[thegr8wendt]

I decided to keep the Conti Cross Contact LX Sport 265/45 R20 for daily driving and search for a spare set of wheels & tires for our "off the pavement adventures."

First I picked up a set (actually 5) 18" Ridgeline wheels off of FB marketplace. $100 ea. They were grey so I had a local shop powder coat them satin black to match my color scheme. I wanted OEM wheels (or at least the same offset) because I don't like the look of wheels protruding past the fenders, or the mess they makes. No offense if that's your jam.

There are many accounts of people installing tires that rub during full lockup. I noticed that most of their tires were really square. Which is typical on dedicated AT tires.

I wanted tires that offered good on-road manners, not too much road noise, good wear ratings, and obviously good off road capability. Should be easy right? 🤣

So the search was on for the tallest widest all terrain tires that wouldn't rub. Because I wasn't about to start bending/cutting pieces off a brand new vehicle just to make larger tires fit.

I had my local Discount Tire shop bring in a few tires (that hadn't already been tested in a PP) in oversized, slightly oversized, and OEM size. They agreed to mount the front tires and let me test for rubbing in the parking lot.

I had my fingers crossed that the oversized tires would fit... and they did! No rubbing in any position.

Say hello to the Continental Terrain Contact AT 265/60 R18 🤘🤘🤘

They are 30.5" in diameter and 10.4" wide.

More pics tomorrow

 

[esto70]

Very nice! I'm loving the satin black powder coat. Regarding the Ridgeline rims....I'm in the same boat as you. I have a set of gray Ridgeline rims sitting out in the garage that I'm going to have powdercoated this summer.

Question: did you have your powdercoat shop mask off the lug nut seats and the rear rim face that mates to the rotor? I have zero experience with powder coated rims. I've read some horror stories about wheels coming off due to powder coating on the lug nuts eats, etc. It's hard to discern fact from internet fiction.

 

[thegr8wendt]

Very nice! I'm loving the satin black powder coat. Regarding the Ridgeline rims....I'm in the same boat as you. I have a set of gray Ridgeline rims sitting out in the garage that I'm going to have powdercoated this summer.

Question: did you have your powdercoat shop mask off the lug nut seats and the rear rim face that mates to the rotor? I have zero experience with powder coated rims. I've read some horror stories about wheels coming off due to powder coating on the lug nuts eats, etc. It's hard to discern fact from internet fiction.

They did not mask off either. I'll keep an eye on the lug nuts and periodically check them with my torque wrench. 95 pounds I believe.

 

[thegr8wendt]

I read another post last night about these tires rubbing in certain situations. Today I will air down to off road pressures and drive around my property to check again.

 

[stevenD]

I have the same tires but different wheels (Black Rhinos) and I do have some rubbing on the passenger side - front at full turns...

 

[Quigley’sDad]

I have the same tires but different wheels (Black Rhinos) and I do have some rubbing on the passenger side - front at full turns...

I had 15 inch Black Rhinos and BFG KO2’s on my 19 Subaru Crosstrek Limited with a 2 inch lift. If you have a picture of your PP with the BR wheels, would you please post it? I think It should look awesome. Thanks!

 

[thegr8wendt]

I have the same tires but different wheels (Black Rhinos) and I do have some rubbing on the passenger side - front at full turns...

Different offset?

 

[thegr8wendt]

*Update - I used the steepest part in my yard in an attempt to "push" the wheel back towards the wheel well. I did this over a dozen times with the wheels at full lock. I also deflated to 25psi and repeated the test. Still no rubbing. I know this doesn't simulate a true off roading adventure where the suspension is put to full use, but figured I'd share my results as they come in.

 

[Gray_Beard]

I have the same setup for about 10 months / 12K miles now, and with some mild off-roading. And I can say there as been zero rubbing in any situation I had it in. I think you'll be very pleased with the performance and reliability this setup delivers. And I can the tires are unbelievably sure footed in heavy rain. Can't comment on ice or snow because we didn't get any this past winter.
BTW, looks really sharp with the white! 🍻

 

[rocky]

Does the higher load rating of the tire over stock hurt the ride? Or has going from 20 to 18 take care of that?

 

[thegr8wendt]

Does the higher load rating of the tire over stock hurt the ride? Or has going from 20 to 18 take care of that?

Not enough miles to tell yet.

 

[407guy]

PSA: Be mindful of that size tire. Your speedo is going to be showing a slower speed than what you are actually traveling.

Tire Size Calculator

The best tire size calculator. Use our tire size calculator to find tire size specs and suggested tire sizes. Then check prices for all available tire sizes.

tiresize.com

 

[thegr8wendt]

PSA: Be mindful of that size tire. Your speedo is going to be showing a slower speed than what you are actually traveling.

Tire Size Calculator

The best tire size calculator. Use our tire size calculator to find tire size specs and suggested tire sizes. Then check prices for all available tire sizes.

tiresize.com

Correct by 1-3 MPH depending on your speed