Hi all
Just a quick question
I have a 2008 fortuner with standard 16s on, that is due for tyres.
Heard that the 17 inch wheels are more stable for towing.
I Would like to know if I should go to 17s or not.
4x2 mostly tare roads.

Good day Jaco, welcome to the forum.

I would go for 17"as they are a lot cheaper than 16"tyres.

The diameter / circumference of the wheels remain exactly the same, so I cannot see what handling difference it willl make

Correct bit the innner diameter does not and therefore there is more tyre wall height as a consequence there is more sidewall roll on the tyres on the 16" rims which contributed the "falling over" problem some experienced. The 17" rims is an upgrade specifically identified to reduce the problem.

Given the choice, the 17" is a must.

Kan dit maar doen.

Welkom op die forum.

Jako, die 17" wiel is +- dieselfde omtrek as die 16" m.a.w. die 17" is 'n laerprofiel band wat dan meer stabiliteit gee, MAAR jy gaan rygemak inboet agv die hoërprofiel band wat 'n groter absorberende kussing is.

Ek sou bly by die 16" maar pomp dit harder om dieselfde stabiliteit te kry.

Henning here we have to agree to disagree.

If Toyota belived that it was the right thing to do then I am not about about to argue with them. There was a very good reason for them to change rims.

This is my third fortuner and I have been through tyre issues ad nauseum. The 17" can be pumped to 2.1 bar (according to the owners manual) which provides a comfotable drive. Mine are pumped to 2.0 bar as I mostly do town driving. Different story when towing.

 

 

I have 16 inch tyres and have never found them N.A. or that the price is more expensive.

I have done a quick check and here are the prices with 16 far cheaper than the same diameter 17 wider and lower profile.

Welcome on the forum Jaco!!!!!!

Andrew I belief 17 is IN FASHION and all cars are moving to higher size and profile and not always to improve matters. Not all changes are to the better. $ is at stake in most cases.

 

 

My experience is also that the larger the rim diameter the more expensive the tyre (or conversely the lower the profile the more expensive.) Just look at the price of the extremely low profile tyres you get on 18 or 19 inch rims. Quick search 225/34 R19 -- R3000.

I think it has to do with there being less volume of rubber in the tyre, but it has to be able to handle the same forces or even higher, as lower profiles are usually rated for higher speeds. So there is more reinforcement i.e. steel and fibres required, that costs more.

Have to agree with some of the comments above. 17 inch should be more stable, because the tyre wall is lower and should be able to handle more lateral force (side to side). Should be fine for tar road as well, but if you are going to drive to Botswana not ideal.

Or you can just go all the way and get 265/55 R 19, I'm sure you can get a tyre place to throw in a free kidney belt. ;-)

Chris I think this is also a matter of "I heard from my uncle who was told by his barber who's wife told him so" that 16 inch is more expensive and so the story goes on.

Try to convince someone who had a bad experience that it was an isolated case!!!!

Too much fiction not based on facts.

I was told at the time that TOYOTA changed the size to 17" as well as the specs of the wheel bearings . I had first a 2008 Fortuner with the 16" wheels which was fine especially after fitting Old Man Emu shocks and Michelin tyres. Later also had 2013 Fortuner with 17" wheels and frankly it was in a different league with notably better road manners when not towing, but with the tow there was not much difference and both vehicles towed very well.

Personally, with all our potholes and bad roads I prefer more tyre and less wheel.

Very valid and good point.

 

Dankie vir julle insette. Het 17s opgesit. Hantering is baie beter saam met die monroe gas magnums shocks wat ek ook n ruk terug gedoen het. Gaan die naweek sleep. Sal laat weet.