[kwalker]

I am really not happy with K02's off road. Even at lower pressures. they fill with anything soft or tacky extremely fast. Poor traction on many forms of loose fine gravel/sand and especially in any sort of mud even if is light. Will not be buying again.

 

[Tim Rice]

well this thread might have saved me a lot of money!

2019 250 HR 148, 3.7

Originally (option 1) I was thinking of doing a 2.5" Van Compass lift with 245/70 r17 (30.5" diameter) on 17x7.5 45 offset, backspacing of 6.020 The lift is $1500 and I was quoted $800 for install.

Now I am thinking (option 2) skip the 2.5" lift and just do the 245/70 R16 (29.5" diameter) on a 16x7.5 45 offset, backspacing of 6.020.

This option 2 means I also buy 4 wheels rather than 5. Via mounting the 5th 245/70 r16 to the spare rim. And via being 29.5" diameter it still fits in the spare tire location. However... the spare tire location might make for a nifty grey water tank. With the spare being on the rear door.

My ONLY reservation being most of the transit owners running the 245/70 r16 are doing it on a 7" rim or 6.5"

I also had reservation about how big of a Tire I wanted to go with the 3.7 motor.

Tire choice is the Cooper AT3 LT E in both options.

 

[surly Bill]

well this thread might have saved me a lot of money!

2019 250 HR 148, 3.7

Originally (option 1) I was thinking of doing a 2.5" Van Compass lift with 245/70 r17 (30.5" diameter) on 17x7.5 45 offset, backspacing of 6.020 The lift is $1500 and I was quoted $800 for install.

Now I am thinking (option 2) skip the 2.5" lift and just do the 245/70 R16 (29.5" diameter) on a 16x7.5 45 offset, backspacing of 6.020.

This option 2 means I also buy 4 wheels rather than 5. Via mounting the 5th 245/70 r16 to the spare rim. And via being 29.5" diameter it still fits in the spare tire location. However... the spare tire location might make for a nifty grey water tank. With the spare being on the rear door.

My ONLY reservation being most of the transit owners running the 245/70 r16 are doing it on a 7" rim or 6.5"

I also had reservation about how big of a Tire I wanted to go with the 3.7 motor.

Tire choice is the Cooper AT3 LT E in both options.

You've probably seen the tire size data on List of tire sizes that fit Transit .
In order to avoid buying new wider rims (unless you want prettier rims...) would be to go with a skinny tire like the 215/85/16. Also 30.4" diameter. I've found that skinny tires have a lot more traction than wide tires, except on sand; where you want less psi via larger contact area. Probably better mpg, too. Probably won't fit in spare mount very easy, though. So many trade-offs!

 

[Tim Rice]

You've probably seen the tire size data on List of tire sizes that fit Transit .
In order to avoid buying new wider rims (unless you want prettier rims...) would be to go with a skinny tire like the 215/85/16. Also 30.4" diameter. I've found that skinny tires have a lot more traction than wide tires, except on sand; where you want less psi via larger contact area. Probably better mpg, too. Probably won't fit in spare mount very easy, though. So many trade-offs!

There are so many ins and outs, and Reasons. like you said "Trade offs"
It isn't always about Prettier, however most after market Aluminum wheels are pretty. One of the bigger advantages is a lighter wheel + heavier tire is staying the same as a lighter tire on a heavier steel wheel, yet having a larger diameter without the weight penalty.
a van that spends 90% of its time on the interstate at 70 mph a steel wheel is fine. A van that spends 90% of its time on state routes or back roads at 55 mph a Lighter wheel makes sense.

As far as going off the beaten path, I'll go explore that on one of the bicycles being hauled in the van that is best suited for the job, while the van can sit at the trailhead.

I spent 10 years in a truck that had stock 31" tires, I installed a 5" lift to run 32" tires, and the Lift also helped negate the wider stance I gave it. That wider stance gave it a HUGE boost in stability.

the 215 - 235 tires sizes is a complete bust for me with going larger diameter. As I want to wider stance, I want the higher stability. Traction I don't care about. As a bicyclist I fully embrace the wider is better tire concept.
With the Transit in mind, A criteria for me that I have not brought up is the sidewall height. I feel that their is a Goldilock sidewall height, that falls being to bouncy, and being to harsh! Skinny bouncy tires with a huge sidewall is NOT very enjoyable to drive. Personal opinion, It's not something I want. I am not saying it isn't a viable option, as it is a very viable option. but in my case it is equal to having a fire engine red van, I don't want a red van. hahah uhh bad analogy because color doesn't effect how it rides.

With my 2 tire size choices in my previous post boith have 6.75 Sidewall heights. the stock tire on the stock 16" wheel has 6.01" sidewall.

Per your link to your post....

this quote from it makes no sense!!

"245/70R16, modifications needed (?), using 2.5" lift, fits in spare tire mount (29.5")

255/70R16, no modifications needed, MAY fit spare tire mount; some say yes, others say no (30.1")"

because the 255/70r16 is the bigger tire vs the 245/70r16

255/70r16 30.06 diameter, 10.04 wide, 7.03 sidewall

245/70r16 29.5 diameter, 9.65 wide, 6.75" sidewall


Side note: I'd definitely go taller skinny on a dually. I don't drive a dually.

Edit: I've read all 46 pages of the longer thread, and I've read all 7pages of the short thread.

