Lowering Your Ute

[Ford Grunt]

I beg to differ mate.

Insurance

n.  we will I <3 Bananas you over at every opportunity

Although it’s unlikely that the police or DOT/RTA would bat an eye lid at it unless you really piss them off, the insurance companies will happily void a policy on such a technicality when it comes time for an at-fault claim – even if the accident has nothing to do with the load bearing capabilities of the vehicle.

I can’t speak for Turtle33 but I assume that’s the point he is trying to get across – not that of a wowser but just a gentle warning of what could happen in the worst of circumstances if you don’t play by their rules.

Trent

You will generally find that insurance companies will insure a car with any added options over standard features as long as they are legal on the car.

Ive never heard of a problem with changing the profile of the wheel/tyre combination you will have problems when you fit wider rims than available on a standard car, for both the local authorities and insurance.

Generally at worst as long as the wheels are legal, insurance wont cover replacement/repair if optional wheels are not listed on the policy.

Of course insurance companies differ in their policy rules, Rota_Motor just needs to check if its ok, rather wait until after an accident (touch wood).

[tab]

I beg to differ mate.

Insurance

n.   we will I <3 Bananas you over at every opportunity

Although it’s unlikely that the police or DOT/RTA would bat an eye lid at it unless you really piss them off, the insurance companies will happily void a policy on such a technicality when it comes time for an at-fault claim – even if the accident has nothing to do with the load bearing capabilities of the vehicle.

I can’t speak for Turtle33 but I assume that’s the point he is trying to get across – not that of a wowser but just a gentle warning of what could happen in the worst of circumstances if you don’t play by their rules.

Trent

You will generally find that insurance companies will insure a car with any added options over standard features as long as they are legal on the car.

Ive never heard of a problem with changing the profile of the wheel/tyre combination you will have problems when you fit wider rims than available on a standard car, for both the local authorities and insurance.

Generally at worst as long as the wheels are legal, insurance wont cover replacement/repair if optional wheels are not listed on the policy.

Of course insurance companies differ in their policy rules, Rota_Motor just needs to check if its ok, rather wait until after an accident (touch wood).

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

No you see that is the common misconception. If you have a claim and only one minor unrelated object on your vehicle is not within spec then they can void the policy – not reduce the payout on a pro rata basis, but void the entire policy full stop.

I’m only talking absolute worst case scenario but in these instances I feel that’s what is best to keep in mind.

Trent.

[XRPhantom]

I beg to differ mate.

Insurance

n.   we will I <3 Bananas you over at every opportunity

Although it’s unlikely that the police or DOT/RTA would bat an eye lid at it unless you really piss them off, the insurance companies will happily void a policy on such a technicality when it comes time for an at-fault claim – even if the accident has nothing to do with the load bearing capabilities of the vehicle.

I can’t speak for Turtle33 but I assume that’s the point he is trying to get across – not that of a wowser but just a gentle warning of what could happen in the worst of circumstances if you don’t play by their rules.

Trent

You will generally find that insurance companies will insure a car with any added options over standard features as long as they are legal on the car.

Ive never heard of a problem with changing the profile of the wheel/tyre combination you will have problems when you fit wider rims than available on a standard car, for both the local authorities and insurance.

Generally at worst as long as the wheels are legal, insurance wont cover replacement/repair if optional wheels are not listed on the policy.

Of course insurance companies differ in their policy rules, Rota_Motor just needs to check if its ok, rather wait until after an accident (touch wood).

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

No you see that is the common misconception. If you have a claim and only one minor unrelated object on your vehicle is not within spec then they can void the policy – not reduce the payout on a pro rata basis, but void the entire policy full stop.

I’m only talking absolute worst case scenario but in these instances I feel that’s what is best to keep in mind.

Trent.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

In the end it will be up to Rota Motor on what load rate 18" tyre he fits to his ute and if he loads it up illegally over that limit that will determine if the insurance would pay up or viod his contract. Like I said find an 18" tyre with the load rate he requires and don't load it over that limit and all will be ok should he have the misfortune of having an accident.

[turtle33]

I beg to differ mate.

Insurance

n.   we will I <3 Bananas you over at every opportunity

Although it’s unlikely that the police or DOT/RTA would bat an eye lid at it unless you really piss them off, the insurance companies will happily void a policy on such a technicality when it comes time for an at-fault claim – even if the accident has nothing to do with the load bearing capabilities of the vehicle.

I can’t speak for Turtle33 but I assume that’s the point he is trying to get across – not that of a wowser but just a gentle warning of what could happen in the worst of circumstances if you don’t play by their rules.

Trent

You will generally find that insurance companies will insure a car with any added options over standard features as long as they are legal on the car.

Ive never heard of a problem with changing the profile of the wheel/tyre combination you will have problems when you fit wider rims than available on a standard car, for both the local authorities and insurance.

Generally at worst as long as the wheels are legal, insurance wont cover replacement/repair if optional wheels are not listed on the policy.

Of course insurance companies differ in their policy rules, Rota_Motor just needs to check if its ok, rather wait until after an accident (touch wood).

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

No you see that is the common misconception. If you have a claim and only one minor unrelated object on your vehicle is not within spec then they can void the policy – not reduce the payout on a pro rata basis, but void the entire policy full stop.

I’m only talking absolute worst case scenario but in these instances I feel that’s what is best to keep in mind.

