Chevrolet Uplander Tires / Wheels

barrieonbarrieon Member Posts: 4
Has anyone purchased winter tires for the Uplander (2006). Tire size 225/60R17. I am researching and find that a lot of the local and large Canadian tire supply stores are totally ignorant on this subject even though they claim to be tire specialists. Surely I'm not the first Uplander owner who would like to purchase a set of winter tires. Even the Chevy dealer had to phone around half a day to find one supplier (Toyo). No comparison prices and a 5 day waiting period. :confuse:

Comments

  • jpfjpf Member Posts: 496
    Check out the website: http://www.tirerack.com/ They carry all kinds of tires. Look for Bridgestone Blizzaks. Blizzaks are a good winter tire and usually come in a variety of sizes. Good luck.
  • barrieonbarrieon Member Posts: 4
    Hi, Have you ordered from there and how was your experience with them. I've found a few online stores in addition to the one you referenced. click here for Carmodifier. My frustration is with the local tires businesses not being able to equip the 06 uplander. :mad:
  • dannodanno Member Posts: 114
    I had limited choice with my '05 Uplander. I ended up with Dunlop Grandtrek SJ6 on OEM steel rims. My first choice would have been Blizzak W50s.
    The new 6 bolt pattern may be difficult to find on the '06 and newer Uplnaders if you choose to go with steel wheels.
  • jpfjpf Member Posts: 496
    I bought winter tires from them last year. No problems. I got the tires in less than a week.
  • barrieonbarrieon Member Posts: 4
    I guess it is the time of the year but one of the suppliers indicate that the 17" in not that much in demand (yet). Also the 6 bolt wheel is not standard (yet). I ended up getting Toyo winter tires and OEM rims (which had to be shipped in from Montreal). Cost was about 1200 for all four installed. We'll see how they'll perform. The tire exceeds Transport Canada standards. image
  • cwesleygcwesleyg Member Posts: 64
    The tires that came on ours from the factory did fine last Winter here in Michigan. Won't be upgrading to "Winter" tires since it came with MS rated radials in the first place. Maybe after 50K I'll start looking for another set of MS rated radials.
  • dannodanno Member Posts: 114
    MS = All Season
    If you stay mainly in the city with your driving, MS tires should be fine. If you live in the UP, or rural Michigan, you will be amazed what tires with the "Winter" designation will do for traction in the winter.
  • rjmetcalferjmetcalfe Member Posts: 1
    After waiting far too late in the season to be looking for such a "rare???" winter tire for my Uplander, I purchased a set of Dunlop Graspic DS-2(http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Dunlop&tireModel=Graspic+D- S-2).

    A friend of mine works for GM and they had one set left, on factory rims too. They are a run-flat ice and snow tire. I paid under $1200CAD when I was being quoted over $1800 at retail outlets. I am complete satisfied with them.

    I swear by winter ice tires given our climate. Late fall rain leaves the roads frozen over in the mornings, and the same can be experienced in the spring. Afternoon rain freezes on contact with the roads and then the rain turns to snow giving you thick snow on the icy roas. You wouldn't even know it with these tires.

    Check out the reviews and strap a pair on. You won't be disappointed. Wow, this sounds like a plug.
  • arslo123arslo123 Member Posts: 2
    Hi everyone!,

    I'm buying a 2005 Chevy Uplander soon and have been looking for wheels for it. Every website from The TireRack to Dicsount Tire Direct only have 2 to 3 three wheels for the '05 Uplander.

    What's Up?

    I know that the '05 Upalnder has 5 lug wheels, and that Uplanders after that had six lug wheels, but can there be SUCH as difference between the Uplander and other 5 lug equipped Chevy models that there aren't ANY wheels that will swap between an Uplander and another model?

    I would think that the 2005 Venture and Uplander ave the same wheel bolt pattern, but I don't want to buy wheels and tires and then find out they don't fit.

    Here are the Uplander stats:

    5 Bolt/Lug wheel
    5 X 115 pattern.

    I'm interested in an 18 inch wheel.

    HELP!

