17" and 19" rims the same? - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

craftydad · 02-17-2011, 01:15 PM

Hi, I need a sanity check from all the HL enthusiasts out there: I'm in dire need of new tires on my 08 HL limited which came with 19" wheels. I'm seriously thinking of switching to 17" given the greater variety of selections, not to mention the price diff. (I priced a set of 4 255/55R19 Alenza's balanced, mounted, etc... it was just shy of $1300.00 in 2 diff stores.

At TireRack.com, can I simply choose a 17" rim that will fit a 2008 Highlander and a set of tires (or do their wheel/package selection)? When I choose 2008 HL Limited, all it shows are 19" and 20" rims. But if I choose 2008 Highlander (no Limited), I get 17" and 18". Wondering why I only get the larger sizes when I choose the correct model of SUV. ??

The total price for both the 17" rims and tires (and even TPMS) will be worth it in the long run as I usually keep my cars for 10+ years.

Is it that simple? I've never messed with rims sizes before... so I want to be sure I don't screw something up.

Craftydad

vsansal · 02-17-2011, 01:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by craftydad

Hi, I need a sanity check from all the HL enthusiasts out there: I'm in dire need of new tires on my 08 HL limited which came with 19" wheels. I'm seriously thinking of switching to 17" given the greater variety of selections, not to mention the price diff. (I priced a set of 4 255/55R19 Alenza's balanced, mounted, etc... it was just shy of $1300.00 in 2 diff stores.

At TireRack.com, can I simply choose a 17" rim that will fit a 2008 Highlander and a set of tires (or do their wheel/package selection)? When I choose 2008 HL Limited, all it shows are 19" and 20" rims. But if I choose 2008 Highlander (no Limited), I get 17" and 18". Wondering why I only get the larger sizes when I choose the correct model of SUV. ??

The total price for both the 17" rims and tires (and even TPMS) will be worth it in the long run as I usually keep my cars for 10+ years.

Is it that simple? I've never messed with rims sizes before... so I want to be sure I don't screw something up.

Craftydad

My 2010 HL Limited came with Bridgestone Dueler. It is 245/55/19 and at tire rack it is $836.00 a set. The shipping will be around $60 plus tax, mounting/balancing should set you around $1100. Still better then buying 17'' wheel + tire set I think. And personally I love the 19'' Wheels.

craftydad · 02-17-2011, 04:25 PM

Yeah, I'm sorry but I'm still looking for an answer to my question. I have Duelers and they royally suck (as do most others state on this board). Less than 32K miles and they slide around like bald tires in just snow/slush. They are dangerous, and I have a lot of thread life left.

I'd still like to get an answer to my question from anyone if possible... I'd like to go with 17 rims/tires... will the '08 Highlander' selections from tire rack work?

Craftydad

drewboogie · 02-17-2011, 08:01 PM

Those 19" wheels come on Limiteds and Sports. The other models come with 17" wheels on them. You can certainly get any set of wheels you want in whatever size you desire. If you're worried about fitment, you can look around this site as some members are currently selling some 17" wheels. You can even use the wheels from the previous generation Highlander. Since other 08 models came with 17" wheels from the factory, yes, any of those other selections on tirerack will fit a 17" rim.

Like vsansal said, you can get cheaper prices on those tires though. Most tire shops will price match online retailers. I recommend looking for a retailer that doesn't nickel and dime you to death, charging $2 for disposal per tire and $1.47 per valve stem, like town fair tire does. Mom and pop places are where it's at for the best prices and service. You should be able to get out the door mount and balance for a grand tops, and then maybe 1100 with an alignment, which some places include in a 4 tire purchase.

You certainly do have limited options for the 19" wheels, but the options you do have are very good tires. I doubt you could do 17" wheels and tires for under a grand. I personally also love the 19" wheels.

luck123 · 02-17-2011, 10:06 PM

If tirerack says it fits, you shouldn't worry. 17" and greater will clear the brake assembly on your 08 HL. Just keep the tire diameter as close to OEM so that your speedometer reads correctly.

The only difference might be the rim width and offset. OEM 19 wheels come in width of 7.5" and 35 mm offset.

Much of this has been discussed in existing threads.

ret-fr8flyr · 02-18-2011, 06:56 AM

I'm not that familiar with the Hybrid model but the hubs on the Hybrid may be larger thus requiring larger wheels for clearance. I would check with your local dealer and find out.

Earl

JMSinMD · 02-18-2011, 09:15 AM

Yes, a 17", 18", 19" + will fit your vehicle. I wish you were closer as I have a beautiful set of 17" wheels that would fit your vehicle.

You could easily buy these and a good set of all season tires (like the Bridgestone Dueler Alenza or Bridgestone Dueler A/T Revo 2) and sell your 19" wheels/tires and recoup all your money.

BTW my set of 5 Bridgestone Dueler Alenza's in 255/55/19 only ran me $250 installed (Bridgestone prorated me 100% for the Bridgestone Dueler H/L 400's ((with 500 miles on them)) towards the cost of the Alenza's because I told them I was going to sue them if anything were to happen to my wife while she was driving the HL with their garbage H/L 400 tires, 30 minutes later I get a call from the head of public relations with the offer).

nick1sp · 02-18-2011, 09:23 AM

I purchased my Hankook ventus AS RH07 tires from discounttiredirect for my 08 HiHy Limited.
Yeah, I know, the size is 255/55/R19. But so far it's been pretty good, much better than the A20's.
Total price was 772 for a 4 set.
Switching and Balancing cost me 60
gave them an extra 5 for tip since they did such a great job.

So my total is 837.

craftydad · 02-18-2011, 12:07 PM

Thanks All for the responses. I checked tirerack for the Alenza last night and their shops where they can be put on... yep, cheaper than FireStone and Mavis "Discount" (some discount, they were the highest... and $10 per TPMS valve to put on a new o-ring). I'm thinking of staying with the 19's now and getting thru tirerack and installed locally. Still around $1100, but at least I'll have good tires in the snow...
btw, my local dealer sent out an ad that they need certain used vehicles, and I have one they're looking for ... I'm suppose to get up to 4K over KBB Fair KBB value or 120% of it, plus 0% apr ... so for the heck of it we're gonna check it out after work today. I'm interested in what the scam is... last time I talked to salesmen there, one said they go by KBB but when I talked to 'my' salesman, he waved off all books and said they go by 'wholesale... what the cars go for at auction' ... mine is in excellent shape ... Good KBB is about $30K ... they offered me $26K ... so I'm not getting any hopes up and will probably be ordering the tires this Saturday. Either way I'm happy with a Highlander (as long as it doesn't have the stock Duelers or Toyo's on it).

Craftydad