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How big a tire can you put on a [2012] prius v

Discussion in 'Prius v Main Forum' started by archibald tuttle, Sep 15, 2018.

  1. archibald tuttle

    archibald tuttle Junior Member

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    found some 225/60 16s attractively priced. the oem seems to be 205/60. i actually have some 7" rims, I could readily mount a wider tire but with the same ratio it means the tire will add almost an inch in diameter (from 652mm to 676mm as well as 3/4 of an inch in width.)

    observationally, i think that could be accommodated without rubbing problems but looking for real world experience.

    i'm not retentive about mileage. i wouldn't mind the additional contact and these are heavier load index (which probably means they are heavier, so loss of mileage for weight although possibly gain if less deformation and running at higher PSI. they purport to be environmentally friendly which i assume refers to rolling resistance of the compound and perhaps the deformation. don't know when i'm not cornering, how much of a penalty there is for the 20mm of addition width of contact although i think we would get an increase in mileage (although not measured by the speedometer) from the increased circumference although there would be a penalty in acceleration but I haven't seen that as any kind of problem . the car is not a dog so if it got knocked back a minor peg wouldn't be disappointed. measured mileage at the moment is like 39.8 for the last two tankloads. mostly 65 mph highway commute and then 10 or 15 minutes in traffic.

    I think these are probably really minivan tires given the load specs and what i see in the reviews is folks putting em on vanagons. Although I have been know to load a station wagon heavy (You should have seen what i threw in the camry wagons.) mostly we run light and i still have 3 camry wagons to use as 'pickups')!

    Still, I thought these might be worth a try at little over $200 bucks for the set of 4, nokian brand. So i'm mostly thinking about whether the size would fit OK, but any other observations on various tire metrics: traction, handling, treadwear or mileage most welcome. (I will admit it is frustrating that the industry hasn't yet standardized a way to quantify rolling resistance. that isn't necessarily the most important factor to me but this is a simultaneous equation in multiple variables and if you can't fill in something for that variable it doesn't help the decision making process).

    thanks,

    brian
     
  2. Air_Boss

    Air_Boss Senior Member

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    We run 225/50R17 on our v Five.
     
  3. mikefocke

    mikefocke Prius v Three 2012, Avalon 2011

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  4. archibald tuttle

    archibald tuttle Junior Member

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    thanks for the replies. i must not have my settings right so i didn't get an email or i would have checked back sooner.

    Airboss: the 225/50R17 are only about 5mm bigger diameter than my current setup, while my swap would take me up 24mm from my current and about 19mm from yours. that's convenient for a comparison to yours by us english measure folks because 19mm is 3/4" so that means 3/8" higher in the well since the additional diameter is split top and bottom of the tire. I'm thinking this will work, esp. if you don't think your setup is pushing the envelope.

    Mike: I had the diameter calcs already but that is great comparison engine, although it doesn't really connect to models to explain how much more room you actually have to work with on turns and with suspension movement. It tells you how much closer you'll go. i'm going to turn the wheels to both extremes and look at the clearances although the aerodynamic shape isn't as easy to jump on the bumper to work the suspension to get an idea of how much space i have.

    obviously this will trick the speedometer slow by 3 to 4%. that would keep me in EV at slightly higher true speeds and couple other parameters. don't really think this would much alter operational characteristics but taking input on all aspects. thanks Brian
     
  5. mikefocke

    mikefocke Prius v Three 2012, Avalon 2011

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    The wider the tire, the more distance it has to push water on the road to get it out from under the tread. I recall the skinny tires on cars from the 30s and amazingly they did fine in rain and snow.
     
  6. Air_Boss

    Air_Boss Senior Member

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    Among the reasons tread depth and pattern, and dynamic geometry of the contact patch, become more critical on wider tires.
     
  7. archibald tuttle

    archibald tuttle Junior Member

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    mike and airboss,

    got that on tire width and water clearing. obviously tires are wider these days generally and maybe tread and clearing better designed but subject of course to treadwear.

    i found a good compromise in the meantime. while i can't find a deal on the 205/60s (102 T) i found 215/60s (99 V) so that halves my increase in diameter and width. lowers the weight increase a little but still gives me a higher load rating. i'm going to give it a shot.

    so now i'm onto rims and i've got some new MB Wynters for my snows that are 7" and the OEMs are 6.5". that is the measured width for up the 215s but not for the 205s which are the specified tires (they take a 6" measured rim).

    i wouldn't mind standardizing because the rims take a different lug, the OEM 6.5s take flat washer style lug and the wynters take a taper lug. my error in going for the deal on the wynters maybe. just wondering if anyone has reflection, other than aesthetic, on the difference in the rims and rim width from performance, mileage, tire life perspective. (guess that is hijacking my own thread so i have only myself to blame.)
     
  8. Air_Boss

    Air_Boss Senior Member

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    A few Points and Questions:

    Many people run a narrower snow tire for the higher contact patch loading. (We don't.)

    Makes sense to use a standard/OEM lug, if possible.

    What's the offset of the proposed 7" rims? You will want approximately 10mm more offset than the 0.5" wider than stock rim. My recollection is the 17x7" v Five rims are a 40mm offset. The limiting factor on the v Five is caliper clearance (and possible suspension contact at full steering lock).
     
    #8 Air_Boss, Sep 20, 2018
    Last edited: Sep 20, 2018
  9. archibald tuttle

    archibald tuttle Junior Member

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    airboss,

    the rims only have 4mm additional offset so they underdo balancing the additional 13mm, nevermind favoring the outside. but they spec them for a prius V and the test fit on the rim itself doesn't look wrong. gotta check for tire rub at high turning if i go that way. i was watching on the offset but appreciate the reminder.

    i still would rather use the same lugs. so i'm checking on return or resale. nice rims and easy to get a spare that matches for someone looking for a first set but since i'm trying to match i'm maybe going to grab some used OEMs .

    thanks,

    brian