Touareg Maximum Tyre Size- T3

294506 Views 465 Replies 128 Participants Last post by Snow White TDI, 17 d ago

gapp100

Discussion Starter · Aug 27, 2013

Since this thread has not been created yet, I figured I would start it up. I know there are some scattered posts here and there about this topic but nothing like what the 1st and 2nd generation have. I found this very helpful on my last Touareg so I am hoping that we can get a lot of activity on this thread regarding what various tire options a person has and what the maximum sizes are for the third generation. I currently own a 2012 Touareg Executive. I would like to go with the largest size without rubbing. The previous Tregs I believe could go up to 31.5." It is unclear what the maximum diameter is for the new Touareg. Ideally I would like to put 285/50 R20. Not sure if anyone has done that yet. I assume this thread will get more active as time goes on and the 2011's start wearing through their first set if they have not already.

Those have you that have ventured off of the standard sizes and feel as if they have come close to maxing out the t3 limits, please post your experiences and specs of the tire. Also, pictures are always nice too!! I am not sure what an aggressive tire would look like on a T3 like the Terra Grappler. I know aggressive tires look good on the first and second generation. However, the T3 is far less aggressive in the offroad category (actual performance and looks) and I am not sure how the two would mesh, primarily looks wise.

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jamsac

· #2 · Sep 5, 2013

I was going to post a similar question reguarding the T1. Not so much for tallnes but about width, on a stock rim, without contacting anything, particularly in the front.
My T1 is as my profile shows a 2004. A later 2004.

James

noobytoogy

· #3 · Sep 6, 2013

jamsac said:
I was going to post a similar question reguarding the T1. Not so much for tallnes but about width, on a stock rim, without contacting anything, particularly in the front.
My T1 is as my profile shows a 2004. A later 2004.

James

As your enquiry is T1 related and not T3 you should start your own thread separately.

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ECLongboarder

· #4 · Sep 6, 2013

Thanks for starting this thread. I'm about to need to replace my originals (goodyears on 19" rims) and want to go with the larger diameter tire as well. I think I read someone here that moving up from 29.5 to 30.5 is not an issue but not sure I saw anyone confirm 31.5.

I'm disappointed in the options available for 19" rims. So depending on the answers here, I might be buying a set of 17 or 18 inchers to get the tires I want.

Arne S

· #5 · Sep 6, 2013

I have 275/45 R20 on my T3 and that works very well. If you want even wider tires like 285, I would think that you would need something like 285/40 R20 (and not 285/50 R20) to keep aproximately the same diameter ?

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Gray Matter

· #6 · Sep 10, 2013

I realize the OP was asking about maximum diameter, but since you mentioned width I'll throw this out there; I saw a Q7 a couple of weeks ago with 295's on all four corners. -Looked like they fit well with no visible signs of rubbing. I don't know how different the wheel wells are between the Treg and Q7, but my 275's fit so comfortably I bet another 20 mm wouldn't be an issue.

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gapp100

Discussion Starter · #7 · Sep 24, 2013

265/50/R20

Well I am sure most of you may know this already, but the 265 50 R20 Terra Grapplers fit the Touareg without an issue. I was a bit worried that these would look too aggressive for the less offroad aggressive T3, but had nothing to worry about. Now that they are on (I will post pictures later), I think they look really cool and make the T3 look a little more masculine. Yes I am stereotyping but couldnt think of a better way to describe it. As far as road noise goes, they are definitely noisier than the road tires that come on the T3. Unless you are extremely sensitive to road noise, then I do not think anyone will have an issue with this. The Toauregs are pretty well insulated from noise and it does a great job muting most of it out. Would I like them to be quieter? Sure but you cannot have the best of both worlds. I had a T2 with the Silent Armors I would say they are pretty close (Silent armors might be a bit quieter- hard to tell without driving them right after another, and even then the difference might be undetectable).

Hopefully I will remember to post the pics later so everyone can see.

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andrew8008

· #8 · Sep 27, 2013

Any idea on Max tire size for T3 19 inch rims?

Arne S

· #9 · Oct 5, 2013

I have just put on my Winter tyres in Dimension 275/50*20 (Nokian Hakkapeliitta R on OEM 20" Pikes peak alloys). They do fit and fills out the arches well, but when turning the front wheels all the way to either side they will slightly rub the front plastic cover inside the wheel arches (just behind the front bumper).

It will not destroy anything but shows that this is the limit. I have 275/45*20 as summer wheels and that is absolutely fine. A wider tyre with 50 profile (285/50*20) would probabely cause problems, but 285/45*20 (smaller profile) might work ok. 285/40*20 should be on the safe side.

This is how my 275/50*20 Winter Wheels look like:

And with the 275/45*20 summer wheels:

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ssato

· #10 · Oct 6, 2013

Running 255/50/19 on my stock 19's right now.

Going for 265/70/17 on a set of 17" Canyons to go 4x4 and light(LA to big bear or mammoth) winter driving. Looking for Terra Grapplers or General Grabber AT2's.

