Snow Tires...need some assistance/confirmation

[1stFord]

Just purchased new Lariat and picking it up within two weeks, due to work committment. I am in Canada thus I want to put new Rims and Snow tires on the Ranger before I pick it up. As you all probably know the stock AllTerrain tires are 255/65R18's but the dealership gave me a quote on Rims, TPS, and on 17's stating that "there are only 16's and 17's listed for winter tires, wheels, and sensors for the 2024 Ranger". This is my first truck, always had SUV's where you get same size tires for All seasons and Winter Tires. So just need a little confirmation that what they stated is correct, as it seems weird to me you can't get same size Winter tire size even though Stock tires are 18's. Again new to all this truck stuff and I may be asking a stupid question!1! Thanks in Advance.

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[John E Davies]

Your 18 inch size is not common for snow tires, I would downsize to 17” factory Ranger or Bronco wheels and TPMS sensors (look for a set of take-offs on Craigslist) and choose your favorite tire. I am a huge Nokian fan, if you get studded Hakkas you will not be disappointed. I would avoid the LT3, it comes in a Load D (8 ply) and is pretty stiff on dry surfaces. Unless you travel heavily loaded all the time, or tow a large trailer, then they would be helpful. I just put a set on my RR and they seem fine, except for that extra stiffness, which is a little objectionable compared to the soft stock KO3 tires (6 ply).

New or takeoff OEM sensors work great on the snow wheels, once the dealer programs them, they will automatically connect each season when you swap them for your other set... I am not sure about aftermarket ones.

My recommendation:
https://na.nokiantyres.com/snow-winter-tires/nokian-tyres-hakkapeliitta-10-suv/

John Davies
Spokane WA USA

 

[VehicleNanny]

I agree with John. Go with 16 or 17 inch wheels and tires that are the same diameter as your current ones. I'm a big Nokian fan as well. Had a set of their Encompass AW01 (all weather tire) on a Subaru that were outstanding. I can only imagine how well their snow/winter tires perform.

 

[stemplar]

I also went with a set of 17” rims but for next winter I might put Nokian hakkapeliitta r5 on my stock 18” rims, like these:

https://a.co/d/cpwKKzv

 

[LeeHo]

2024 Ranger Lariat - Just went with 265 60 R18 Michelin X-ice. Working beautifully. Anoher advantege with this size is that you don't have the re-adjust the computer. For comparison see - https://tire-calc.com/comparison/265-60-r18-and-255-65-r18-inch/.

I accidentally reversed the chart - my error but the result is still the same in that the tires are interchangable with only 1-MPH difference. Also the lower aspect ratio (60R) is "slightly" better in the snow as it has better traction.

 

[1stFord]

2024 Ranger Lariat - Just went with 265 60 R18 Michelin X-ice. Working beautifully. Anoher advantege with this size is that you don't have the re-adjust the computer. For comparison see - https://tire-calc.com/comparison/265-60-r18-and-255-65-r18-inch/.

I accidentally reversed the chart - my error but the result is still the same in that the tires are interchangable with only 1-MPH difference. Also the lower aspect ratio (60R) is "slightly" better in the snow as it has better traction.

I guess thats where I am lost..you state above you went with 265 60 R18'S...but as my original post stated, " the dealership is stating that "there are only 16's and 17's listed for winter tires, for the Lariat" yet to have 18's on your Lariat...thus my deer in the headlights look.

 

[John E Davies]

Also the lower aspect ratio (60R) is "slightly" better in the snow as it has better traction.

For winter tires you should choose a skinnier tire (higher aspect ratio) to increase the contact pressure on the road, and to give a narrower and longer contact patch. Whether a small difference is actually measurable is debatable, but wider tires generally are best for soft surfaces like sand, where you need some extra flotation, which is the exact opposite from what is needed on a snow covered roadway. You want the tire to press down through the snow and slush as much as possible.

Ever wonder why you see so many Wranglers in the ditch? Wide mud or A/T tires and not much sense…. Rally cars run skinny studded tires in winter.

1stFord, how much of your winter driving is on snow or ice covered roads? That is the main decider on “studs vs no studs”, and if you can tolerate the unavoidable damage studs will do to your driveway and garage slab…

John Davies
Spokane WA USA

 

[LeeHo]

I understand about the Deer in the headlight issue. The dealer most likely is correct if they only look at their book - but look at the the recommendations from Canada's largest tire Dealer - Canada Tire. They give the option for BOTH the 65R and 60R for the ford Ranger Lariat 4x4. See: https://www.canadiantire.ca/en/cat/automotive/tires-wheels/tires/winter-tires-DC0000417.html. Now enter your specs.

What flavor do you like? Both are acceptable - your choice.

 

[dfritz]

I've done very well with the Blizzak DM-V2, a ten ply truck tire I think is available in an 18", pricy, but it is a truck rated tire and maybe you wouldn't have to buy rims.

I've had 3 sets of these on heavy loaded SUVs for emergency fire service, and they work, are very quiet and do well on ice.

 

[Elfman]

Your 18 inch size is not common for snow tires, I would downsize to 17” factory Ranger or Bronco wheels and TPMS sensors (look for a set of take-offs on Craigslist) and choose your favorite tire. I am a huge Nokian fan, if you get studded Hakkas you will not be disappointed. I would avoid the LT3, it comes in a Load D (8 ply) and is pretty stiff on dry surfaces. Unless you travel heavily loaded all the time, or tow a large trailer, then they would be helpful. I just put a set on my RR and they seem fine, except for that extra stiffness, which is a little objectionable compared to the soft stock KO3 tires (6 ply).

New or takeoff OEM sensors work great on the snow wheels, once the dealer programs them, they will automatically connect each season when you swap them for your other set... I am not sure about aftermarket ones.

My recommendation:
https://na.nokiantyres.com/snow-winter-tires/nokian-tyres-hakkapeliitta-10-suv/

John Davies
Spokane WA USA

If you switch from an 18" wheel to a 17", do you have to get new TPMS sensors, or have them reprogrammed, or can you just swap out plug and play style?

 

[John E Davies]

For OEM factory wheels use Ford sensors. Aftermarket wheels may require different ones. I bought FIVE 17” Bronco like new takeoffs on Craigslist that came with the sensors for $650, the tire store did the programming very quickly with no problems. I have read here that the truck will see the new sensors and self program without using a special “learning tool”, but I cannot confirm that statement!

John Davies
Spokane WA USA

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