    Henry
    hkopacz@aol.com
  • arslo123arslo123 Member Posts: 2
  • dantana01dantana01 Member Posts: 12
    I put 245x65x17 Arizonian Silver Edition Plus tires from Discount Tire and had them siped and couldn't be happier. Even tracked extremely well over solid ice and I even get a small boost in MPG with the larger size tire. Although now I see that they don't seem to offer the 245x65x17 anymore but just the 235x65x17. I would go with that size if you can't find the 245. The 245 is 2" larger in diameter and has a wider footprint and have had them on for about 6 months and they still look like new. I am hoping I get a full 80,000 miles on these, although I will probably end up trading the car in before then but hope to keep these tires and put them on whatever I purchase next, or will have to buy these again for my next car.

    http://www.arizoniantires.com/arizonianSilverEditionPlus.html
  • williamyoungwilliamyoung Member Posts: 21
  • williamyoungwilliamyoung Member Posts: 21
    I have heard that wheel sizes have increased over the years on Uplanders.
    My 08 has 17" wheels/tires and six wheel bolt/nuts rather than five and I know the 07s ones are the same .
    Were the earlier ones the same and if not could you please tell me what years they were changed and what the previous size tires and number of bolt/nuts were.
    W.Y.
  • alarmnutalarmnut Member Posts: 2
    After tire rotation, What's the best way to calibrate, So you can view the readings on the dash?
  • williamyoungwilliamyoung Member Posts: 21
    Around here you have to take it to the dealer and pay $50.00 to have them program each wheel to correspond with the computer. It is an 09 Uplander that shows tire pressure indepently on all four wheels.
    When I bought 4 extra wheels so I could switch back and forth from studded winter tires to summer tires myself I didn't buy the sensors for each new rim at $45.00 a pop like they wanted me to do . Either rotation or switching from summer to winter tires will louse up the calibration of the sensors.
    So now , the yellow light on the dash flashes for about 20 seconds and then goes to steady on. I have got so used to it that I don't even notice it anymore and I sure won't pay them 50 bucks every 10,000 KM when I rotate my tires.
    They warned me that I won't know what my tire pressure is . Well . . . DUH ! ! .
    I have been maintainig tire pressure on vehicles all my life ( I'm 73 ) and it's a no brainer .
    They are going way too far on some of these stupid electronic gizzmos in the newer vehicles . They charge more for it originally and then they expect to get everyone to come back and pay 50 bucks to program it after every rotation. It's all about money with them .

    Now after that little rant I must say that I really like my Uplander. It is one of the nicest vehicles I have ever owned . Got 11,000KM on it now and has been virtually trouble free except for a couple very minor things the dealer took care of. Great gas mileage and handles beautifully .
  • 442dude442dude Member Posts: 373
    I know this topic is getting a little old, but:

    There's no reason to pay anyone to program the tire pressure monitoring system - the procedure to do it is right in the owner's manual. Basically you turn the ignition on (don't start the engine) and press both buttons on the key fob. The horn will chirp. You then go to the front left tire and let air out of it for 5 seconds. The horn will chirp. Then you go to the front right and do the same. Then rear right and then rear left. The horn will chirp after each tire and will also chirp after the last one letting you know that you are done. You have 5 minutes to complete it or you have to start over.

    The procedure is right in the owner's manual. I believe its in the section about the tire pressure monitoring system.
  • williamyoungwilliamyoung Member Posts: 21
    Thanks a bunch for that very informative reply.
    So that is what the dealers charge the 50 bucks for and don't want you to know :mad: . . . amazing.

    I have my summer tires on now and they are on the new rims with no sensors but believe me when I put my winter ones back on in around October or November I will definitely try what you have explained because those rims have the original sensors in them .
  • 442dude442dude Member Posts: 373
    I'm glad to help...make sure you recheck your tire pressure once you've let air out of them to calibrate the sensors...
  • fscolesfscoles Member Posts: 9
    This is maybe a dumb question on my part, but if every Uplander owner were to read their manuals or to ask their local Chevy dealer service manager how to reset the TPMS system after rotation, and if the managers also knew what the manual said, we wouldn't have to worry about spending $50 needlessly. And what happens a few years from now after these GM-Schrader-brand TPMS lithium batteries go dead, or if by accident we take our vehicles for a tire change to a shop that unknowingly damages a TPMS sensor? Currently, I'll allow only one particular shop here to work on our wheels because I know their mechanic obtained all the TPMS mfgrs training/certification. I admit that when this sytem works, it can save tires, fuel, wheel bearings, and lives...if nothing else, it tells us the instant a tire pressure isn't correct.
  • 442dude442dude Member Posts: 373
    No dumb questions in your post...my opinions, one at a time.

    If every car owner took the time to read the owners manual they would save a lot of money from having things needlessly done to their vehicles that they either didn't need to do or could have done themselves in minutes. A good dealer would show you how to do it while they do it so you know for next time. A good dealer also wouldn't charge you for it since it takes 2 minutes.

    When the batteries go dead my understanding is that they can be replaced. Since your tire guy is TPMS certified, he might have a recommendation as to the frequency of the batteries going dead. Maybe its worthwhile to replace the batteries every other time you replace the tires just to be safe? I don't know for sure?

