In January 2009 I purchased a 2006 GX470 to use as a tow vehicle for a 5,000 lb Airstream travel trailer.
Tires:
The original tires were Michelin passenger car tires: P265/65R17 110S and had about 34,000 miles.
Prior to the GX470 I had driven smaller vehicles: Volvos, Saabs, VWs and Honda Accords, a CR-V) and an Odyssey.
I found the handling of the GX470 (32 psi and no trailer attached) vague and less predictable with more roll and dip with manoeuvring than the vehicles above.
We made two trips of about 4,000 miles each with the GX470 and the trailer on these tires.
The front shocks were replaced with factory between trips.
When they were replaced December 2011 I followed the advice of a towing expert and installed light truck tires: Continental LT245/70R17 119/116S (40 psi) and the improvement in handling was impressive – with or without the trailer. The ride is “firmer” but not harsh and the tires are as quiet as the Michelin passenger tires. The steering is much more precise and predictable especially when braking or when cornering at speed with the trailer attached.
The 245/70 is not a typo – no adjustment to the instrumentation was necessary.
They also grip very well in Canadian winter snow.
We have towed 6,000 miles with these tires. The rear shocks were replaced part way through.
Wheels:
The original wheels developed unsightly corrosion by 2010 and were replaced with American Racing AR95T 17x7.5 ($138 each!) that are silver machined with clear coat.
It’s not easy to find wheels in this size.
We are pleased with their appearance - see their website.
Gas:
After watching a consumer oriented program mid-2012 which included interviews with two automobile engineers who stated that any automobile engine built since 2000 can run perfectly well on regular gas we switched to regular gas and I swear the engine runs quieter and smoother with no hint of knocking even under adverse conditions: pulling our trailer up mountains through Kentucky and Tennessee.
Apparently because regular gas burns more readily than premium blends (which is why it has a lower octane rating) it burns more completely: a small improvement in mileage occurs with less engine deposits.
The $ saving is pleasant.
Disclaimer: do not accept my statements as concrete evidence of the safety of substituting regular gas for premium; you must make this determination for yourself!
I would be interested in hearing any (polite) comments.
