength issues with the solar panels being on the roof and not being able to handle the bumps.
     
    #1 SmellyTofu, Jun 18, 2011
  2. mad-dog-one

    mad-dog-one Prius Enthusiast

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    I remember seeing a post on this site that showed a European Gen 3 Prius package that included solar, leather seats, and 17" wheels. I believe the problem with this combination in the USA, and perhaps elsewhere, is the weight, that would prevent the Prius from achieving the advertised fuel economy specifications.
     
    #2 mad-dog-one, Jun 18, 2011
  3. macman408

    macman408 Electron Guidance Counselor

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    I had heard that it would put it into a different EPA weight class (related to, but not directly the fuel economy rating). Though I was never able to find any information about what those classes were.
     
    #3 macman408, Jun 19, 2011
  4. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    mad-dog, that combination is not available anywhere. In Europe, when you get the SR package, you downsize to the 15" alloys from the standard 17".

    I believe it's a structural issue IIRC what the Chief Engineer told us in Detroit.
     
    #4 Tideland Prius, Jun 19, 2011
  5. mad-dog-one

    mad-dog-one Prius Enthusiast

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    #5 mad-dog-one, Jun 19, 2011
  6. SmellyTofu

    SmellyTofu Average punter

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    Thanks for that. I still am interested to upsize the wheel and get it from
    Yahoo auctions in Japan though never heard about a weight target even for the Japanese market.
     
    #6 SmellyTofu, Jun 19, 2011
  7. SmellyTofu

    SmellyTofu Average punter

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    I heard that too but usually it's targeted at certain countries with a rough terrain rating, not Japan nor Europe.
     
    #7 SmellyTofu, Jun 19, 2011
  8. robby3

    robby3 Member

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    Toyota sales man that this is due to the total weight of the car and a tech told me that this is due to cracking sounds comming from the roof with 17" tires and the harder ride. The first car I wanted to buy had all options with radar and moonroof. It had 16" Toyota wheels with summer tires and 15" ones with winter tires.
     
    #8 robby3, Jun 19, 2011
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