Actual experiences with 225/235-65-R17 tires?

[MiddleAgeSubie]

Hi all,

A few threads over at subaruoutback.org discussed recently tire size upgrades for 2010-14 OBs.

Somebody posted that 235-65s should fit "snugly." But I do not remember anybody actually sharing experiences with such tires.

Here is an approximate tire size diameter comparison (apparently exact measurements vary by brand):

Stock size, 225-60-17 at 27.63 (diameter)
235-60-17 at 28.1
225-65-17 at 28.52
235-65-17 at 29.03 This means a significant ground clearance gain.


I am extremely interested in actual experiences with 235-65-17s.

Why?

Struggling with a decision about how to remedy the occasional need for extra ground clearance while keeping the car as close to stock as possible, I have not yet pulled the trigger on a planned 0.5" lift. Instead, I am now thinking about purchasing a set of used 235-65-17s to mount twice a year. Indeed, since I will have enough Subaru rewards dollars before I need the tires, the cheapest option for me may actually be to negotiate a set of new ones from my dealer (I cannot pay hundreds of actual dollars for such things).

As you can easily understand, theoretically the 235-65s should give me the best of both worlds--about a 0.7 lift with no mods to the vehicle--easily done, easily undone after the trip. Does this sound like a fine solution to those of you with experience in using non-stock sized tires?

Obviously, trimming of the mud flaps on the front pair will be necessary.

Also, is it a good idea to mount the occasional-use 235-65s on steel wheels?

Thoughts?

Thanks

 

[machine1]

I have a Forester and am using larger tires for ground clearance.

Stock tires are 225/55R17 (26.7 inch diameter), I am using 235/60R17 (28.3 inch diameter according to manufacturer, Cooper tires).

This provides me with a .8 inch lift which brings my Forester from 8.9 inches to 9.6 inches.

 

[MiddleAgeSubie]

Great, I thought of you when posting that!

You did exactly what I plan to do: going one-size up (225 to 235 and 55 to 60, 60 to 65 in my case). So, any observations? Any issues? For short-term use, all I would care about would be fit, I guess. Still, I am curious if you have observed any long-term things worth knowing, including mpg changes.

Also, do you use them on the original wheels?

Thanks!

 

[machine1]

Haha that's awesome I'm thought of.

Two things, speedometer is off by 3 mph at 65 and I lost 3 mpg in fuel economy. Long term you would be displaying less mileage than you actually drive, but it won't be by much.

They are on stock alloys, but I'm also thinking of getting another set of wheels for the A/T tires only. They rubbed slightly at full extension when new but after 5000 miles the rubber on the fender liner trimmed itself. Outback has different sized wheel wells I'm assuming.

I finally washed the mud caked on my wheels today and found damage to the face on two of them from scraping on rocks. Barely scuffed but if I could fit larger sidewalls I would. I'm considering going down to 16s for my next set of A/Ts.