    When you go to a tire shop its smart to make a point of telling them that you have the sensors and that they work correctly. You may even have to demonstrate that they work. That way if they damage them during a tire change they are liable to replace them on their dime. And don't leave until you've verified that they are all working, even if you have to perform the "learn" procedure right in the parking lot.

    I think you're right, its a good system and its definitely better than the old GM system which calculated that you have a low tire using the wheel speed sensors. GM isn't the 1st manufacturer to equip their vehicles with this system. It can be found on a bunch of vehicles from a bunch of manufacturers.
  • sparrowpisparrowpi Member Posts: 1
    My 08 Uplander has the Tire Monitor System readout and has consistantly given me either wrong info or no info. There will not be a pressure reading and it happens on all of the tires, not just one, as at first I thought it might be a bad sensor. Now, when I rotate the tires I cannot get the system to reset at all. Tried 6 times yesterday to recalibrate to no avail.
  • fscolesfscoles Member Posts: 9
    Ours is also an 08Uplander, and so far its TPMS display hasn't malfunctioned. Since yours is not working correctly and you cannot get it to reset using this procedure, if your odometer is less than 36,000miles (bumper-to-bumper GM warranty) or if you have GM-Certified-Used warranty remaining your dealer can repair it at no charge. Yesterday, I noticed that our Right-Rear (RR) and Left-Rear (LR) tire pressures read backwards on the display (not a big problem, probably they had programmed it that way last October when we purchased it used), so I used the above procedure for the first time and it worked fine. The display readouts agree with my mechanical tire gauges. On the 08 owner's manual page 5-62 there's an apparent mistake: "Activate TPMS sensor by increasing or decreasing ..pressure for 5 secs OR until a horn chirp sounds. The chirp ..may take up to 30 secs to sound." GM can't mean this literally, because it took about 18 secs for my chirp to sound, and the tire would have been flat if I had released air for that long (Duh). I released air for only 5 secs (from 35 psi down to 29psi) and then it took over another 15 secs before the chip sounded. The person who wrote the procedure had probably never done it. When finished, I checked each tire that the display reported the positions correctly. Page 5-61 5. says "..The driver side turn signal lamp comes on." but I didn't see any lamps turn on.
  • 442dude442dude Member Posts: 373
    You're right - I don't remember the turn signal lamps coming on either - I just went by the horn chirp...mine only took a few seconds after the 5 seconds of letting air out though.

    I enjoy it when I find mistakes in the owner's manual because there are plenty of them in there - not just for the Uplander but for all the cars I've ever owned. Some owner's manuals are better than others. Some are just downright bad...I think the manual for my VUE is one of the most incorrect I've ever seen, mistakes all over the place. The best is the procedure to change the cabin air filter. The manual says that you have to disassemble the glove box and take out a bunch of stuff to get to it. In actuality its under the hood underneath a cover that has 5 or 6 easily removed clips holding it in. I'm glad I didn't take the glove box apart before I figured that one out. Go figure......
  • fscolesfscoles Member Posts: 9
    As for mistakes in manuals, the '95-96 Windstar Haynes aftermarket manual said to replace the rear bank spark plugs to first lower the engine for access, but simply removing the air filter parts (took only several extra minutes) gave access to the rear bank. I'm hoping to find an equally easy way with our '08 Uplander, because unbolting the top two engine supports and rocking the engine forward (suggested on this and other Uplander forums) sounds dangerous.
  • williamyoungwilliamyoung Member Posts: 21
    OH MY GOSH . . Is that right? :confuse:

    I looked at the front three that are SO easy to get at but have never removed that big black plastic cover to check the back ones.
    Hard to believe the motor would have to be tipped forward to replace the other three. :cry:
  • 442dude442dude Member Posts: 373
    I haven't done our Uplander but I had to rock the motor forward on our Venture to replace the alternator. It actually sounds worse than it is. Its not a big deal. The key is to have a good ratcheting strap to pull it forward once everything is loosened up. Its kind of cool...the motor really doesn't move all that much (maybe 6 inches) but its just enough to let you get to what you're working on. I never would have gotten the alternator out of the Venture any other way without moving the motor as it was kind of like a puzzle even with the motor rotated forward. You had to drop it and turn it just right to get it squeeze through the small spot you had to work with.
  • lizziewriterlizziewriter Member Posts: 9
    I've been very frustrated with my Uplander since the get-go. We had a terrible time finding "the right size tires" last year, and I wasn't happy with what we ended up with. I don't have that heavy of a foot, but it seems that I spin out all too easily on the slightest bit of wet. I hope we can figure out something this year, with information from this forum and others, because one of these days all that slipping and sliding will get us killed. :-(

    We did finally find a used Astro AWD which is far superior in terms of space, power and close on mpg, but it isn't quite road-worthy yet. I wish GM would make a utilitarian kids-and-gear hauler, affordable and in diesel.
  • crisbcrisb Member Posts: 3
    I tried to get some info on using different sizes but the only choice is to use a 215/65/17 tire with a 6 bolt 17 inch rim. I emailed tire rack and they wouldnt even answer the emails. What a stupid size for a mini van. If it was at least a 5 bolt rim you might have had a selection.
  • spike99spike99 Member Posts: 239
    .

