I took some measurements and it looks like it would be a tight fit for a fully inflated 245/60/18 but if flat or partially deflated, it should be fine!

 

Somewhere on this forum a member said he's running 245/60/18 and he claims a much improved ride and reduced noise which is exactly what I want! But that got me thinking; will that oversized tire fit on the spare tire carrier should a flat occur? I don't mind if the cover won't fit as I can just toss it in the cargo area but not the flat tire/wheel assembly as this means I have to empty the cargo area. Sometimes, I have skiing equipment for 3...plus clothes, lunch bags, etc.

Would I be better off with 235/60/18? Overall diameter is the key here; I guess I can always measure the inside diameter of the spare wheel recess in the back door.

 

I had 17 inch Bridestone Alenzas on my 2008 Base model, which gave me 60K+ miles but a rough ride, and my TirePlus tech recommended the Firestone Affinty Touring tires. I switched to them and now have a most beautiful comfortable ride on most roads, especially the highway. In fact, the more they break in, the quieter and softer they feel. And, I do not notice a tradeoff in handling.

 

This is an old thread, but Firestone Affinity touring tires don't seem to come in Rav sizes, and are ranked 17th out of 21 tires in the "Standard touring" class:

Firestone*Affinity Touring

They're also "T" rated tires so many dealers will complain about replacing an "H" rated with with a "T" rated tire as well. And what an eye-watering price!

 

Wow, OK lets get back on subject. The original question was concerned with ride characteristics and tire quality I believe.
So after looking at a lot of good info from many interested posters, what is the feeling?
If a sport owner who is unhappy with the ride quality due to the stiffness of the springs,hydraulics and low profile run flat tires and wants to find a middle ground with this vehicle, what is the best bang for the buck that gives results in terms of this vehicle and it's general job description. It's not a pocket rocket or a competitor for the race track except for those who find "stock" competition interesting. (thats fine with me.)

 

It starts and ends well though. It's amazing what he's gotten out of that car from air intake, high flow muffler, lightweight wheels and tires.
I think he also did a different converter and a "gadget" that changes the throttle position voltage. But if I remember correctly, neither of those helped his 1/4 mile times.
Having just an air intake, I'm guessing the exhaust (in combo with the air intake) is really helpful. And looking at his 60' times, the lower weight wheel/tire combo is making a bit of a difference too.

 

Sorry - I should have included your line about the arguments in that thread.

There sure are some hare-brained ideas out there...

 

71gs455,

thanks for link regarding rotational weight. It was really interesting. I was somewhat amazed at the results. More food for thought.

 

For those into the finer points of wheel/tire weight on the Rav4 with the SAP. You should do a little searching. There's a lot of information out there by Myxalplyx where he documents all the (somewhat few) things he's done to get down into the 13's with his Rav4. This includes dropping over 100lbs of wheel/tire combo. Look here:
http://www.rav4world.com/forums/97-4-3-exterior/78072-lighter-wheel-tire-question.html
The thread gets a little bogged down with people arguing over unsprung rotational weight theory, however if you skim past that part it pays off in the end.

 

For those into the finer points of wheel/tire weight on the Rav4 with the SAP...
http://www.rav4world.com/forums/97-4-3-exterior/78072-lighter-wheel-tire-question.html...

Ugh... the stupid... it burns!

 

Not being privy to Toyota's suspension development homework, I can't say anything absolute, but I would bet good money that the RAV4's suspension would benefit from a drastic reduction in unsprung weight. The OE 18" wheels weigh in the ballpark of 30 lb each - that's nigh on insane compared to a lot of the aftermarket wheels out there. Discount Tire sells several models of Drag wheel in 18" that are less than 23 lb each, and for $150 or a little more - there are other options out there too, but those are a good place to start. I don't imagine you'd ever need winter tires, but if you do, I might even try out a 17" package just to see what the ride and handling is like.

 

A lighter wheel? Sounds interesting. I'm using the 18" mags that came with the sport. Can you expand on what you suggest?

 

Before going nuts with swapping out springs and shocks, I might try just getting a lighter wheel.

 

Deanjet,

I know what you are talking about with the harsh ride on the sport. My 2011 sport sap is making me a little crazy with the slamming ride on potholed streets. I changed the tires to slightly large diameter non run flats that I run at 30 psi and it was a very small improvement in the ride. I think the lower air pressure actually made the most difference. The sport suspension is fun occasionally smooth curvy roads but most of the time it's just an unwanted jarring. The next step for me is to replace the shocks and struts and then the springs if I have too. I don't see a way around it that makes financial sense. Too bad they don't offer the sap on the limited.

 

I will live with what I have until l I need new tires. I blame myself for not taking a longer test drive on varied surfaces. Live and learn. Otherwise I love my Sport SAP.

 

With 18" Bridgestones supplied, Blizzak snows and a summer set M & S all season, the winter tires in my view are great. The 2011 Sport V6 auto drives and performs as a sport should. If you think they are stiff my 72 FJ Land Cruiser was so stiff you could not breathe normally while on a slightly bumpy road. Toyota did a very good job with the sport setup...my $.00.02

 

The 2011 Sport V6 auto drives and performs as a sport should. Toyota did a very good job with the sport setup...my $.00.02

Agreed! :thumbs_up:

 

I did a lot of research on the RAVs before I bought mine. I have the original RFTs on mine and plan to switch them out when they are done for regular tires. I'm then going to carry some odds and ends for a flat. Also, if I want, I can get roadside assistance for like $16 a year through my insurance. Nonetheless, the run-flats are stupid on Toyota's part, but I like the no-spare look. I still love my car.

