Yokohama Geolander AT/S 225/65R17 on 2013 Outback

112534 Views 98 Replies 39 Participants Last post by ohio13outback, Sep 2, 2019

creso

Discussion Starter · Aug 8, 2012

3

When I bought my 2012 Outback 2.5i Premium I immediately swapped the stock tires for Yokohama Geolander AT/S in the stock 225/60R17 size. When I picked up my 2013 I was planning on getting the same Yokohama Geolanders again. Apparently the 225/60R17 is on international back order until next year! Discount Tire couldn't find them anywhere, so I called Yokohama direct and they said 42 week backorder.

My local Discount Tire had a set of 225/65R17 in stock, so I went for it. They fit fine, but they rubbed in one spot on the front Splash Guards. I removed them and trimmed a bit, and now no rubbing. I took it offroad and articulated all corners, and the front at full wheel lock, and no rubbing. Three guys at the tire shop sat in the cargo area with no rub in the rear.

Just drove 60mi at 65-75mph and averaged 29.5mi/gal. Everything looks good for now, I'll post an update after I get a few more miles on them.

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reddoak

· #61 · Feb 9, 2013

jogosub said:
Razor blade? Can you elaborate on that? Don't they have multiple steel mesh "plies" to prevent puncture like that? Or was it a sidewall.... I had a side wall punctured on Geolandars and nobody would fix it (due to liability issue) until I found a shop that just plugged the hole from outside with a conventional tire plug...LOL

You know the box cutter trapezoid shaped blades? I drove over one of those and embedded it it in the tread, near the outside of the tire. I pulled into my work's parking lot, heard a hissing, TPMS light came on, and that was that... Tire was deflated in about 30 seconds. The razor blade broke off, with half stuck in the tread. There was no plugging this one...

So rather than replace one tire, I got the Geolandars I wanted.

enricocoron

· #62 · Mar 27, 2013

So has anyone successfully fit an OEM conti or equivalent tire into the rear tire compartment partially deflated to 15-20psi....I would think the bead would hold at that pressure just fine. I want to take my new OB to Joshua Tree this weekend but am probably taking my 86 toyota 22RE with a dodgy clutch just because I trust the tires but I will probably sell it soon and rely on the OB which is why I bought it. I also want to access some forest roads this summer so I'm curious if people have made a stock size fit in the back?

reddoak

· #63 · Mar 27, 2013

enricocoron said:
So has anyone successfully fit an OEM conti or equivalent tire into the rear tire compartment partially deflated to 15-20psi....I would think the bead would hold at that pressure just fine. I want to take my new OB to Joshua Tree this weekend but am probably taking my 86 toyota 22RE with a dodgy clutch just because I trust the tires but I will probably sell it soon and rely on the OB which is why I bought it. I also want to access some forest roads this summer so I'm curious if people have made a stock size fit in the back?

I have been running the oversized 225/70/r16 full sized spare for several months in the spare tire well, deflated down to around 10 psi. No problems, I rotate the 5th spare. As a matter of fact, I just pulled mine out this morning, inflated it to 36, and rotated the tires today. This is the second time I've pulled the spare out in rotated it onto the car. My spare is a stock steel rim and identical tire to the other 4.

This way I have 2 positive things:
1. Full sized spare. I occasionally go off-road, and have no desire to try and drive out of some sand or mud pit on a skinny little spare.
2. If I lose a tire catastrophically (has happened to me once already with this car) I do not need to replace all four, or purchase a shaved tire. Since I rotate all five tires, my spare is close enough to run permanently.

Negatives:
1. It's bigger. Takes up more room, so I ditched the foam insert.
2. You need to go to the dealer, or find another to reprogram TPMS, when rotating tires.
3. My spare is too deflated to drive safely on at any kind of speed on tarmac, I carry an air pump. Actually, I usually have 2 in the car... but always carry the little one to be safe.

Bead seems to hold up fine. I just pulled it out this morning and aired it up. Still round, no bumpy ride (it was a concern.) All in all, worthwhile to have a real tire.

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enricocoron

· #64 · Mar 28, 2013

Wow so if you can fit a 28.4 inch diameter tire into the compartment maybe deflating the stock 27.6 inch diameter 225-60-17 won't require deflation. It's not really a big deal though as I would always carry a compressor for offroad though. First Subaru, dumb question, what is TPMS? Is that an acronym for the Tire Pressure Monitoring System, how does that work? I heard you can't use spare air either. If you rotate a 5th tire on you don't need a jack and since I'm changing my own oil I like the idea. I should probably buy a new stock continental while mine only have 1000 miles on it and work it into the rotation ASAP.

bradze

· #65 · Mar 28, 2013

yeah, tire pressure monitoring system. what he means is that the car only has 4 programmed sensors that will work. another sensor would have to be reprogrammed each time the tires are rotated. that's what's stopping me from buying a 5th wheel/tire combo. all newer cars with tpms are like that, when I took my last car to the track and put on race tires, the tpms light went off and there were a few other things I couldn't monitor until the 4 stock wheels were back on.

enricocoron

· #66 · Apr 1, 2013

I did some reading about TPMS systems and I can't believe that

1) Subaru doesn't have a 5th sensor programmed to recognize the spare, what if you stupid spare donut starts to go low...you wouln't have long on that thing.

