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Touareg Maximum Tyre Size- T3

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423K views 487 replies 139 participants last post by  BenMTB  
#1 ·
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.
 
#2 ·
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
 
#3 ·
As your enquiry is T1 related and not T3 you should start your own thread separately.
 
#4 ·
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.
 
#5 ·
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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#6 ·
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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#7 ·
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.
 
#9 ·
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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#12 · (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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#13 ·
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?
 
#17 ·
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.
 
#18 ·
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.
 
#19 ·
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.
 
#20 ·
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.
 
#21 ·
They are expensive for what you get in terms of raw features.

Honestly I've gone through the T3 vs. JGC debate in my head, on paper and in my heart so many times I cannot count.

For instance a local dealer has a fully loaded 2014 Overland with technology, off-road adventure and diesel for 48,xxx.xx USD. Really? Point being that's only about 1,500 over the base overland spec msrp with no options. In they have 2, black or white. white is more expensive :)

Perhaps you can find a used TDI for a decent price, perhaps certified too?
 
#22 ·
I did the whole JGC thing as well, as I would love the air suspension option. Sadly, up here in Canada you can't get into air suspension/diesel for under $65,000. That's the BASE price of an overland diesel.

It cost's $52,000 to get into a base Limited with air with the very slow V6.

Canada pays a lot more for vehicles in general, and unfortunately our VW's only get a 5 year warranty.

I have been looking for a used TDI but they aren't much in terms of savings.

a 2014 New Comfortline TDI is $55,000 starting.

Right now the cheapest 2011 TDI for sale is $48,000 and it is an American truck, so no warranty up here. The cheapest Canadian TDI is $53,000 for a 2013. That's only $2000 off of the new price.

A few weeks ago they had a 2012 TDI for $46,000 but the colour was ugly so I decided against it.
 
#23 ·
Looking for some experience/advice on a couple of tires. I'm trying to decide between the GY Wrangler Adventure and the Cooper A/T3, both seem to get very good reviews on this forum. Now I'm not sure which size to get them in - I'm thinking 265/60R18 but would love to go with 265/65R18 for the extra ground clearance. Will the bigger tire fit?

Currently I have the Conti CrossContact UHP 255/55R18 on, but I need some proper off road tires for the Omani mountains with good sidewall construction.

Cheers
 
#24 ·
The 265/60R18 should be of no concern, but the 265/65R18 might be on the limit.

I think the problem that might occure is that it might rub against the inside of the front bumper when at full turn.

I have 275/50R20 on my winters, and they rub slightly on full turn (but without causing any problems). 265/65R18 will have an even larger diameter, but is slighly narrower - so it is hard to say. It will be close though.....