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18" Aero wheels and Model Y load limits

Discussion in 'Model Y' started by Zoomit, Mar 29, 2020.

  1. MYoohMY

    MYoohMY Member

    Joined:
    Nov 2, 2020
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    Location:
    Denver co
    Looking into the Martian wheels 18 x 8.5. My reason is I want the softest ride and best efficiency possible since I do long trips and have to pass the continental divide which is usually a blizzard and potholes everywhere on the highway.

    Anybody have some info about using these rims?
    I saw the comment about towing and load capacity. Is there a way to keep the tow rating the same with 18x8.5 wheels with the right tire?

    Should I just stay with the gemini size? 19x9.5

    I want max comfort and range efficiency, while maintaining my tow rating.
     
  2. Zoomit

    Zoomit Active Member

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    SoCal
    You'll be hard-pressed to exceed the highway range with anything but the OE 19" Gemini wheels and OE tires if you don't want to compromise rear axle load rating.

    There are plenty of threads on Martian wheels:
    Martian wheels
    Martian Wheels
    Martian Wheels MW03

    Also, recognize that wheel weight does not significantly affect highway range. Wheel and tire aerodynamics and tire rolling resistance are most important on the highway.
     
  3. MYoohMY

    MYoohMY Member

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    Location:
    Denver co

    Got it, thanks for the info and helpful reply!
     
  4. eppyphotog54

    eppyphotog54 Member

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    Location:
    usa
    I bought 4 new TPMS sensors from Tesla as they are not available in the aftermarket yet.
     
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  5. eppyphotog54

    eppyphotog54 Member

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    usa
    UPDATE::
    Ive driven over 4300 miles including a 1500 mile trip from Phoenix to SF and back at 75-85 mph the whole way and my Wh/mi is at 265 IMG_1117.jpg
     
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  6. rafthma

    rafthma Member

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    Texas
    Very impressed! Did you change the wheel/tires yourself? Where did you get the Model 3 18" wheels? I am thinking of doing that, but I am not handy....
    Also for the range, could you do a drive at 70mph? People seemed to get pretty consistent ~260-270wh/mile for the MY AWD with the stock 19" wheel. Would be interested to see what you would get with the 18" wheel/tires.
     
  7. eppyphotog

    eppyphotog New Member

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    Mar 31, 2019
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    Location:
    Phoenix Az
    I purchased a set of used 18” Aero wheels and bought the tires at Discount Tire ( AmericasTire). 235/55-18 Pirelli Scorpion Verde.
    I will try to do a 70 mph run around Phoenix highway soon.
     
    • Like x 1
  8. 52 16 57 39

    52 16 57 39 2020 MYP, hitched & 1” UPP springs

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    Location:
    Tacoma, WA
    This was my plan as well until I found a set of 19” Gemini’s that will work well.
     
    • Like x 1
  9. pdx_m3s

    pdx_m3s Active Member

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    Portland, OR
    Other than the Martian wheels, what are some other 18" wheels that have a sufficient load rating? Do we know what the load rating of the 19" Gemini wheels?
     
  10. rafthma

    rafthma Member

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    Hi look forward to your 70mph wh/mile results here.
     
  11. eppyphotog54

    eppyphotog54 Member

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    UPDATE: 70 MPH ROAD TRIP

    I tried to do a 70mph trip from North East Phoenix to Tesla SC in Gila Bend AZ and back (83 miles each way) maintaining 70 mph as best as possible.
    Started with with a freshly charged battery @ 86%. 2 adult occupants, no luggage or spare tire. Outside temp started in the low 50s.
    I was able to keep at a pretty steady 70 through most of the trip on AP. Several areas were slower for a few miles (55mph) and faster, the I-10 is 75mph just west of Phoenix. The elevation change was approx. -800ft to Gila Bend and the reverse (+800ft) coming back on the same route.
    My overall Wh/mi for the 166.3 mile trip was 252. My total for the 5,519 miles since the tire change over is 259 Wh/mi. That includes lots of long distance highway miles (almost 2000) (PHX-SF-PHX) at 75 or above, plus local roads (40-50 mph) and local highway miles (65-75mph).
    Like I said in my original post, with the 19" Continentals for the first 5100 miles I was averaging over 274 Wh/mi WITHOUT any long range highway trips. I think the 18" Pirelli 235/55-18 LRR tires and Model 3 Aero wheels are an improvement over the stock 19" wheels and tires.
    Take a look at the photos and give me your thoughts.
    Gila Bend start.jpg Gila Bend 17mile.jpg Gila Bend I-10-SR85.jpg Gila Bend 51 mile.jpg Gila Bend 70.jpg Gila Bend half way.jpg Gila Bend 100 mile.jpg Gila Bend home trip.jpg 18" wheel and tire total.jpg
     