2) Doesn't allow for Snow tires for folks up North, the federal law prevents a tire shop from swapping non TPMS snow tires out for winter, end result is people without cash are pushing their summer tires in winter, endangering everyone.

Found a link for a 3rd party computer that allows TPMS reprogramming at home for 150 bucks at home, but it doesn't sound super straightforward.

The other annoying thing is I'll need to buy a matching alloy wheel from the dealership for the spare.

Can't believe full size spare with TPMS isn't even an option on cars touted for off road handling.

hoppyjr

· #67 · Apr 1, 2013

enricocoron said:
I did some reading about TPMS systems and I can't believe that

1) Subaru doesn't have a 5th sensor programmed to recognize the spare, what if you stupid spare donut starts to go low...you wouln't have long on that thing. At least the Subaru has a spare tire, some other brands don't. The lack of TPMS on the spare is not a significant issue to most of us.

2) Doesn't allow for Snow tires for folks up North, the federal law prevents a tire shop from swapping non TPMS snow tires out for winter, end result is people without cash are pushing their summer tires in winter, endangering everyone. I've done lots of research and while I do find many "internet experts" citing this "federal law", I find no mention of it in the criminal code. In fact, the federal law requires TMPS systems on new production vehicles, but does not require owners to maintain them on snow tires. Show me the law and I'll concede defeat on this one

Found a link for a 3rd party computer that allows TPMS reprogramming at home for 150 bucks at home, but it doesn't sound super straightforward. I do have snows on separate wheels, which I purchased from Discount Tire. Each year they re-flash the sensors to my car at changeover time, no charge, takes 2 minutes

The other annoying thing is I'll need to buy a matching alloy wheel from the dealership for the spare. If you really want to rotate all five, yes, but when was the last time you needed a spare?

Can't believe full size spare with TPMS isn't even an option on cars touted for off road handling. I tend to agree here, with the Outback being marketed for the outdoor folks, a full size matching spare would seem appropriate.

My thoughts in blue

enricocoron

· #68 · Apr 2, 2013

hoppyjr said:
My thoughts in blue

You are right about one thing for sure, I didn't research the criminal code. But if a lot of shops are saying they can't change tires because of a federal restriction regarding vehicle with TPMS is it some giant conspiracy?

I know recently I found it very hard to find a particular law that everone was 'obeying' in CA but nobody knew why....turned out it was a business practice code law not in the normal 'penal codes'....

What car doesn't come with a spare? Also, I used my truck spare Sunday, to sit on to eat lunch :17:

GasGuzz

· #69 · Apr 2, 2013

enricocoron said:
... so if you can fit a 28.4 inch diameter tire into the compartment maybe deflating the stock 27.6 inch diameter 225-60-17 won't require deflation.

Be aware that the 17 wheel is 7" wide, and can you secure/fasten it to the bottom.

GasGuzz

· #70 · Apr 2, 2013

enricocoron said:
... a lot of shops are saying they can't change tires because of a federal restriction regarding vehicle with TPMS...

Per 49 USC 30122 (b).

hoppyjr

· #71 · Apr 2, 2013

Let me add this; (taken from here: Tire Review - The Final Word: NHTSA Clears the Air on TPMS Regs and Plus-...)

Here are NHTSA’s own words on the matter, taken directly from its FMVSS 138 final ruling issued in April 2005:

“We do not believe it is appropriate to permit disablement of the MIL (malfunction indicator lamp) when aftermarket tires and rims are installed on the vehicle that are not compatible with the continued proper functioning of the TPMS. In such cases, the TPMS MIL is performing its intended function. We believe that the MIL should continue to operate when tires and rims that are incompatible with the TPMS are mounted on the vehicle, not only to discourage such actions, but also to provide an ongoing reminder that the TPMS is unavailable to provide low tire pressure warnings.”

Okay, so that’s not the most pro-aftermarket thing NHTSA will write, but you can see its point. TPMS in and of itself is not the safety system, the MIL that warns the driver of low inflation pressure or a system malfunction is the safety system.

Not convinced? Well, we contacted NHTSA directly. Here is the question as it was asked, and NHTSA’s verbatim response:

TR: In regards to installing aftermarket wheels and tires on a vehicle, the current mandate indicates that if the TPMS sensor cannot or does not work with the new replacement tires and/or wheels, it is still acceptable to install them, but neither the vehicle owner nor the retail dealer can disable the dashboard warning lamp. Is this, indeed, the case?

NHTSA: “That is correct. After first retail sale of the vehicle, we do not believe that installing aftermarket tires and wheels necessarily makes the TPMS ‘inoperable.’ However, the MIL cannot be disabled. If the vehicle owner so desires, the vehicle could be taken to a dealer that has the replacement parts and tools necessary to repair and calibrate the TPMS system.”

