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2004+ Prius wheel Load Rating?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Accessories & Modifications' started by Technogeek, Nov 23, 2005.

  1. Technogeek

    Technogeek New Member

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    Anybody know the Load Rating for the factory wheels on a 2004-2006 Prius? The load rating should be stamped into the wheel itself.

    I'm looking at some lightweight forged wheels that have a Load Rating of 690kg. It would be good to know the Load Rating of the factory wheels for comparison. BTW my 2006 has not arrived yet, otherwise I would check the wheels.
     
    #1 Technogeek, Nov 23, 2005
  2. tochatihu

    tochatihu Senior Member

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    No, not the wheels. The OEM tires load ratings are somewhere in the mid-500s kg, and the wheels must not be any less than that.

    The OEM wheels do not have a load rating on their exterior, that I have seen.
     
    #2 tochatihu, Nov 23, 2005
  3. chrisek

    chrisek geek

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    Technogeek, what wheels are you looking at? What size tires? I've been doing some cross-comparison myself and just wonder what others (you) are settling in on. I'm trying to decide between the 195/55 (50?)/16 which is JDM and euro spec or going a little wider with a 225/50?/16. Sorry, don't have my notes/wish list nearby. It turns out the 225's are super close to our OEM 15's.
     
    #3 chrisek, Nov 24, 2005
  4. chrisek

    chrisek geek

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    I'm sorry, I meant to say the circumference of the 225's is super close to our OEM 15's.
     
    #4 chrisek, Nov 24, 2005
  5. Technogeek

    Technogeek New Member

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    Thanks tochatihu and chrisek.
    I'm looking at a wheel called the SSR Competition, available on TireRack.com.
    It doesn't show up when you pick the Prius. To see it, you must browse wheels by brand (choose SSR). I like the polished lip with either silver or anthracite spokes.

    I was told by a tech at TireRack that this wheel doesn't show up for the Prius because the wheel Load Rating of the SSR Comp might be less than the factory wheel, so I'm real keen on finding out the load rating of the factory wheel.

    The SSR Comp weighs only 9.6 pounds in 15x7.5, and weighs somewhere in the mid-11 pound range for 16x7.5 Wheel offsets are available in 50mm and 35mm, and have a 5x100 bolt pattern. I am also considering a width of 6 or 7 inches, not necessarily 7.5 Note, these wheels weigh quite a bit less than the factory wheel which is smaller (15x6) and is heavier at 14.33 pounds. So by choosing wheels that are lighter than the factory wheels, I can choose nicer tires (quieter) that might weigh a little more than the factory tires, and end up with a set of wheels and tires that is about the same weight (or less) than the factory setup.

    Here are some tire sizes that are close to the factory tire 185/65-15, courtesy of the tire size calculator: http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html

    Specification_Sidewall_Radius__Diameter__Circumference_Revs/Mile_Difference
    185/65-15____4.7in___12.2in___24.5in_____76.9in______824______0.0%
    195/60-15____4.6in___12.1in___24.2in_____76.1in______833_____-1.0%
    205/60-15____4.8in___12.3in___24.7in_____77.6in______817______0.9%
    195/55-16____4.2in___12.2in___24.4in_____76.8in______825_____-0.1%
    205/55-16____4.4in___12.4in___24.9in_____78.2in______811______1.7%
    215/50-16____4.2in___12.2in___24.5in_____76.9in______824_____-0.0%
    225/50-16____4.4in___12.4in___24.9in_____78.1in______811______1.6%

    See my post on the first page of this link for some pictures:
    http://priuschat.com/Which-Wheels-tires-wi...OEM-t12610.html

    If these SSR Comps don't work out, I'm considering the Volk CE28N and TE37, and other wheels lighter than 14 pounds.
     
    #5 Technogeek, Nov 24, 2005
  6. wilco

    wilco New Member

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    Hmmm... I don't believe that (the Tirerack guy that is - not you).

    1. Tirerack lists the 16x7 Comps as being suitable for the Matrix, which has curb and gross weights that are almost identical to the Prius (Matrix gvw is actually slightly heavier).

    2. Car wheels generally don't have load ratings. And aftermarket wheels don't even need DOT approval.

    That said, SSR Comps do have a number on each wheel that says ___kg. I don't know what it means but it could be a manufacturer's recomended load (although see point 1. above). And there are lots of "I bent my Comps" stories out on the www... so caveat emptor.

    The offset may be a problem too. Ideally, you would want to stay with stock (+45mm) for 6" and 6.5", and stock or slightly less positive for wider, but +35 might be pushing it IMO. It would suck to drop over a grand on wheels only to end up with rubbing or handling issues.

    They are nice wheels though. A little too spendy for me *puts on Homer voice* "who wants lottery tickets?!!"

    Those tire numbers don't seem to jive with Goodyear's claim of 855 revs/mile for the 185/65/15 Integrity. I think this calculator may be a little more accurate -
    disco tire - where john travolta shops for tires
     
    #6 wilco, Nov 25, 2005
  7. Technogeek

    Technogeek New Member

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    I'm having my doubts because of the possible offsets of 35mm and 50mm and a 7.5 inch wheel. It's 1.5 inches wider than a stock wheel and is moved in or out depending on the offset chosen. So it seems these wider wheels might rub on the inside with 50mm offset, and on the outside with the 35mm offset. I don't want to risk it. I would need to take some measurements first, but my Prius doesn't arrive for 6 more weeks. I will begin to research other wheels, keeping this one on the back burner for now.
     
    #7 Technogeek, Nov 25, 2005
  8. wilco

    wilco New Member

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    Yeah, another lightweight (not quite as light as the Comps, but no heavier than OEM) forged wheel I like is the OZ Superleggera, but it only comes in +35 so same story.

    The Volk CE28N 16x7 +42 and TE37 16x7 +46 look like good choices. I like the look of the 37s but can you get them in colors other than white and bronze in the US? I'm sure I don't even want to know what they cost!

    If you're willing to add about a pound compared to OEM, the Gram Light 57C and 57S (made by Rays just like the Volks, but they are cast instead of forged) are available in 16x7 +46.

    The Motegi FF6 16x7 +42 is a nice wheel that looks similar to the North American OEM wheel without the plastic ring. The weight is 16 lbs each so there would be a small weight penalty, but they're quite a bit cheaper than forged wheels.
     
    #8 wilco, Nov 25, 2005
  9. jmccord

    jmccord New Member

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    According to the label on my door jamb (2006 Prius) the max load rating is 810 lbs.
    The Prius is also rated at five adult passengers (most likely Japanese, not supersized Americans :p ).
    [attachmentid=3700]
    I believe this load rating depends mostly on the tire pressure.
    Some posters have reported hauling significantly more weight.
    I would be curious to hear some more experenced PC'ers chime in on just how much the Prius can safely haul without damage and what tire pressures, changes are recommended.

    Oh, and did I say...I love this car! :D
     
    #9 jmccord, Jun 5, 2006
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