Cooper ST 265/70R17 fitment an issues?

[TripleC Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close TripleC]

Hi All,

As you may have seen from my intro posts, I asked the dealer fit Cooper ST's to my new Prado for delivery. Since recieving it, and then joining this forum I have realised that the 265/70R17's may not be the right size to have fitted for RTA Reg's.

I have been getting to know the new rig, crawling under it, and noticed that the space between the inner tyre wall, and part of the suspension/steering has less than a finger gap between them (approx 10 to 15mm).

Photo front passenger side taken from rear.


Front drivers side taken from front


My assumption is that when deflating the tyres for off road & sand these will flare out and rub (possibly quite badly when flexing over rough terrain???). I know the bulge (increased footprint) is mainly on the bottom of the tyre when the pressure is down, but I don't know how much (if any) bulge/flex/movement there would be where this narrow gap is.

Has anyone that also have the same tyres encountered a problem? For those with OME tyres, or other fitments, what sort of space do you have, and does this rub when tyres deflated?

Thanks for any tips you have on this. Maybe I am worrying for no reason, but would like to know, so I can possibly approach the dealer on replacement if needed. Would also like to know if the areas that look like the casting has snapped off & rusting is normal???

Cheers,

Craig

[urbancowboy Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close urbancowboy]

Mate don't know if it helps or not...but, i have a 90 Series, and i just put 265 * 75 R16's on it. it comes with smaller on all dimesions, and i have had no problems...

[Simmo67 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Simmo67]

I have recently upped my tyre size to Cooper ATR's (highway construction) in 265/70's.

The taller profile has definitely improved my clearance but I noticed just yesterday if I am reversing and turn the steering wheel too far the front tyre rubs on the inside of the wheel arch :?

Doesn't worry me too much, just have to be aware of it and avoid sharp turning when reversing if possible :? I reckon it's a fair price for an extra 1/2 inch of clearance and much better traction off road :P

[Violet Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Violet]

I was talking to a tyre shop yesterday (looking at BFG A/T 265x70). He said that it was his responsibility to let me know the Australian regulations. He said that only 15mm extra diameter was allowed for passanger vehicles - but 50mm for RV vehicles. Prados are classed as RV's.

[White Lightning Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close White Lightning]

triple
I've got the same tyres....And i did have the same concerns about the clearance issue..But it hasnt rubbed yet and i've been down to 10psi.
like you said, the bagging is only happening on the bottom section of the tyre.
you will need to put spacers on the rear spare as most on here have done.
Size increase is no issue in wa..not sure bout qld tho

[D4D-GXL Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close D4D-GXL]

Don't forget the normal look of the tyre on the rim with full pressure. The top of the tyre should almost be the same whether at normal or lower pressure and should not rub too much at all, even at 10psi. The bottom of the tyre is where all the work is done compressing the tyre under the vehicles weight to gain more traction/width. When the tyre rotates it goes back to normal.

[MTpockets Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close MTpockets]

Untill they eventually get it together, Qld still has a max 15 mm rule on all tyres including RV. However I am not sure about NSW. Your phone call to the RTA will answer your question, and there will be documentation on their website.