 

I just installed Goodyear Assurance Comfortred Touring 225-65R17's on my '09 RAV Ltd. Got about 1500 miles on them now and so far I am very pleased with how they ride/feel/work. Most of my driving is on the highway and as a bonus, I am seeing a 1-3 mpg increase in my fuel economy depending on how much lead is in my foot at any given time. I must also say that my OEM tires, Toyo Open Country A20's were also a very good tire that for me offered a very comfortable ride and handling package. ymmv.

 

I know what you feel like. I didn't research the Rav4 at all and only did a short test drive on side streets prior to purchasing. Call me an idiot, but I also would like suggestions on what tires to buy when my tread wears thin.

Sent from my SPH-D710 using AutoGuide.com App

 

There are no runflat tires available in either the 225/70-16 or 225/65/17 sizes that would be equivalent fitments. So, you're going to be stuck going with an 18" tire that is not a runflat. In that case, I'd suggest either the Conti Extreme Contact DWS, known for having a soft sidewall that will give you a cushy, quiet ride at the expense of some cornering accuracy.

 

Okay, let me get this straight. You bought the RAV 10 months ago and paid $31,000 plus tax. Fully loaded Sport with SAP and runflats. 10 months later you claim the ride is too uncomfortable and you're thinking of replacement tires. Then you trade it in, stating that it was the safety rating. You lost $8,000 plus tax plus your monthly payments, to drive a car for 10 months. That was a horrible investment.

My guess is that you changed your mind for other reasons besides the ride or the safety ratings. Next time, do a little research before you step into the dealership.

 

Hi Everyone
I traded in my RAV4 for a camry yesterday. I got 23k for the RAV4 as trade-in value. In my eyes RAV4 is the most good looking SUV in the whole market. I could still live with comfort issues. But somehow I could not live with the safety ratings.
Bye everyone. I have just fond memories of RAV4 and will maybe go for RAV4 again with the redesign.

ciao

 

If safety is your priority

Toyota Camry, Prius Downgraded On Crash List : NPR


Camry, Prius earn poor crash test ratings - Video on NBCNews.com

 

We replaced the stock Yoko's on my wife's 09' base w/ Michlein Cross Terrain 225/65-17 and it made a huge difference in both ride and noise comfort. Also, these perform great in the snow!!

 

I just purchase a 2012 base Rav with 17" Bridgestones which also seems to have a harsh ride and is noisey. I came from a Jeep Liberty which by the way had numerous problems, BUT had a much smoother & quieter ride. Could it be the Bridgestones? I've never been a BS fan. I have a Kawasaki Concourse1400 MC that I replaced the BSs on at 500 miles because the handling was so poor. Any suggestions would be appreciated

 

Hi Everyone
I really appreciate all your suggestions. Basically what I figure is that now that I have already taken bulk of depreciation, keeping the car for 2-3 more year is just like $150 per month. So most likely I will keep the car.
Going for smaller sizes will lead to TPMS bugging me all the time. The route I might take is just replace the tires with Goodyear assurance comfortred touring 18" on my current alloys.

 

Going for smaller sizes will lead to TPMS bugging me all the time.

Why?
All you need to do is get the correct tire size that came on those size wheels and either have your TPMS swapped over or get new sensors and have them recognized by the computer.

 

I'm just wondering why did you pick the Sport model in the first place if you don't like the ride enough to consider selling it already?

 

You're seriously considering getting rid of your car because of the stiff ride? Did you test drive it when you bought it? I test drove one Sport (non-SAP), one Limited, and two Base models, and I could tell the difference when going over uneven surfaces.

KBB says the value is $26,748 +/- for excellent condition. And that's if you find a buyer (if I were in the market, I'd buy a new one at low APR for that price differential). So that's $4000 depreciation (plus sales tax and license fees), plus your payments. For 8 months of driving enjoyment. Now that's a very poor investment. You should just keep it. Deal with the ride for now, and switch to more comfortable non-runflat tires when the first set is worn.

Another option would be, in addition to switching out the tires, switch out the Sport suspension for the Base/Limited suspension. I don't know if it's 100% compabible, but it probably is. I'm sure it's cheaper than the loss on selling the vehicle and buying something else.

 

Thanks for suggestions everyone. 225/65R17 Goodyear Assurance ComforTred Touring might be a good choice. I will consider going for steel wheels and store the alloys till I want to see the car.
BTW the car has done 8k miles and is 10 months old. Its a 2011 V6 AWD, SAP, backup camera, moon roof etc. How much can I expect for the car if I do a private sale. I got it for 31k+taxes an year back.

 

It's worth whatever someone is willing to pay for the car. It's hard to say. Expect the car to lose 30% once it leave the show room.
Wow you pay 31k+tax for the car? That's a lot of money. Isn't that the sticker price?

 

Going with a lighter and or smaller aftermarket wheels will help too. Stock wheels are very heavy. ~30# for the 17" alloy.