T180 Dreaded Rft's

[stevechant1]

I am a new Rav4 T180 owner - great car - love it! Except that I called the local tyre fitters in Hastings, E Sussex to enquire about putting new tyres on the dreaded Run Flat wheels - they are out of stock and have no delivery date at present for the tyres coming into stock. These guys also do all the fitting for the local Toyota dealer.

This is absolutely unbelievable - luckily I do not need a new tyre right now otherwise I would be stuffed! What are Toyota playing at??

So I could have spent 12k on a car that I cannot drive if I had a flat right now!

I would appreciate the Toyota moderators thoughts on this.

[harleymlb]

Hi Steve,

You do not need to put Bridgestone tyres back on. Have a look around for an 18inch tyre with the same profile etc from an alternative manufacturer.

You "local" tyre dealer so long as it has the special equipment to remove the tyre/BSR will provide a fitting servce for you. Just remember to make sure that they put the wheels back on from where they came otherwise it will confuse the TPMS. Mark.

[stevechant1]

Thanx Mark - thought I should clarify the local Tyre fitters is Set Tyres who are listed as being one of the Bridgestone registered Tyrefitters with the right equipment and training to fit the RFT's. They also do all the RFT fitting for the local Toyota main dealer.

From what I have read so far I thought that Bridgestone are the only manufacturer who make tyres that can go on to the wheels on the T180 - I didn't think you could put any other tyres on these wheels. I thought you had to change the wheels as well if you wanted to use different tyres?

[harleymlb]

Hi Steve,

I have had several conversations with my local dealer on this subject. The wheel is a normal 18 inch wheel as is the tyre. BMW and other prestige manufactures use Run Flat Tyres which have a firmer sidewall so the tyre does not "collapse" without any air pressure.

Bridgestone in conjunction with Toyota use a Support Ring (BSR) to achieve a similar safety feature. The down side is you need special equipment to remove it plus if driving with a flat you will probably knacker the BSR which will need replacing. I did post a 6 minute video clip on the formum showing how it is removed. My dealers have said that the tyres require alot of lubricant to get them on and off! The Bridgestone tyres are a really good tyre for the Rav, but there are other manufactures out there too. If you need something of a more off road bias then search around. Incidently the tyres for BMW etc can also be a problem to obtain, if you look at their forums you will see owners waiting for days/weeks for replacement tyres. I have no issues with the T180 RFT's in the UK, however i do tow my caravan with the Rav and go to Europe with it.

For peace of mind i have just bought a "spare" off eBay for £50.00 so i will carry this in the back when i go.

[stevechant1]

Just a quick update - spoke to Set Tyres in Hastings today and they have just got the Bridgestone RFT

[stevechant1]

Just a quick update - spoke to Set Tyres in Hastings today and they have just got the Bridgestone RFT's back in stock!! Been quoted 175.00 each for the tyres fitted.Thought that was a good price as I seem to remember reading other posts where people were paying alot more than that.

Also bought myself a spare of eBay just in case as I will be towing a couple of track bikes on a trailer and don't fancy having a flat whilst towing my babies! LOL

[anchorman]

Good to know finally that somebody has got them in stock at a reasonable price. Can you keep us informed on this please?

Just like to make sure that it all goes to plan!!!

[stevechant1]

Yep will post update when i have had the tyres fitted - booked in on Monday 1st March. They only have one guy that fits these tyres and they have to get him in to do them - he was unavailable this coming week and then the following week I am away so 1st March earliest!

Fingers crossed. Although I am confident that it will all be ok as Set Tyres have a good reputation locally - whenever I have used them in the past I have always had top service.

[anchorman]

Yep will post update when i have had the tyres fitted - booked in on Monday 1st March. They only have one guy that fits these tyres and they have to get him in to do them - he was unavailable this coming week and then the following week I am away so 1st March earliest!

Fingers crossed. Although I am confident that it will all be ok as Set Tyres have a good reputation locally - whenever I have used them in the past I have always had top service.

[stevechant1]

An update re my RFT experience - had 4 new tyres put on my Rav4 T180 on 20th February at Set Tyres in Bexhill Road St Leonards On Sea/Hastings. Each tyre including VAT & fitting etc total 205.00. This is very reasonable - these are speed rated tyres and I have paid the same for decent tyres on other vehicles. I also bought a second hand wheel and tyre of eBay - I kept the best tyre taken of the Rav4 when they changed the tyres for the spare. If I am going long distance or towing my track bikes I load the spare wheel in the back. Problem solved for me!!

[wardude]

where are you all finding these tyres on EW bay??? i have been looking for 2 weeks and im yet to see one

[stevechant1]

I must just have been lucky - when I looked on eBay I found 2 for sale - ending up getting the wheel and tyre for £120 plus £20 for a courier delivery. I think it is just a case of keep looking cos they do come up - probably from people who have changed the wheels on a RAV4 for wheels with normal tyres. Good Luck - hope you find one soooon!