I apologize in advance if this topic has been recently discussed, but I have not been able to find an applicable thread. ( I'm a new member )
I own a 2001 XC with 29,000 miles and am ready to replace the original Pirelli Scorpion ST's. I am trying to do several things - 1- keep the cost down ; 2- get decent overall braking/handling, to include in moderate snow/ice winter conditions; 3- keep the noise at a lower level than with the Pirelli's ; 4- get longer tread life than the Pirelli's. Simple, right!
The OEM size of 215/65x16 has a rather limited selection, partiularly if you want to stay with an H speed rating. ( Note that despite the objections of many, I am not hung up on the speed rating, but do not significantly want to compromise the handling performance).
To that end I am seriously considering the Michelin Radial X (BJ's), the Goodyear Triple Tread, or the Yokohama Avid TRZ's, all recently highly rated by Consumer Reports but lacking the H rating.
To open up the number of selections to include reasonably priced H rated tires, I'm considering plus sizing to either 225/60x16 or 235/60x16, with the latter being the closest to stock diameter (27.0" vs 27.1"). I have not been able to confirm whether the rim width is 6.5" or 7.0", but I believe either size will work regardless. If upsizing, the Dunlop A2 Sport Plus seems a very cost effective choice.
All input on the above would be greatly appreciated. I am particularly interested in hearing from anyone who has upsized, pro or con.

 

If you are looking at Yokohama, check out the Avid V4s, it comes in 235/60/16 and is V rated, and M&S rated too. If that is not good enough, they have a 60000 mi tred warrenty

Yokohama Avid 4Vs

Tirerack.com sells them for $84 each (plus shipping and mounting etc), I was able to get the local Discount Tire Co. to sell them to me for $90 (Plus mounting etc)

As far as upsizing, i have not noteced any real diffrence as it is only .1" diff.
The tire calc on 1010tires shows the speed diff from 215/65-16 and 235/60-16 to be 60mph to 59.7mph respectively

 

hewinutah :
Thanks for the quick response and suggestions. It is good to know that at least one guy (you !) has upsized to 235/60x16 without any problems. ( I am naturally assuming you've done this on a XC ). That certainly does open up a much broader range of selection possibilities. I'm not familiar with that particular Yokahama model and will have to research it. I mentioned the Dunlop Sport A2 Plus because they ranked 5 of 18 in a 2003 CR test, is H rated, and locally I can get a set in that size installed for $410, including taxes. Additionally, Dunlop currently offers a $50 rebate on four reducing the total to $360 - seems pretty hard to beat unless CR was wrong in their evaluation of this tire. If anyone has experience with this model tire, you're input would be appreciated.

 

Update : I did decide to upsize and installed a set of Dunlop Sport A2 Plus's, 235/60-16, H-rated. I chose these because they were rated rather highly in a 2003 CR report and because I found them at a local dealer for a price that even the mail order guys would have a hard time matching - $370 total installed after Dunlop's $50 rebate. This included taxes, valve stems, lifetime balancing and rotation, but not a "road hazard" warranty. The only negative that I picked up from owner reviews was that some reported pre-mature tread wear. While Dunlop's warranty is for 50,000 miles, at my price I'll be satisfied if I can get 30,000 before having the loss of tread start effecting the performance. Considering it unwise (and dangerous) to get down close to those "wear bars", I've never tried to cash in on a tire wear guarantee. I also measured the XC rim width and found it to be 7" (some tire dealers showed 6.5"). This rim width is a perfect match for this tire size.
So far so good, especially considering that this change-out solved my drivetrain noise concerns. (see separate post)

 

Clete,

Glad you found a good deal on tires!

Hewinutah