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  12. rafthma

    rafthma Member

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    Location:
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    Wow, that's great efficiency, the 70mph is almost as energy efficient as my model 3 AWD before I trading it in for the Model Y I have now. Thanks for sharing the detailed results, enjoy your Model Y! I am tempted to do the same change as you did, but I am not handy....
     
    • Like x 1
  13. patnshan

    patnshan Member

    Joined:
    Oct 7, 2020
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    145
    Location:
    Milwaukee, WI USA
    Interesting stuff here. I have 18 x 8 MSW rims with factory TPMS sensors and Blizzaks coming next week. Tire Rack confirms they will fit. I am still unsure, despite reading all of this and other threads, what am I supposed to do in terms of configuring the new wheels in my car. Overall diameter should be the same, so I am thinking that it doesn't matter. I have stock Inductions and 18" does not show up in the menu on the car.
    I appreciate any guidance and am happy to report back on the ride, fitment, efficiency, whatever to help everyone else out.
    Thanks!
    Pat
     
  14. Tedkidd

    Tedkidd Member

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    Location:
    Rochester, New York, United States
    (pic showing aero installed over red caliper)

    So the Aeros WILL fit the MYP? (but the tpms need to be changed so it's not a direct swap, and it means being careful with carrying loads.

    I have 2 sets of aeros and really only need studded tires on one car, was thinking I could use the all seasons on the MYP when I put the snows on the 3.

    :(

    Guess I'll look for some Gemini's...
     
  15. PJFW8

    PJFW8 Red Menace may hurt me

    Joined:
    May 29, 2015
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    Location:
    Hendersonville, NC
    18" aeros from model 3 do not meet the load needs of the Y. Also, finding an appropriate tire is difficult, I sold my 18's when I got my Y.
     
  16. mark95476

    mark95476 Member

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    Jun 21, 2020
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    Location:
    Bay Area CA
    I really appreciate your test and updates. Those are great freeway efficiency numbers for the MY.

    I think there are a lot more available rubber options for the 18" M3 aeros which makes it better overall as a consumer.

     
  17. eppyphotog

    eppyphotog New Member

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    Location:
    Phoenix Az
    I am sure you've seen this, but in most cases these limits are not a factor with my usage including pulling a trailer with less than 3500 lb weight.
     
    • Like x 1
  18. Tedkidd

    Tedkidd Member

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    Location:
    Rochester, New York, United States
    I decoupled my P vin and grabbed a SRY last weekend. Elon dropping the price then removing it from the menu worked on me.

    Also got tired of worrying about the "drive an 80k car 350 miles home during a polar vortex snowstorm, and no we don't stock the Gemini/snow package" headaches.

    I think the LR is probably worth the difference for cold climates. Supercharging tops at 130kw, home charging tops at 8, and the 3rd row would increase fun factor. So I reserved a LR with my new preferred config.

    I love it. Astonished that this much car is available for $40k.
    Love getting to understand how these short range cars live. Love learning about basic AutoPilot.
    Going to take a 2 week cross country trip in a week.

    And happy to have solved my car problem for now, in a way that I don't think will hurt much when I trade for my ultimate config, whatever that might be...

     
    • Like x 1
  19. LoganNolag

    LoganNolag Member

    Joined:
    Wednesday
    Messages:
    7
    Location:
    USA
    Wish the Y was available from the factory with 18s. Maybe I'm weird but I prefer the look of a thick sidewall. I think low profile tires look lame. Also I prefer the better ride and the fact that smaller wheels generally = cheaper tires.
     
    • Like x 2
  20. Feathermerchan

    Feathermerchan Active Member

    Joined:
    Sep 21, 2018
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    Location:
    Euless, Tx
    Not to mention that the taller sidewall can prevent tire damage.
     
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