Visiting WA, and the regulation about not having your vehicle's roof lifted by more than 50mm

[Niggip Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Niggip]

[Newbie, not mechanically apt]

I'm having a company outfit my Prado GXL to be a tourer. Quite a few changes. That's for context.

I live on the east side, but plan to do quite a lot of long-duration camping adventures in the prado (2 to 9 months long, possibly longer). It's likely I'll visit WA several times as I have a family member there, and he also likes to spend a lot of time out camping.

The refit involves a 40mm lift via Tough Dog suspension components.

I'd like to run a particular 265/65/17 tyre but having trouble finding someone locally that can get any, yet they have plenty of the 265/70/17s in stock for that tyre. [Let's focus on the size for the moment, not the tyre itself] I'm asking before I order any tyres.

40mm from lift + 13.8mm from larger tyre = 53.8mm overall increase in roof height... at least theoretically. From what I've read, that could be deemed illegal in WA without an engineering cert.

Is it worth worrying about the extra 3.8mm height when in WA?

Do tyre pressures tend to get lowered a bit when the boys and girls in blue are around on asphalt? (Probably a dumb question, but I'm sure I'm not the first to have that thought)

[Grinbot Member Find all posts View Profile Close Grinbot]

We have the same rules here in SA (50mm maximum from tyres and suspension) and I am running pretty much the some configuration as you propose: 40mm lift (Old Man Emu) and 265/70/17 tyres.

Of course, 40mm is a only a nominal value. In reality, my rear is up 60-70mm when empty. It settles perfectly when fully loaded.

I can't imagine the police would care a fig about 10mm, let alone 3.8mm.

The only thing to possibly be concerned about is your insurance company if you were in a major accident... but even then, nah, not for 10mm.

Interesting data point: an AT tyre might start with 14mm of tread and is technically legal until it has a tread depth of 2mm (about that) - a 12 mm difference in diameter!

I don't think it matters. Surely common sense will prevail.

[Daniel150 Member Find all posts View Profile Close Daniel150]

Agree with grinbot.
keep it looking normal and no problems. Add 33s and an 3 inch lift and you’ll start drawing attention real quick.

[sparksy Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close sparksy]

I live in Perth and have a 50mm ARB lift and 265/70/17 tyres on my 120 Prado. There are a lot of vehicles driving around perth with greater lifts than mine.
I wouldnt be at all concerned in WA and especially as it registered in another state , if it complies in state of registration then there is no issues.

[Niggip Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Niggip]

Thankyou Grinbot, Daniel150 and sparksy for your replies. Much appreciated. My question has been answered.

Have ordered and picked up the tyres.

Regarding the comment about insurance policies, have looked at mine:
There is no cover if, at the time of the incident, your car:

• did not meet registration requirements in your state or territory; or
• was unroadworthy or in an illegal condition, unless its condition did not cause or contribute to the incident.

"in an illegal condition": hopefully we'll never have to test an Insurance company on whether their product suddenly ceases because a vehicle crosses the border between two Australian states or territories which have different standards for tyres and lift kits, as then we'd be in the realm of territory-specific insurance policies rather than nation-wide products which would be a pita for everyone.

Apologies in advance if the insurance aspect should be a different topic.

[Grinbot Member Find all posts View Profile Close Grinbot]

Yes, having inconsistent laws across states does not make sense.

[Leethal Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close Leethal]

regards insurance the important words are "In your state" which refers to where your vehicle is registered not where an incident may occur.
Simply put, if your registered in say Qld and meet Qld regulations you are covered if you have an accident in another state.

Lee