A couple Tips for 265/70/17 no rubbing + fit in spare location (1 Viewer)

[mikehighlife]

From scanning the posts here I found out that while a 265/70/17 will fit without rubbing in many cases, and sometimes fits in the spare location, nothing is guaranteed. So take this as a datapoint!


GX info:

- 2010

- Full size lexus hitch

- No lift

- 265/70/17 Cooper Discoverer AT3 4s

I used a couple strategies to enhance my odds that everything will fit and feel OEM.

Strategy 1:

Not all tires are actually the same diameter. Search for options where the actual diameter is smaller. For example:

• CD AT3 4s - 31.42”
• Wildpeak at3 (SL) - 31.65”
• K02 (SL) - 31.65”

In a game of close tolerances, it can make a difference!
Strategy 2:

Buy 4 tires first, drive 3000 miles (ish) and then buy the 5th and do a 5 tire rotation. Or just buy 5 at once and wait to mount the spare.
This will wear down the tires a teebit giving you a little extra clearance. To me, it was worth the risk of a flat with no spare in the first few thousand miles.

Conclusion:

I had zero trimming or massaging to do with a heat gun, zero cutting of the hitch, and zero complaints. It may not work for your GX but will increase the odds that everything will fit.

 

[BigSwede]

Thanks for this.

It has occurred to me that a used tire for the spare might be the best bet to fit, but it might be a pain to find one.

 

[r2m]

Thanks for this.

It has occurred to me that a used tire for the spare might be the best bet to fit, but it might be a pain to find one.

Just do a bunch of burn-outs and donuts with the tires on your rig!

 

[BigSwede]

 

[BigSwede]

It occurs to me the used FJ wheels I bought have 255/75r17s. That's just a bit too big for a spare, but some of them are nearly bald. Might as well see if a bald one will fit in the spare spot. If it does I think it will be close enough in size to serve as a spare.

If not, picking up a worn 265/70r17 for a spare sounds like the ticket.