UPDATED W/ PICS - Costco Won’t Install 265/70/17 on Toyota Factory 17” SEMA Wheels on my 18TRDOR

Updated with pics from today’s install by my local tire shop. I’m beyond happy with how it turned out.

Again, this is an ‘18 TRDOR on stock suspension with 265/70/17 BFG KO2s C load on 17” TRD Pro SEMA wheels.

Also, for those who are interested, also in the photos are my NFab EPXY nerf bars, MESO ultimate turn signals, TRD Off Road door plate by Runnin4Tacos, OEM TRD Pro Grille + Garnish, OEM TRD Skid Plate and OEM black exhaust tip.












Kind of a PSA and a good lesson about local shops vs. big box retailers...

Bought a set of 4 TRD Pro Sema 17” matte black wheels from BAM Wholesale.com. They arrived last week are currently sitting in their factory sealed boxes itching to be installed.

Today was to be that day as I also ordered a set of 4 BFG KO2s in 265/70/17 C load to join the legions of other Taco owners with this setup.

My order for the tires was through Costco.com and I entered my specific make/model/trim into the website.

Of course, when I get there today for my pre-scheduled installation at my local Costco tire center I am told no dice.

The reason (according to the employee tasked with breaking the news to me): They have a corporate policy whereby they will not install a tire that is 3% greater than the height of its stock size.

Since I’m a TRDOR, my stock size is 265/70/16 and a 265/70/17 is 3.169% taller according to their tire calculator. Due to variance being over 3%, they said they won’t do it.



I didn’t argue with the employee in any fashion and he was sympathetic to my plight. We both understood that he was simply following company policy, he has a job to do and that I as a consumer have many other options in the marketplace and that Costco will only change this policy if it gets them in the pocketbook enough.

In any event, I decided to request a full refund rather than carry out the tires in order to support another business who will grant my reasonable request. So, I got my refund and headed directly to my local tire shop with my TRD wheels, black Gorilla lugs and TPMS valve stem covers in tow.

As soon as I got to my local tire shop I immediately realized that I should have come here first. I was greeted with a handshake and a sympathetic rolling of the eyes when I explained the above interaction with Costco.

They ordered me the exact same tire and I figured it would be several days before he could get them in and installed. Almost apologetically he said, “umm...we don’t have any here in the shop today but I can place your order now. Does install tomorrow afternoon work?” Ummm, yes!!!

Lastly, when he quoted me the OTD price including install, balancing, etc. it was only $50 more than what Costco was going to charge. When he ultimately asked me what I paid at Costco, he offered to meet me halfway. I told him he already did with how he treated me as a customer and thanked him. So win win...Pics coming tomorrow

 

This is the crux of all these tyre shops.

The computer is a guide, the door decal is the real info, if Toyota says xxx is an optional tyre/wheel package then the shop should do it as the manufacturer says it is fine.

The problem is the kids that work there, they don’t know how to read a tyre or even look for correct psi rating. Firestone does the same thing, which is why most folks that mod take the wheels and tyres in alone.

Sorry to hear that you found this lame “rule” out after you drove there.

Give you props for handling it like a grown adult and not a kid in big boy pants.

If I had been working there it would’ve been done.....experience over youth.

 

And this is one of many reasons why I go to my local Discount Tire.

 

Mind linking to what lugnuts you bought to match the wheels?

 

Had mine installed at Costco.

 

WTF is this? A sane, well formulated, and rationale post in the 3rd gen section. WTG OP!

 

I'll drink to this. Also, OP. You're the real MVP for being so calm and patient.

 

It’s been a few years since I tire shopped at COSTCO. However, sounds like we had similar experiences. The guy at COSTCO told me they will install tires up to 3% over stock, not beyond. Thus 265/70-17’s were out of the question. So I ended up at Walmart, not a total horror story but I’m not going back for tires.

 

Maybe it’s a regional thing, but I go to Costco or Walmart for Costco and Walmart stuff.

I go to a tire shop for tire stuff. Coincidentally, haven’t had any issues buying things at any of them.

 

Not anymore, you ruined it, lol...

 

I once bought tires for my '91 Dodge Cummins at Costco and it included free balancing...except the stock steel wheel and stock factory sized tire were too heavy for Costco's tire balancing machine to handle. I have bought tires from tire specialty shops ever since and get free rotation, repair, balancing.

 

Discount tire is the only place I’ll ever get tires anymore. They gave me a hell of deal of KO2s for Memorial Day through their vendor here. The discount tire installing my tires have always been top notch as well. FYI I was installing the same tires on the same wheels.

 

post != thread

 

Costco fills with nitrogen and gives you a better warranty. They have to set a limit and go with it. I would have went to the next closest Costco and tried.

 

Me too. I’ve had consistently good experiences with Discount Tire over the years. They are a large retailer that treats you like a local shop.

The fact that they are everywhere gives me added peace of mind. If I ever blow a tire traveling away from home, chances are there’s a store nearby to take care of things.

 

I had 285s installed at Costco years ago on my 4Runner (stock tires also 265/65/17), they put it in their system as I brought in wheels and not a truck. Because of this I wouldn’t be eligible to have the tires rotated free, but the road hazard warrantee would still be valid, I would just have to bring in the bad tire not installed on the truck, that’s easy since most likely it would be in the back anyway and the spare would be on. Costco had a great deal at the time with a rebate and free installation.
I wonder if this was just a creative manager or something they put an end to.

 

A+ for Discount Tire. Been a customer for 20 years. Always good service, both customer & installation. Prices are the lowest in my area and their special sales have saved me a bit of cash. YMMV.

 

The world would be a much better place without any of the big chains. I can’t think of one I would lament if it folded. I make every effort to avoid big boxes. Surprisingly, sometimes you get better service, and pay less, at the ma-n-pa type places.

 

Another vote for Discount Tire. They have the best prices and tire repair/ replacement policy. I've ordered countless sets of tires from them and have always been pleased with their customer service. Shortly after getting her new Subaru, my wife got a nail in her tire. I took it to Discount Tire to get patched. I figured I would have to pay for the work since we did not buy the stock tires from them, but they fixed it for free because, in their words, we are loyal customers.

 

Had same wheels and tires put on by discount. Always liked their service and they match or beat costco every time.

Re-emphasize with discount about not scratching wheels and to do a center hub with inside wheel balance. KO2s seem tricky to balance and this balance on second try worked great.