Wider highway tires

[Michael9218]

I just took delivery of a 2025 XLT 2wd with the 18” chrome wheels and am wanting to replace the Goodyear AT tires for a quieter smoother set of highway tires. Am wanting to go wider without changing the diameter. Seems all the discussion on this forum is for larger diameter off road type tires. The stock tires are 255/65/18. I would like to fit 275/60/18. Clearance to the hub is what concerns me. Has anyone fit this size tire on this rim?

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[AssolMarandy]

255/65R18 diameter = 31.051 in.
275/60R18 diameter = 30.992 in.
Diameter difference = -0.059 in.
Percent change = -0.19%.
Check the rim width stamp on the wheel.
Check the wheel backspacing or offset.
Check the tire maker fit range for 275 on your rim width.
Measure hub clearance.
Measure from hub face to inner fender.
Compare that to the wheel backspacing plus tire sidewall width.
Have a shop mount and test fit the 275 on your rim.
Ask the shop to check for rubbing when you turn the wheel and when the suspension moves.
Also check load rating and speed rating for the 275 tires.
Also check lug torque after test fit.

 

[John E Davies]

Tire Rack shows alternate tire sizes that will fit, you must enter your vehicle info and then register there for this to work. Hub clearance does not change - it is the front upper A arm and the fender opening that is a concern. A 20 mm wider tire equates to roughly 10 mm less clearance at both those locations. It probably won’t matter at all, unless you plan to fit winter chains there ….

Your fuel economy will be affected, are you OK with that? If not, stick with the recommended size. But you will likely pick up some efficiency with a highway tread, regardless of the width.

A lower profile tire will be harsher over rough surfaces than the stock size. For smooth roads you won’t feel it at all. How good are the surface streets where you live?

Any good local shop will check this for you, as recommended above, and they won’t sell you the tires if there is a problem.

John Davies
Spokane WA

 

[Michael9218]

Appreciate the replies, but I know well tire fitment. I’m looking for actual experience with this size. Sizing can vary quite a bit from tire to tire, even with the same manufacturer. There appear to be several threads assuming that 275/65/18 will fit. Since this a taller tire, I can assume the shorter 275/60/18 will than fit. Would be good to have confirmation.

Clearance issue is not to the UCA. It is the hub, or knuckle, that is closest to the tire. I just used some clay to measure this gap and it is 14mm. So, again, in theory a 275/60/18 should fit With 4mm to spare. Tight.

My reasoning for a highway tire like the Michelin LTX of the same diameter is to improve all aspects on road. Better NVH, better dry and wet grip, and better rolling resistance/mileage.

 

[embedded rock]

Pay attention to the UTQG code for the tires being considered. You know pick up trucks are light on the back wheel--a 2wd more so. Reason for mentioning is that the higher, harder tire compound, higher mileage tire will be slick in the rain--especially when cold.

This is exactly how I t-boned a Ford Ranger back in '04 with my then 2500HD. The Ranger had just spun making a left turn and the OEM tires on my truck were worthless resulting in the ABS activating all the way into the Ranger's can. Sumptin to think about.

 

[Michael9218]

For those few interested in a better road tire, I’ve gone ahead and answered my own question and have verified that 275/60/18 do fit the stock 7.5” rim and clear the knuckle and UCA. Ride quality is significantly better with the Michelin Defender LTX tires and the wider squarer look is much improved.

 

[daytoncarter]

I just took delivery of a 2025 XLT 2wd with the 18” chrome wheels and am wanting to replace the Goodyear AT tires for a quieter smoother set of highway tires. Am wanting to go wider without changing the diameter. Seems all the discussion on this forum is for larger diameter off road type tires. The stock tires are 255/65/18. I would like to fit 275/60/18. Clearance to the hub is what concerns me. Has anyone fit this size tire on this rim?

The OE tires are not the smoothest but I wouldn't say they're noisy at all. The predominate noise at 70+mph is wind for my truck with 18s.

 

[superj]

For those few interested in a better road tire, I’ve gone ahead and answered my own question and have verified that 275/60/18 do fit the stock 7.5” rim and clear the knuckle and UCA. Ride quality is significantly better with the Michelin Defender LTX tires and the wider squarer look is much improved.

Those are great tires. I have them on my 04 ranger

 

[hand-filer]

265/65/18 would have also been a good size choice. 10mm wider and about 12mm taller. That would have corrected the speedometer error that the factory size creates.

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