235/60-16...What do we think?

[gibbons]

I am thinking about some WR 235/60-16's stock on Tellus wheels.  The 215/65 Scorp cross section measured an actual 9.0" cross section, measured with my caliper.  The tire application guide says the 235/60 will measure 9.4" on a 7" (like a Tellus) rim.  WRs are actually a bit skinnier anyway, a 215/65-16 measures .25" narrower than a 215 Scorp.

My reasoning is to get a smoother ride.  I think with the extra width of the 235, the sidewall won't be so vertical.  So, vertical road impulses will deflect the sidewall easier. I hope that, anyway.

I know the V70 R cars use a 235/45-17, obviously without any suspension or body interference.  But I don't know if they use different suspension links, spindles, or whatever, so I can't use that for the answer.  With the 215's, If I turn the wheel full cocked right or left, I can still slide my whole hand in between the tire and the closest point in the wheel well.  Whole hand means palm on tire, back of hand on well.

Another concern would be the Jeep look.  I don't want them to look like they are hanging out from under the wheel wells.

All that being said, anyone done or seen 235s?  Heard of any disaster stories?

Thanks for your help.

[bigtomhammer]

I have a 04 V70 AWD and have the sport package with the 235/45/17 and have no problems with rubbing.  Now, with the added height of the XC, I would think that the 235/60/16 should be ok.  But don't know what that would do to the AWD system that you have.  I am assuming that if they are all the same size, it shouldn't be a problem.  I know in the old VC AWD system you HAD to have all the same size tire so make sure your spare is the same specs.

Tom

[gibbons]

The 235 is 27.1" diameter, the 215 is 27.0".  That is a grand total of .37% (.0037) larger.  So, assuming the speedo is dead accurate, at an indicated 60mph, I will actually be going 60.2 mph.  With the crumby speedometer resolution (due to the silly 160mph range), you couldn't see it anyway.  

By the way, I checked my speedo with a GPS, and it was dead accurate. With new tires, that is. As the tires wear, the actual speed will be lower than indicated.  Take 1/4" off the tread, and you will be going 58.8 instead of an indicated 60.   http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

And finally I am 100% against wheels with the wrong offset.  Even if it was a couple of mm more or less than 49mm, I would not consider using them.  So, why would I consider wider tires?  Cuz the extra width is added equally on each side of the wheel centerline.  Steering geometry, suspension loading, etc will not be affected.

[Mikael]

Hi Gibbons !

Lots of tyre-talk theese days. Just wanted to tell you that I´ve seen a Xc here in Sweden with 245/45-18 and he told me that there was no problem what so ever. Didn´t as him though what offset he was using. But I think it was wider than the original +49.

Mikael

[ytaebnairb]

Just put 225/60's on my XC70 and had no problem.  Don't really think the 235s will bee much wider.  Just check them on the front at full turn right and left.  No rub, no problems.

[Outrageous]

I wouldn't do this to get a smoother ride, because chances are, you won't.

[Reed]

I put Yokohama AVS dB EURO 225/60R16 102W on MY03 XC70. It's great and very silent tyre. http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/thumbs-up.gif