    In my ICE/SNOW winter area, I visited 3 different tire sellers and each provided their estimates. For them, 17" - 6 bolt rims and rubber is easily available. For us, we went with "winter rubber" on different NEW steel rims - for my wife's 09 Montana van. Each tire seller provided their cost estimate within 24 hours.

    Details are:

    A - My local GM dealer. A little more expensive (say $20.00 / tire "more") but being done by a GM dealer, its entire vehicle warranty was retained.

    B - My local Canadian Tire store. Their prices for steel rims was slightly less expensive their GM dealer steel rims but I didn't like their recommended "lower rated" rubber. And, they didn't mention that special TPS valves stems would be needed.

    C - My local Auto mechanic. His prices was the best and he recommended higher quality rubber (when compared to GM dealer). And, he even provided a good "work around" - to eliminate the need to buy special TPS wireless valve stems. But, his work could void future GM warranty. re: Using non-GM / Delco items on the GM vehicle is a lawyers dream. re: stuck in courts for years.

    In the end, my wife & I decided to pick the "steel rims + rubber + TPS wireless valves stems" at our local GM dealer. And this spring, my local auto machanic will be hired to remove current winter rims/rubber and replace with original GM spring to fall months rims/rubber. And next late fall, my local auto mechanic can do the swap from GM summer to GM winter rims/rubber again. His rim re-mounting costs (even for TPS wireless valve stem hubs) are much less expensive then my local GM dealer.

    Long post short... Do visit your local GM dealer and decide if their GM / Delco recommendations is "cost comparable" to your non-GM auto shops as well. For us, going to our local GM dealer "for initital purchase" is worth it. Especially since our vehcle's factory warranty will be retained (since our vehicle has GM winter parts) as well.

    Hope this helps...

    .
  • crisbcrisb Member Posts: 3
    have you got any prices and sizes/brands for the 3 quotes you got? thanks
  • spike99spike99 Member Posts: 239
    .

    Yes. I got price quotes from my local shop and from my local GM dealer. Do remember that "price quotes" do vary from region to region. Thus, do call a few auto shops in your specific. It only takes a 5 minute phone call - to chat with each auto shop....

    Unknown to me (and not told during my initial "price quote" gathering tasks), I also discovered my local GM dealer also stores my old summer rubber/rims during the winter for "free". They let some air out of each tire, wrap each tire with UV protection plastic wrap, label it good and store all 4 tires in large steel bins. In the spring (around April 10), I simply re-visit my local GM dealer, they remove my current "in use" winter rubber/rims from my mini-van, and they re-mount my currently being stored summer rubber/rims back on. And, their tire "seaonal exchange" tasks only costs $5 (for all 4 tires) "more" then my local auto shop. And best of all, I don't have to store my opposite season tires/rims at my house (that has limited storage space). Talk about a great "turn key" service from my local GM dealer as well...

    When chatting with your local auto shops &/or your local GM dealer, do ask if they provide opposite season tire storage services as well. For me, my local GM's "free service" is worth it... And being GM, their storage keeps my vehicle's & its tires warranty conditions non-arguementive as well.

    Hope this helps as well...

    .
  • astra1astra1 Member Posts: 5
    Although you can changr the alternator on a Chevy Venture by ratcheting the motor forward, that is not necessary. It is easier to take the windshield wiper assembly out,and that way you don't take the chance of damageing the Pass. side motor mout, and by the way, it is quicker doing it this way. I have tried both ways. - Don
  • maddog0324maddog0324 Member Posts: 55
    I just replaced the original equipment spark plugs and wires on our '06 Uplander with 105,300 miles. The engine rolls forward quite easily, but holding it forward is the key to this procedure. I did not have a ratcheting strap available to roll the engine forward & hold it in position. I was, however, able to use a long pry-bar to move the engine forward and held it there with some heavy duty bailing wire. In order to have better access to the rear plugs, I removed the coil pack and mounting plate. Once those were out of the way, I could stand on a short step ladder and lean over the engine and get to the rear plugs. After new AC Delco Iridium plugs and Duralast wire set were in place, everything went back without any glitches, for less than $80.00. :)
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