I'm getting new BFG longtrail TA's & I can't decide which size to get. Can anyone tell me the positives & negatives for each(effect on speedo, mpg, ride& handling, etc)?

Well, I'll be honest. I don't know what size is recommended, but...

215/70/16 - dia = 27.85" circ = 87.45"
220/70/16 - dia = 28.13" circ = 88.33"

There is about 1% difference in overall diameter, and circumference. So, you can apply that to mileage, speed, etc...

I personally wouldn't worry about it. I'm running about the same difference over on my Civic to get a little wider tire...

I don't think you'll be able to notice anything in ride or handling with such a small difference...

I'm also curious if that larger size will last longer. I know the 225's look better.

...am I wrong in remembering that 3% difference (or less) either way in tire size(s) is an ok range ??

The 225's are 1cm (more or less) wider, and 7mm larger in radius. Unless you see them side by side, I doubt if you could really see that difference. It also unlikely that you will be able to feel a difference in handling, performance, etc. What you will feel is the difference between the old tires and new ones (regardless of their size).

When I first got 225's on my Element, I felt that extra 1/4" of height when sliding into the front seat, but feeling soon went away.

paulj

the one big reason that i went with 225 is availability of replacements.


i had a blow-out when i still had the GY 215's, and it was quite difficult while i was on my trip in southern utah to find a 215 to replace it with. 225 is a standard/widely available size.

I got the 225 longtrails today & I like them a lot

The speedo on our Element is about 1% fast (according to my GPS unit). If the P225/70/16 is in fact 1% larger, that will correct the speedo error. Yours maybe different.

I went with 225's. Theer is more choice in that size and I like the extra rubber/height.

At one time there was a big difference in selection between 215 and 225 width tires, but the gap has narrowed. A search on Tirerack turns up 33 models for 215/70/16, and 38 for 225/70/16. I don't know if the gap is similar in small town tire shops.

paulj

I can't seem to find a good air pressure for these new BFG Longtrails. I think the steering/handling is terrible now. Any suggestions?

I can't seem to find a good air pressure for these new BFG Longtrails. I think the steering/handling is terrible now. Any suggestions?

I'd start around 35 to maybe 40psi both front and rear. I run 40 all arond and the ride from my Coopers might be considered a bit "firm," but otherwise all is well....I prefer the handling, wear, etc that comes with the slightly higer pressures.

Will

Are P235/70R16 too big for a Element? I'm in the same situation, looking for new tires, and wanting something a bit beefier; BF Goodrich's P225/70R16 are the choice, but if 235s are possible, I may want to do that. Thoughts?

There is a slight vibration in the steering wheel at 75+mph & it just wants to wander on the road. When I had the factory Goodyears, On a straight flat road, it would hold a straight line without touching the wheel. I don't know if my air pressure is wrong or what. Please help!

Are P235/70R16 too big for a Element? I'm in the same situation, looking for new tires, and wanting something a bit beefier; BF Goodrich's P225/70R16 are the choice, but if 235s are possible, I may want to do that. Thoughts?


A lot of members are using 235/70R16's here. Take a look around the tire forum and you will find some more posts about 235's.

There is a slight vibration in the steering wheel at 75+mph & it just wants to wander on the road. When I had the factory Goodyears, On a straight flat road, it would hold a straight line without touching the wheel. I don't know if my air pressure is wrong or what. Please help!
Drop your pressure down to 35 psi, and it sounds like you need to have your tires rebalanced :-P

I have 225's and run 40psi at all 4 and dont have an issue