Big Wheels

[intumult]

I was wondering if having bigger off road wheels on the pick up will affect the mpg / kpg ?

[Crossy]

If you fit off-road tyres you'll lose mileage and gain road noise.

Depends upon your usage, unless you're doing a lot of off-road then stick with HT (Highway Terrain) or AT (All Terrain) class tyres for a reasonable compromise. These tyres normally fit on the standard (15") rims and fit in the arches without modifying the suspension.

If you put the big, wide mud tyres (and raise the suspension to clear) then expect even more road noise and even worse mileage.

We have Bridgestone AT tyres on our Ranger 4x4, it manages 30-33 mpg and we've never got stuck even in the wifes 'short cut' via the corner of a rice paddy (saves about 5km)

Edited January 11, 2008 by Crossy

[Gary A]

Many of the bigger wheels have low profile tires. It all depends on the circumference of the tires. Larger diameter rims with low profile tires have the same circumference as original equipment tires so there is absolutely no difference. If the circumference is larger the odometer will read less kilometers and the kilometers per liter will be less but will actually will be the same. Depending on the engine and original gearing you may get better fuel economy. Most pickups are geared for power so a larger circumference wheel can actually improve the kilometers per liter.

[Crossy]

Many of the bigger wheels have low profile tires. It all depends on the circumference of the tires. Larger diameter rims with low profile tires have the same circumference as original equipment tires so there is absolutely no difference. If the circumference is larger the odometer will read less kilometers and the kilometers per liter will be less but will actually will be the same. Depending on the engine and original gearing you may get better fuel economy. Most pickups are geared for power so a larger circumference wheel can actually improve the kilometers per liter.

True Gary

I was assuming that our OP intended fitting off road tyres on a vehicle which currently doesn't have them.

We really need to know exactly what he intends doing and why, back to you intumult

[mikethevigoman]

I was wondering if having bigger off road wheels on the pick up will affect the mpg / kpg ?

As crossy says its the tread more than the size, you wil get better gas mileage on 22s with road biased tread than you will with an agressive off road set in standard sizes,in actual fact a 285-35-22 in tyre is smaller than the standard 16 inch vigo tyre,. Edited January 11, 2008 by mikethevigoman

[intumult]

Tyres currently 255/70/15 and are too big (IMHO) as I do mainly tarmac driving with little dirt track use to the odd house here and there.

The ride height is high. Maybe 4 inches above the height of the tyre. More like a 4x4 to be honest. Cornering is not brilliant in the roadholding sense either.

Many Mitsus I see sit a LOT lower (and they look better too).

Strangely enough it has Toyota rims fitted (goes with the new Toyota engine LOL).

So, am I better off fitting smaller tyres and/or lowering the height?

I am also led to believe the size of the tyres are also affecting the braking - which is not good ... advice please?

[initiala4]

Big heavy wheels like offroad tires will affect gas milleage

[mikethevigoman]

Tyres currently 255/70/15 and are too big (IMHO) as I do mainly tarmac driving with little dirt track use to the odd house here and there.

The ride height is high. Maybe 4 inches above the height of the tyre. More like a 4x4 to be honest. Cornering is not brilliant in the roadholding sense either.

Many Mitsus I see sit a LOT lower (and they look better too).

Strangely enough it has Toyota rims fitted (goes with the new Toyota engine LOL).

So, am I better off fitting smaller tyres and/or lowering the height?

I am also led to believe the size of the tyres are also affecting the braking - which is not good ... advice please?

Id suggest 18 inch with a lower profile,it will look lower and handle better as you will get less body roll, i drove the fortuner smart on the TRD 18s and it felt superb, the original vigo/fortuner wheels really are naff in my opinion and dont forget ,the original tyres with that high profile are to resist compression punctures in off road/severe potholes ,.if you are on the roads then a wheel/tyre change will improve ride,. Edited January 12, 2008 by mikethevigoman

[intumult]

Tyres currently 255/70/15 and are too big (IMHO) as I do mainly tarmac driving with little dirt track use to the odd house here and there.

The ride height is high. Maybe 4 inches above the height of the tyre. More like a 4x4 to be honest. Cornering is not brilliant in the roadholding sense either.

Many Mitsus I see sit a LOT lower (and they look better too).

Strangely enough it has Toyota rims fitted (goes with the new Toyota engine LOL).

So, am I better off fitting smaller tyres and/or lowering the height?

I am also led to believe the size of the tyres are also affecting the braking - which is not good ... advice please?

Id suggest 18 inch with a lower profile,it will look lower and handle better as you will get less body roll, i drove the fortuner smart on the TRD 18s and it felt superb, the original vigo/fortuner wheels really are naff in my opinion and dont forget ,the original tyres with that high profile are to resist compression punctures in off road/severe potholes ,.if you are on the roads then a wheel/tyre change will improve ride,.

Thanks for the input. I'll see about getting those tyres changed. Never really been happy with them and the handling. I'd rather feel as if I can safely make some manouvres without wondering if the motor is going to do something strange on me, especially in those emergency situations that arise.

thanks to the others for their input too.

[jaiyenyen]

I agree. standard Vigo wheels and tyres look really naff.

Can anyone suggest a rim and tyre size/combination that will improve roadholding. I do fancy getting some sexy alloys with low profile tyres.

Does anyone have a rough idea of prices?

Regards

jaiyenyen

[mikethevigoman]

I agree. standard Vigo wheels and tyres look really naff.

Can anyone suggest a rim and tyre size/combination that will improve roadholding. I do fancy getting some sexy alloys with low profile tyres.

Does anyone have a rough idea of prices?

Regards

jaiyenyen

Ill have to confirm but i think in 18s the tyre size is 255-50-18, and you will be looking at about 50000-60000, you will get 15 or so for your wheels in trade, if you want a a definate quote let me know,.