Trent.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

In the end it will be up to Rota Motor on what load rate 18" tyre he fits to his ute and if he loads it up illegally over that limit that will determine if the insurance would pay up or viod his contract. Like I said find an 18" tyre with the load rate he requires and don't load it over that limit and all will be ok should he have the misfortune of having an accident.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

ive said it before, you cant LEGALLY fit 18's to a tonner, it's rotas choice and im dismayed at the " it should be ok" comments re the legality/insurance issues. The rims /tyres will no doubt handle the car and some weight/load but its still illegal to fit this combo to the ute. If any tyre shops fits tyres that dont comply with the tyre placard they then become full liable for any problems that arise (been there done that)

[Guest Rota_Motor]

this is geting good discussuion, and I think I have my answer.

even though I wont be overloading the tyres, the PLACARD says tyres need to be rated to 1700kg on the rear axle, and there are no 18" tyres available with 850+kg load rating, which is basically, even though I wont be overloading the tyres, theiretically if I put the full rated payload in the vehicle, the tyres will then be overloaded, and I will be reamed.

even if I have no load on and crash, they will still argue that I was going to load it up over the load rating of the tyres, or, that if someone else borrows the ute, they will use the full payload, and unwittingly overload the tyres, making the fitter of the tyres at fault.

I think I will go to the local ford dealer, buy a tyre placard sticker for 18's, and stick it on

[Goobz]

this is geting good discussuion, and I think I have my answer.

even though I wont be overloading the tyres, the PLACARD says tyres need to be rated to 1700kg on the rear axle, and there are no 18" tyres available with 850+kg load rating, which is basically, even though I wont be overloading the tyres, theiretically if I put the full rated payload in the vehicle, the tyres will then be overloaded, and I will be reamed.

even if I have no load on and crash, they will still argue that I was going to load it up over the load rating of the tyres, or, that if someone else borrows the ute, they will use the full payload, and unwittingly overload the tyres, making the fitter of the tyres at fault.

I think I will go to the local ford dealer, buy a tyre placard sticker for 18's, and stick it on

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Exactly.

It doesn't matter what load you have on the back, or may only be intending to carry. The car comes with a load rating and that's it. If your tyres aren't up to the manufacturers spec, then the insurance company can and will void your insurance if they so wish. And most responsible tyre shops will tell you this and refuse to fit them, as like was said earlier, they become liable.

The only thing you can do if you dont like it is sell the car and buy something you can put the wheels on...

I know all this because my best mate manages a tyre store and has been in the game for 10 years...

Chris

[YOOT]

No offense turtle33, but I think you are missing Rota_Motor point.

If im understanding right, he is talking about putting the 18s on for play (ie without a load) and the 16s for work.

There is no way he get booked or insurance made void if simply changes the size and size of the wheel (and therefore lower the load limit) if he its carrying anything.

Otherwise, the police would have a field day by pulling over every BA ute owner who optioned the 18s over the 17s whereby because the owner has lowered the original max quoted load limit measured off the 17s (or 16s in Rota_Motor's case).

By I do agree with ya mate on that you should get professional advice on load limits if he does wish to carry a load and wants to know what the revised wheel/tyre package limits are.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I beg to differ mate.

Insurance

n. we will I <3 Bananas you over at every opportunity

Although it’s unlikely that the police or DOT/RTA would bat an eye lid at it unless you really piss them off, the insurance companies will happily void a policy on such a technicality when it comes time for an at-fault claim – even if the accident has nothing to do with the load bearing capabilities of the vehicle.

I can’t speak for Turtle33 but I assume that’s the point he is trying to get across – not that of a wowser but just a gentle warning of what could happen in the worst of circumstances if you don’t play by their rules.

Trent

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Urban legend maybe? With that theory (its not fact?) then no one really has insurance because if a bulb has blown on the back of your car and you crash, and they find out that a bulb had blown, then you have no insurance?

that's like being accused of speeding when you weren't, or worse, just plain lying. Remember, you are innocent until proven guilty.

If you have no load in your car, and you have tyres that aren't rated for that load, then an insurance company can not lie and say that you ahd a load and that was the cause of the accident? I'm sure the poliec crash investigators would have something to say about that.

[XRPhantom]

Correct me if im wrong but are some of you still saying that Rota Motor cannot put 18 inch wheels on his ute because of the load rating??? As I have said in my previous posts there are a few tyres out there with the same if not higher load rating than the stock tyre. My 20" tyres have a 95W rating whereas the stock 17" Dunlop SP3000a have a 93W rating. Which means I have a better load rating over stock. Also the tyre placard on the drivers side door if you read it says "Recommened" tyre specs.

It may be true that a 1 tonner cannot have 18" (Can't see why not) but I will remain sceptical on that till I see proof. Feel free to prove me wronge guys :-)

[tab]

Urban legend maybe? With that theory (its not fact?) then no one really has insurance because if a bulb has blown on the back of your car and you crash, and they find out that a bulb had blown, then you have no insurance?

that's like being accused of speeding when you weren't, or worse, just plain lying. Remember, you are innocent until proven guilty.

If you have no load in your car, and you have tyres that aren't rated for that load, then an insurance company can not lie and say that you ahd a load and that was the cause of the accident? I'm sure the poliec crash investigators would have something to say about that.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

It’s no urban legend and it is fact – whether you want to hear it or not.

Now taking it is far as a blown light bulb would be considered a childish comment to make don’t you think?

It’s really quite simple, if you don’t have the appropriate load rated tyres fitted (regardless of the fact that you may not be carrying anything) then the vehicle is not road worthy and an insurance policy can be voided as a result. Whether or not it is the cause of the accident has nothing to do with it, they do not have to lie and say that you were carrying the full load at the time – it can simply be a case of “policy void – you’re on your own”.

Trent.

[Guest Phantom T Ute]

Pirelli do 18" tyres that are load rated to suit 1 tonne vehicles, they are called Scorpion Zero ASIM.

Clicky

Corsa Special Vehicles fitted them to a Expensive Daewoo tonner and got a load rating somwhere in the region of 1800kg.

Hope this helps.