Just bought a 2008 base Highlander with 245/65/17 tires that need to be replaced. I would like improve the ground clearance slightly. Would mounting a 245/70/17 fit without any problems? What's the largest tire with this stock 17" rims anyone been able to fit without any clearance problems?
Just bought a 2008 base Highlander with 245/65/17 tires that need to be replaced. I would like improve the ground clearance slightly. Would mounting a 245/70/17 fit without any problems? What's the largest tire with this stock 17" rims anyone been able to fit without any clearance problems?
A quick way to check on sizes and what's available is to visit both tirerack.com and discounttiredirect.com and use their configuration tool to see what sizes are available for your HL. If you have any questions both companies have very helpful people who will talk to you over the phone. I'm not affiliated with either company, but have used them both over the years and been very happy with their service. I plan on upping my HL to 255/65/17 when I get new tires, adding a half inch in diameter and evening out the odometer error according to calculations. A side benefit that'll be nice....
__________________
-------------------------
2008 Highlander Base 4WD
2002 Avalon XL
1987 Suzuki Samurai 4X4 - Treading where no Jeep can follow....
A quick way to check on sizes and what's available is to visit both tirerack.com and discounttiredirect.com and use their configuration tool to see what sizes are available for your HL. If you have any questions both companies have very helpful people who will talk to you over the phone. I'm not affiliated with either company, but have used them both over the years and been very happy with their service. I plan on upping my HL to 255/65/17 when I get new tires, adding a half inch in diameter and evening out the odometer error according to calculations. A side benefit that'll be nice....
Was wondering if you did in fact go with 255/65/17 for the 2008 HL base? If so, what tire did you choose and how are they working out? There are a lot of posts for the 19" tires for Highlanders but not too much for the 17". I'm trying to decide between two Michelin tires. One is the LTX M/S, which comes in the OEM size of 245/65/17 but the other the LTX M/S2 that has slightly better ratings but does not come in the OEM size. If possible, I'd rather go with the LTX M/S2 but don't know which size to get, if anything different than the original. Looks like the closest would be 255/65/17 or 245/70/17. any suggestions on which would work best if I decide to go away from the original size and if it is even worth it considering the differences in these two tires? Any advise would be much appreciated!
Was wondering if you did in fact go with 255/65/17 for the 2008 HL base? If so, what tire did you choose and how are they working out? There are a lot of posts for the 19" tires for Highlanders but not too much for the 17". I'm trying to decide between two Michelin tires. One is the LTX M/S, which comes in the OEM size of 245/65/17 but the other the LTX M/S2 that has slightly better ratings but does not come in the OEM size. If possible, I'd rather go with the LTX M/S2 but don't know which size to get, if anything different than the original. Looks like the closest would be 255/65/17 or 245/70/17. any suggestions on which would work best if I decide to go away from the original size and if it is even worth it considering the differences in these two tires? Any advise would be much appreciated!
Yes, I opted for the Yokohama Geolander A-T/S all terrains in 255/65/17. One thing to note was that my mechanic found that by adding larger tires with the Highlander it pushed the physical limits of the alignment on the front end to the point that he added a camber kit to compensate, which didn't cost much extra given the purchase price of the tires. I've had the Geolanders on about one year now, and the wear has been excellent. Road noise is significantly less than the OEM Duelers, and these Geolanders are wonderful performers in loose rocks and sand. I haven't had them in snow or ice yet, and perhaps this winter I'll be able to test that. Mileage dropped by almost 10% due mostly to the all terrain tread versus the original highway-type tires, but I expected that and was okay with it because I needed the all terrain capability. Now that the tires are broken in, the mileage hit has dropped to approximately 5%. BTW, my 3 MPH speedometer error dropped to 2 MPH due to the larger tire diameter.
__________________
-------------------------
2008 Highlander Base 4WD
2002 Avalon XL
1987 Suzuki Samurai 4X4 - Treading where no Jeep can follow....
Since you have a base you have much better tire choices then sport or limited owners. Go with factory size and get Michelin LTX M+S. Extremely quiet, comfortable, and these tires provide outstanding handling in any weather.
Since you have a base you have much better tire choices then sport or limited owners. Go with factory size and get Michelin LTX M+S. Extremely quiet, comfortable, and these tires provide outstanding handling in any weather.
x2. Don't let the slightly better reviews for the MS2 discourage you from the M/S.
Thanks everyone. I went with the LTX MS tires and am happy so far on dry and wet roads. I don't have many miles on them yet and haven't driven on the interstate but so far, so good. Any advice on what pressure to run these at? The TPMS light has been on since the tires were mounted. Thanks again!
Last edited by evanspikes2; 11-28-2012 at 06:41 PM.
Although I found via a chalk test that 35 is too much in the rear with basically empty cargo all the time. I'm running 33/32 f/r now.
Chalk test?
I keep mine at 35 all the time, mostly for towing reasons. I don't have any issues with a firm ride. Though, I also have a lot of equipment/extra weight that is permanently installed in the car now so even cargo free, the back end rides heavy.
You hadn't heard of the chalk test? Rather than describing it, I'll point you to this link. Although you'll find tons of information online (and in the various forums), this link probably has the most information on everything I've seen in one place. You'll find the chalk test under Tire Inflation - On Road:
I have the advantage of the gas station in town providing the chalk. They dump the chalk/dust down in the mornings sometimes before I get gas (to soak up any spilled drops and such). It's a great opportunity to see how the tread is contacting the ground. Didn't take pictures of the HL last time, but here are the two from my Tacoma. You pay attention to whether the chalk is even across the tread especially at the edges. Notice the difference between the front and rear? Last time the HL went across the chalk, the outer edge of the tires in the rear had no chalk on them. Fronts were even all the way across. Rears didn't have any chalk at the edges which means I wasn't getting full tread contact with the road.
Tacoma Front (BTW, these are the Michelin LTX AT2):
Well if that's the chaulk test, I have the tire shine test I tend to over-spray onto the road contacting portion of the tire, and as I drive it gets rubbed off it, creating a line where the tire contacts the road. 35 keeps mine right at the edge of the tire.
The AutoGuide.com network consists of the largest network of enthusiast-owned enthusiast-operated automotive communities.
AutoGuide.com provides the latest car reviews, auto show coverage, new car prices, and automotive news. The AutoGuide network operates more than 100 automotive forums where our users consult peers for shopping information and advice, and share opinions as a community.
ToyotaNation.com is an independent Toyota/Lexus enthusiast website. ToyotaNation.com is not sponsored by or in any way affiliated with Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc. The Toyota, Lexus and Scion names and logos are trademarks owned by Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc.
Moose
They dump the chalk/dust down in the mornings sometimes before I get gas (to soak up any spilled drops and such). It's a great opportunity to see how the tread is contacting the ground. Didn't take pictures of the HL last time, but here are the two from my Tacoma. You pay attention to whether the chalk is even across the tread especially at the edges. Notice the difference between the front and rear? Last time the HL went across the chalk, the outer edge of the tires in the rear had no chalk on them. Fronts were even all the way across. Rears didn't have any chalk at the edges which means I wasn't getting full tread contact with the road.
Linear Mode
