Tyre Info
Submitted: Friday, Jul 29, 2011 at 10:27
ThreadID:
87850
Views:
3158
Replies:
7
FollowUps:
3
This Thread has been Archived
Lozza - NSW
An addendum to my previous post (thread 87769) on fitting BFG 265/17R/17 AT/KO tyres to my 120 series Prado GX T/D 2003 model instead of the "Cheese Cutter" 225/70R/17s that were already on. After contacting the mob who installed my 2" lift kit (Bilstein shockers, Lovells springs & Polyairs) they directed me to call an engineer they know. He told me if I wanted to continue to use the tyres, I needed a calibrator installed ($400 quoted from a 4WD place) to make the speedo show the correct speed. Then I need a sticker in the lower R/H of the windscreen to reflect the tyre speed (lowered) I then need Mud Flap Extensions, as there must be not less than 300mm between their lower edge and the road. Finally, I'd need an Engineering Certificate ($300) to make the whole shebang legal. And yes, your Insurance company won't insure you unless you do all these things! My tyre mob, when contacted by phone initially said to put a new tyre placard in the door. I said it wouldn't be legal, and the bloke said yes, it wouldn't. I said I wouldn't do that and they wanted to see the receipt for the tyres. I went there and showed them and they asked when I had the lift done, which was before the new tyres were fitted. They said the boss reckons it's legal, no prob. What to do? I can 1. Sell the tyres/rims and go back to the cheese cutters, or 2. Remove the tyres from the wider rims and sell them, then fit proper profile tyres to the rims, or 3. Spend all that money to make what's there legal (if the Engineer says they are) or 4. Continue to drive the way they are until they wear out enough and hope I don't get in trouble or have an ackydent! I just dunno...
Reply By: SimonW - Friday, Jul 29, 2011 at 13:07
Friday, Jul 29, 2011 at 13:07
Hi Lozza,
What a delemia.
I have a GXL 120 series & also looked into this when I 1st got the vehicle due to lease requirements, & found the same case scenario, in the end to stay within the letter of the law in Vic I fitted Bilstein shockers, Lovells springs 50mm lift, & BFG 275x65x17 tyres these are slightly wider & taller but with 2mm of the legal limit, maybe if your tyres are so new you can trade them at the place of purchase & just pay a gap.
Speedo wise it is 100 @ 100kph verified against the GPS reading now before it was reading faster then actual speed.
I also carry the Vic regulation printed in the glove box just incase anyone distupts the point.
cheers Simon.
AnswerID:
461236
Reply By: George_M - Friday, Jul 29, 2011 at 13:39
Friday, Jul 29, 2011 at 13:39
Hi Lozza.
It all boils down to your appetite for risk, mate.
On one hand, there are lots of 120 series Prados set up just like yours running around NSW without engineering certificates. The 265/70 R17 is a popular tyre.
On the other hand, this set-up does not comply with NSW regulations, leading to possible legal and insurance issues.
FWIW, and as you would have found on Pradopoint where you also posted this issue, there has not been a reported case of an owner of a vehicle set up like yours having problems with the law or an insurance company. But you wouldn't want to be the first!
Whatever you choose to do will be cheaper than moving to Victoria (or SA, I think) where 265/70 R17 tyres on a 120 series Prado are legal.
Good luck!
George
AnswerID:
461242