TR: FMVSS 138 applies to an untitled vehicle. Is there going to be a mandate to apply those regulations beyond the first owner? If so, has there been a date set for compliance?

NHTSA: “We have no legal authority over individual use of a vehicle. Businesses installing aftermarket wheels and tires may not disable the malfunction indicator light and this prohibition is for the life of the vehicle. Individual states have legal authority to enact laws, and could require TPMS to function per FMVSS 138 even after modifications (such as installation of aftermarket tires and wheels) are performed by the private vehicle owner and an aftermarket business.”

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enricocoron

· #72 · Apr 3, 2013

Looks like the tire shops interpret it differently....I was told the TPMS sensor would have to be added to my spare if they mounted it/rotated it at my local Pep Boys and they are usually very chillax.

Not really a biggie anyways as I'll rotate my own tires and don't give a flyin fig if there is a dash light on or the car won't tell me I have a flat tire (thanks for the heads up car, I was wondering what that flump flump flump noise was)

I just felt bad for the snow tire people who may get shafted into buying 4 new TPMS sensors and having to go to the dealer every season.

bradze

· #73 · Apr 14, 2013

creso said:
Maybe the spare area can be hammered out a bit and a full size tire / oem wheel could fit? Anyone have luck with this?

im about to order 5 geolanders this size and a spare wheel so I can rotate all 5. I see that someone wants to cutout the well, have it welded shut and then mount a tire underneath. that's too much for me, could the sheetmetal just be hammered out? im fine with mounting the spare in stock location.

dart27

· #74 · Sep 3, 2013

Put on Some Yoko Geo AT/S 225-65r17's

I finally killed my stock Contis at 32k miles - I did too much real off-road for them. The tread on one started to separate due to an off-road plug repair and the other 3 had large dings and cuts. Couldn't find the Yokohama Geolandar AT/S in 225-60r17 (still on back-order since last year as everyone says) so I went with the 65r17's. No rubbing noted yet, and on-road stiffness and handling is much improved.

I'll have a chance to try them on and off-road with full articulation this weekend, as well as check the speedo difference with GPS. I'll also clock the MPG. If this is not updated you can assume all is well and within expected variation.

2011 Outback Limited 2.5i
Primitive Triple Armor in 3/16"
Fumoto Oil Valve
Yoko Geo AT/S 255-65r17

Brainanator

· #75 · Sep 3, 2013

GEOLANDAR A/T-S - OnlineTires.com

I ordered a set of 4 onlinetires.com. Took about 5 days to get to me. Cost $50 to have them all mounted/balanced. Look/work great. Took it up to 7400' on some pretty rough mountain roads and they never faulted. Even with 2 big guys in the back. I didn't have a problem getting the correct size.

dart27

· #76 · Sep 4, 2013

Wow, good price! Mine had to be a quick replacement (one almost blew out last Friday) so I didn't have time to order online. I had to ride on the spare for the last few days. I looked at TireRack just for pricing and they showed backorder status still. NTB, Discount, and several local places told me the same. Good to know they lied...

Brainanator

· #77 · Sep 4, 2013

I was told locally that they could place an order for the tires and have them in 4-5 days from the warehouse.

It's possible that if they did place the order they would have just been put on backorder, or that the tire shops I called have chain warehouses that other places don't have access to. Either way, hope you enjoy the new treads! I know I do!

AlexJet

· #78 · Sep 12, 2013

What are the LONG-TERM feedback on the 225/65-R17s?
I wanted to get a set of winter tires for my 2010 Outback. I thought of getting Bridgestone Blizzak WS-70 in 225/60-R17, but would like to consider slightly bigger 225/65-R17.

subiesailor

· #79 · Sep 12, 2013

Just replaced the set the PO put on the Sequoia I bought over a year ago. Two leaky tires after my last road trip with a short dirt road side trip. They were also having some vibration issues. Discount Tires did the job went with BFG Rugged Terrain's man if BFG made these in a size for the Subaru hands down the way to go. LOL

The Geo's turned out to have at least one tire that had a belt separating causing the vibration issue. They were loud also just not a tire for a full size SUV. The BFG Rugged Terrains look good and are surprisingly quiet and smooth for the trip home on the highway. I'm thinking I should have dumped the Geo's earlier.

subiesailor

· #80 · Sep 12, 2013

bradze said:
im about to order 5 geolanders this size and a spare wheel so I can rotate all 5. I see that someone wants to cutout the well, have it welded shut and then mount a tire underneath. that's too much for me, could the sheetmetal just be hammered out? im fine with mounting the spare in stock location.

Hey Bradz check out the BFG Rugged Terrain's I can't recall what sizes the guys are finding that fit outside the stock range but I just dumped the tired and leaking Geo's off the truck for these and I'm impressed they also look mean. Good reviews for the most part.

I wonder if 245/65R17's would fit on the OB? They are very close in diameter and are maybe 3/4 inch wider? BFG makes a set of the Rugged Terrains in that size according to the chart

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