What's the biggest tire that can fit on stock rim?

[IronMan305]

I need to put new tires on my '01 Ironman and I was told the largest tire size I could go w. my stock rim is 245-60-R18's. I've been reviewing them online, but they don't look like anything too fancy, not to mention they're expen$ive.

Anyone know how big I can actually go with out rubbing my wheel wells?

Thanks!!

[tomdietrying]

285/60/18s will fit. There will be a little rubbing on the front left/right fender. A little trimming with a dremmel and no one will notice.
Peace.
Tom

[tomdietrying]

You know what. I forgot I went with a bigger spring and cranked the torsion bars. Are you just wanting a bigger tire without a little lift?
Peace.
Tom

[VX KAT]

I need to put new tires on my '01 Ironman and I was told the largest tire size I could go w. my stock rim is 245-60-R18's. I've been reviewing them online, but they don't look like anything too fancy, not to mention they're expen$ive.

Anyone know how big I can actually go with out rubbing my wheel wells?

Thanks!!

This is probably among the most asked question on here.

Your RIMS are 18" x 7", your OEM TIRES are 245/60/18.
http://www.vehicross.info/modules.php?name=Encyclopedia&op=viewarticle&id=21

Use the SEARCH FUNCTION and you'll find a ton of info, what works, what doesn't, issues, etc...

As Tom said, the trimming required for 285/60-18 is SUPER EASY and you can do it in 5 minutes with a dremel.
This is it, a tiny triangle shape piece.
I did NOT have to make any change to springs or turn the TBs.

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g386/photokat4/MISC%20VX%20PICTURES/PictureVX_KODAK_MOMENTS_664.jpg

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g386/photokat4/MISC%20VX%20PICTURES/IMAG0231.jpg

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g386/photokat4/MISC%20VX%20PICTURES/IMAG0215.jpg

[Riff Raff]

I've studied this exact question for years and here's the definitive answer(s) using the 2000/2001 OEM 18x7 rim:

VX at 100% OEM Stock Height (non-lifted) = 275/65R18 (32" O.D.)
Some minor interior-side cladding trim will be required as VX-KAT has illustrated. An All-Terrain tire or Street version tire with smooth rounded shoulders will have less interference than a muscular square shouldered Mud-Terrain tire, so take that into consideration.

VX "Lifted" = 285/75R18 (35" O.D.)
Important Note: The 285 series width is the absolute widest tire that can still be "squeezed" onto the OEM 7" width wheel.

:bgwb:


If you absolutely don't want to cut/trim your cladding; but are after a wider/meaner stance, then consider the tire size of 285/55R18.

[IronMan305]

Thanks for all the helpfu tips and the link. I haven't mastered the search function yet. When I tried it it kept sending me to VX's for sale and spare parts.

Anyway, if I trim the cladding and put the larger tire how much larger am I getting with the new size? It is just an inch or so? I'd hate to cut up my stock VX for .5-1" if thats the case.

I'm looking in to the following tires thafit stock:

Goodyear Assurance TripleTred All Season Tire - 205/65R15 94H VSB

Falken ZIEX ZE-912 TIRE 245/60R18 105H BW

Cooper WEATHERMASTER WSC 245/60R18

Nitto - NT850 Plus CUV

Firestone - Destination ST


Let me know what you think or if you have any suggestions.

THANKS!!

:bgwb:

[tom4bren]

I'm running the Firestone Destination AT. It's a very good tire from my experience so far. You can't use mine as a guide though because mine are 33x12.50R15 with an abundance of offset.

I just wanted to let you know that basically it's a good tire ... but I've heard good things about the other tires as well.

BTW, to fit the 33x12.50s requires a 3 inch lift & some trimming as well.