Will post results and pics once complete.

Niner

· #11 · Oct 6, 2013

ssato said:
Running 255/50/19 on my stock 19's right now.

Going for 265/70/17 on a set of 17" Canyons to go 4x4 and light(LA to big bear or mammoth) winter driving. Looking for Terra Grapplers or General Grabber AT2's.

Will post results and pics once complete.

Looking forward to seeing how that turns out.

ssato

· #12 · Oct 7, 2013 (Edited)

Falken Wildpeaks, 265/70/17

Did a fair amount of research and considering I just put Yoko YK580's on my 19's 2 months ago as well as a set of YK580's on my wifes 2006 Jetta TDi I had to go with a slightly cheaper tire against the Nitto's I wanted, no one had the General Grabbers in stock.

Full lock right, left produced no rubbing and when turned half lock either way I have just over 1/4 inch from tire to fender (front/back).

I gained 2.18" in diameter giving me a good 1" lift to clear a bit more than the stock ground clearance. Mainly I wanted the bite for the trails in 2 weeks.

I'd say it reminds me of my 06' V8 Touareg in stock air mode, wish I had air suspension or a small lift kit, just 1" would do.

Steven

____

Tip, if you run stock canyons, make sure to have the weights placed on the inside of the rim, the calipers will rip those right off

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ECLongboarder

· #13 · May 9, 2014

SSato -- If you put new Yokohama's on your 19" rims can you let us know what size? Or maybe I just didn't read your post correctly. Did the 2" only come from the 17" wheels/tires you put on?

I have 19" wheels and want to go to max diameter as well but not sure I'll find a set of tires to give me this without switching to 17 or 18 inch rims.

Has anyone confirmed that we can go up to 31.5" on the T3?

Ozzieboy

· #14 · May 10, 2014

Hi guys I've fitted 22 inch rims with 285/35/22 tyres on and have no rubbing issues

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ECLongboarder

· #15 · May 10, 2014

I just found the specs on the Falken wildpeaks. the 265/70 does have a diameter of 31.5" so maybe this answers the question.

Anyone been able to find a 19" tire in 265/60 that would also be 31.5 in diameter? The closest I've come up with in many searches in 255/60 which is 31 in diameter.

ssato

· #16 · May 11, 2014

ECLongboarder said:
SSato -- If you put new Yokohama's on your 19" rims can you let us know what size? Or maybe I just didn't read your post correctly. Did the 2" only come from the 17" wheels/tires you put on?

I have 19" wheels and want to go to max diameter as well but not sure I'll find a set of tires to give me this without switching to 17 or 18 inch rims.

Has anyone confirmed that we can go up to 31.5" on the T3?

Sorry, the Yokohamas on the 19" factory rims are stock size, no diameter gain there. I had to go to the 17" rim for tire options.

Wapper

· #17 · May 14, 2014

Hi Guys. Does anybody know if changing the tyre size affects the warrenty? Dealers usually look for any reason not to claim things through the warrenty. I tried to find out from vwsa but they give me vague answers regarding this. I have read that you are allowed to stay within the 29 inch range as the spare wheel is also around 29 inch. I would like to fit 265/60/18 which is about 31 inch but would not like this to affect any of the warrenties.

Xplore

· #18 · Jun 7, 2014

Ssato, do you still run the 265/70/17's? If so how have they been working?

Does the larger tire have a horrible effect on your gas mileage and power?

I am thinking of trading in my 2011 Tacoma lifted on 265/70's for a T3 Toureg TDI, but need the ground clearance and tires for the off road camping I do.

The 15-16mpg my Tacoma does is just brutal when you are deep down a logging road.

ssato

· #19 · Jun 8, 2014

Xplore said:
Ssato, do you still run the 265/70/17's? If so how have they been working?

Does the larger tire have a horrible effect on your gas mileage and power?

I am thinking of trading in my 2011 Tacoma lifted on 265/70's for a T3 Toureg TDI, but need the ground clearance and tires for the off road camping I do.

The 15-16mpg my Tacoma does is just brutal when you are deep down a logging road.

I love the tire/wheel size combo. The effect on gas mileage is probably around 2-3MPG, it's clearly noticeable however power is not reduced. In fact with the larger diameter and the mass of tq we have in these engines honestly I think it's 0-60 would be quicker simply based on my daily route entering the freeway.

Clearance is only increased just over an inch but hey, I'll take what I can get when off the beaten path.

I'm going to write up a new post on my experience with a 14' TDI lux which I have now. all I can say is wow.

Xplore

· #20 · Jun 8, 2014

I look forward to reading it. These seem like a great platform for myself(minus reliability issues I think). I love the MPG, power and luxury feel. My Tacoma just seems like a very basic cheap truck.

I agree a 1" lift would be great. 8" of stock ground clearance (9" for you) is just a little scary when going over some rocks.

I would think of buying a new TDI comfortline+sunroof but at 57,000 before taxes here in Canada just seems like way to much money for me.

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