Bigger tires and handling

[DrewE]

Has anyone noticed any handling issues with upsizing tires?

I just put 245/65/17 tires on my big bend with no lift and they look great. However, there’s a drastic difference in handling. I was expecting some difference but honestly I’m regretting going with the 245’s and thinking I should have gone 235. Obviously the steering is a bit more tight but the most noticeable difference is it seems less stable and more side to side ‘sway/rocking’ especially on the highway at higher speeds. Has anyone else experienced similar issues?

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[Mark S.]

By going to taller tires you’ve raised your center of gravity. All other things equal, a higher center of gravity will adversely affect handling. That’s why sports cars are low to the ground, and aftermarket lowering springs sell well in that community.

 

[Bluebaru]

All else being equal, same brand and model, any time you go to a wider or taller tire, you will end up with less responsive, looser feeling. You probably don't want to hear this now but a wider wheel will mostly get your tire feeling back. Wider tires may take more steering effort but that is frequently covered up by power steering.

You may want to check your tire pressure, to see if they are correct. Sometimes adding a little extra air can improve feeling as well.

 

[JerryC]

As said, tire pressure you may need more or less. Also CoG as mentioned by being higher can add to the pendulum effect. You also be more effected by wind as you get taller.

The added of weight of bigger tires can affect ride and handling by being heavier than the shocks can handle. An upgraded shock may be part of the answer.

 

[brockdog12]

Could be more sidewall roll you’re feeling too.

 

[RSH]

I have have 245/65/17's on my Badlands, for everyday normal city or highway driving I do not notice any issues, on mountain roads or twisty roads it's a different story, it seems like it leans quite a bit and doesn't want to turn unless you trail brake into the corner then it's ok. I have not driven solo in twisty conditions, the vehicle was always fully loaded so I don't know how much that plays into the tippy feeling or not wanting to turn.

 

[rdc17]

I have 245s and they feel different than the 225s for sure, but I don't feel like the handling of the vehicle has really changed at all.

 

[Orin]

I switched from the stock 225's to 235's and don't notice handling changes although it adds a quarter-inch to the ride height and slightly wider footprint. This is on the Badlands trim which has totally different suspension than the other trims.

 

[Bluebaru]

Tell us what Brand and model tire you did have and what you have now, please.

I thought of two other things that can affect someone's initial perception of a new tire.

1. New tires will have the mold release, still on them, causing them to feel greasy for as much as maybe the first 100 miles.

2. The new tires may have more tread depth, making them less responsive or squishy feeling. Sometimes, heat cycling, through normal use and age will make them feel better.

 

[DrewE]

Tell us what Brand and model tire you did have and what you have now, please.

I thought of two other things that can affect someone's initial perception of a new tire.

1. New tires will have the mold release, still on them, causing them to feel greasy for as much as maybe the first 100 miles.

2. The new tires may have more tread depth, making them less responsive or squishy feeling. Sometimes, heat cycling, through normal use and age will make them feel better.

I had Continental pro contact TX 225/65/17. I just installed Goodyear fortera hl 245/65/17. They were just installed Saturday. Probably put around 300 miles on them this weekend. They were also over inflated after installation. PSI was at 38 and I lowered it to 33 yesterday.

 

[Rgill]

I have have 245/65/17's on my Badlands, for everyday normal city or highway driving I do not notice any issues, on mountain roads or twisty roads it's a different story, it seems like it leans quite a bit and doesn't want to turn unless you trail brake into the corner then it's ok. I have not driven solo in twisty conditions, the vehicle was always fully loaded so I don't know how much that plays into the tippy feeling or not wanting to turn.

The BL has a different suspension, etc than the BB which the OP has so that may affect the apples to apples comparison.

 

[Bluebaru]

I had Continental pro contact TX 225/65/17. I just installed Goodyear fortera hl 245/65/17. They were just installed Saturday. Probably put around 300 miles on them this weekend. They were also over inflated after installation. PSI was at 38 and I lowered it to 33 yesterday.

OK, the Continental came with 8/32" tread depth and the Goodyear Forterra HL, with 10/32", so not a huge actual difference but still a 25% increase.

Let us know if the change in pressure and your increased usage have had a positive effect, if not, get wider wheels or different tires.

Years ago I bought one of Goodyear's highly advanced rain tires and I swore it felt like I had a flat or all the tires were severally under inflated. I repeatedly checked them. They were great in the rain but felt terrible, in the dry handling department.

 

[Mark S.]

Years ago I bought one of Goodyear's highly advanced rain tires and I swore it felt like I had a flat or all the tires were severally under inflated. I repeatedly checked them. They were great in the rain but felt terrible, in the dry handling department.

This tracks with Tirerack's test of the Fortera H/L.

During our road ride, the Goodyear Fortera H/L Edition provided a good blend of road handling and comfort, but was not rated first in class in either of these areas. Dry stopping capability was competitive with the other tires. In our wet stopping distance test, the Fortera H/L required less distance to stop from 50 mph than the other two tires.

 

[DrewE]

Thanks for the input and feedback. Seems to be a bit better after lowering PSI and breaking the tires in a bit. But as some of you said it could just be the tires I put on. Guess I’ll wear them out and maybe look at a different tire for replacement.

 

[JerryC]

Thanks for the input and feedback. Seems to be a bit better after lowering PSI and breaking the tires in a bit. But as some of you said it could just be the tires I put on. Guess I’ll wear them out and maybe look at a different tire for replacement.

Most tire places will let you return them for a period of time. You might look into that.

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