[evillecutter]

if you are going to drive mostly on city streets i have the falcon ziex and they ride and handle great

[Riff Raff]

For wider tires that won't rub and are damn near the same O.D. as OEM (29.5" O.D.)-- choose the tire size of 285/55R18 (30" O.D.). There are only a few brands available in this unique size and they are unlikely to require any trimming of the cladding if fitted onto the OEM 18x7 rim.

http://www.onlinetires.com/user/vehicle/tires/allbrands.html

Probably your best bet is the MAXXIS - MA-S1 MARAUDER in 285/55R18 and it is priced right!!! Don't waste your money on the standard OEM size when you can have essentially the same O.D. which won't effect your speedometer and in a much wider tire giving your VX a much more meaner look and much better handling.

Again, the 285/55R18 (30" O.D.) should be bolt-on perfect without any cladding trim whatsoever if mounted on the OEM 18x7 rim.

http://www.maxxis.com/AutomobileLight-Truck/Light-Truck-SUV/MA-S1-Marauder.aspx

:bgwb:

[H3_VX]

I'm really digging the new Toyo Open Country A/T II's. Whats funny is, about a year ago I sent Toyo an email suggesting they make their sidewalls on the A/T tire look a little more aggressive. Hmmmmm. :p Might see if I can get them in 265/60/18 (30.5x10.7) Only thing is it says this size will fit a 7.5-9.5 rim. Can anyone tell me what the drawback is to putting this tire on a smaller 7" rim?
Thanks

[VX KAT]

I'm really digging the new Toyo Open Country A/T II's. Whats funny is, about a year ago I sent Toyo an email suggesting they make their sidewalls on the A/T tire look a little more aggressive. Hmmmmm. :p Might see if I can get them in 265/60/18 (30.5x10.7) Only thing is it says this size will fit a 7.5-9.5 rim. Can anyone tell me what the drawback is to putting this tire on a smaller 7" rim?
Thanks

I've always though the OC A/T have a real similar look to the Nitto Terra Grapplers. Rowhard has the O/C and I really liked them when I saw them in person in Moab '09.
Both have a rather pronounced "square shoulder", with square-ish shoulder blocks. One tire guy told me last year that Toyo owns Nitto (or vise versa) and that's why they look so similar, basically same tire with a few differences in design....prob BS, not sure.

If you put a tire that says the min rim width is 7.5, on a VX 7" rim, you end up with a more "rounded" shoulder, and a bulgy looking sidewall. That's because it's got to stretch the sidewall all the way back to hold onto the narrower 7" rim.

I don't claim to know if it's doable or a good idea to do what you asked, but I do know it would end up with a very bulgy sidewall, and I personally wouldn't care for that look....because I specifically like the square shoulder look.


ORIGINAL OPEN COUNTRY A/T
http://www.buildadiesel.com/images/Open%20Country%20AT

NEW OPEN COUNTRY A/T II
http://www.moderntiredealer.com/_Images/news/M-Toyo-Open-Country-AT-II-1.jpg

[VxSport]

We are running a discontinued Dunlop tire, Maxx Traction Mud terrian, 275/65 R18 on stock rims. Now the crazy thing is these wheels and tires were from my Amigo project. These tires (set of 5) now have about 50K on them. I took it in for balancing two weeks ago, average tread depth 15/32 (New 17 or 18/32").
Now the only clue I have to why they are doing so well. These tires are 90psi (9 ply sidewall) tires designed for Heavy Duty Dullies.

[pbkid]

We are running a discontinued Dunlop tire, Maxx Traction Mud terrian, 275/65 R18 on stock rims. Now the crazy thing is these wheels and tires were from my Amigo project. These tires (set of 5) now have about 50K on them. I took it in for balancing two weeks ago, average tread depth 15/32 (New 17 or 18/32").
Now the only clue I have to why they are doing so well. These tires are 90psi (9 ply sidewall) tires designed for Heavy Duty Dullies.
I run terra grapplers which are 60psi tires and i run mine at 60 psi, ive already gotten around 50k miles on them and they still have loads of tread left...