There is only 1 van in the short thread with a 2.5 inch lift with slight rub, and he has the 245/70r17 with 17" Method wheels, not r16s

His van is also on the Van Compass FB page.


In 7 pages ( short thread) no one listed the running of 245/70r16 that I could see

In this 46 page thread I saw the 245/70r16 and there was no 2.5" lift.

I only bring this up, because it was mentioned several times in the 7page short thread, and it seems to be mistake worth correcting.

 

[surly Bill]

The "tires that fit Transit" thread is a collection of information provided by users of this forum on their personal experiences, and consolidated so people don't have to read through 46 or 7 pages. If there is new info (not opinion, but actual results) to add, by all means please post it so it can be included. Keep in mind that thread is for 16" OEM spec rims, there are other threads about aftermarket rim use, especially other diameters or offsets.

 

[OldMadBrit]

I am really not happy with K02's off road. Even at lower pressures. they fill with anything soft or tacky extremely fast. Poor traction on many forms of loose fine gravel/sand and especially in any sort of mud even if is light. Will not be buying again.

Wow, good to know - that's the complete opposite of my experience with them. I absolutely love mine and they have got us out of countless situations where I thought we'd bitten off more that we should.

I guess it must be terrain specific. We alternate between alpine snow, ice, muddy forest and dry sand/gravel desert. We don't often encounter wet clay where we roam.

 

[Tim Rice]

The "tires that fit Transit" thread is a collection of information provided by users of this forum on their personal experiences, and consolidated so people don't have to read through 46 or 7 pages. If there is new info (not opinion, but actual results) to add, by all means please post it so it can be included. Keep in mind that thread is for 16" OEM spec rims, there are other threads about aftermarket rim use, especially other diameters or offsets.

that is my point I read every single post in 46 pages + 7 pages for the 2.5" lift with 245/70r16 and it doesn't EXIST !!! So I am wondering which post you pulled that tire size info from.

 

[surly Bill]

that is my point I read every single post in 46 pages + 7 pages for the 2.5" lift with 245/70r16 and it doesn't EXIST !!! So I am wondering which post you pulled that tire size info from.

245/70/16 is mentioned and discussed here:
Posts #69 and #70 and #77 and #80 and #82 and #84 and #85 and #99-102 and a lot of page 6.

List of tire sizes that fit Transit

Just to minimize the numerous threads about the topic, and to have a one-stop answer center, let's contribute to this thread by keeping speculation, opinion (me>:D), and lengthy discussions out. If you have used a tire size successfully, list that tire size. If the tire rubbed, say yes or no...

www.fordtransitusaforum.com

 

[Tim Rice]

yes I went back through 46 pages and found them all,

My home work confirmed that the 245/70r16 works on multiple vans without a lift.

Regardless your list still needs an Edit, as the correct diameter for a 245/70r17 is 30.1 not 29.5.

Look I am not trying to pick a fight here, just trying to fix an error because seriously Misinformation sucks!

 

[surly Bill]

garbage in, garbage out

On that thread, the LAST page is the most up to date. The reason it the lift was listed was because THAT PARTICULAR USER had a 2.5" lift; not that it REQUIRED a lift. The list only adds info if modifications are needed, not if a lift is needed (which it wouldn't, because the width of the wheel wells are the problem, not the height).

17" rims are omitted from the most recent info, because they are not stock rim sizes. 17" rims are not in the last and most up to date post.

 

[Tim Rice]

Lets try it with pictures.
This isn't about fixing the "List", It's just about helping other people looking for Tire Size & Fit information. To help them.

On that note, I'll go through later and collect direct URL's to the Post with 245/70R16 Tires that fit with no lift many on aftermarket wheels.

Picture one is Post# 8 he has a 245/70R17 with a 2.5 " lift which is a 30.1" diameter tire

Link to post #8 with the 2.5" lift

List of tire sizes that fit Transit

Just to minimize the numerous threads about the topic, and to have a one-stop answer center, let's contribute to this thread by keeping speculation, opinion (me>:D), and lengthy discussions out. If you have used a tire size successfully, list that tire size. If the tire rubbed, say yes or no...

www.fordtransitusaforum.com

Picture # 2 shows the Latest list showing that info as a R16 and 29.5" diameter

and Picture 3 should clear up any confusion between the 2 tires that are both 245/70

 

[Tim Rice]

245/70/16

No Lift stock wheel no rub, no mod

Tire upgrade to Bfgoodrich 245/70r16 Ko All-terrains

Just upgraded from stock 235/65r16 on stock rims to Bfgoodrich All-terrain 245/70r16 on same stock rims. No rubbing, no modifications, no lift on my 2017 Ford transit-150 low roof 130". Even fits in my garage still with less than an 1/8" clearance. Love them! Walmart online best price

www.fordtransitusaforum.com

245/70r16.

Fits perfect - no rubbing!

New wheels & tires.

Ordered these from discount. Love em. 245/70/17 bfg ko2 with the moto metal m0970's. They did rub a bit on the inner metal strip of the fender and a little on the front plastic bumper but nothing a grinder won't take care of. Discount let me grind it down in there shop. Super excited. They ride...

www.fordtransitusaforum.com

 

[surly Bill]

https://media.giphy.com/media/RL0xU1daTlMoE/giphy.mp4

 

[surly Bill]

Tim, your info is added to the list. That's the first addition in almost a year! Thanks for the observations and your hard work and time to correct the list to help other people!

The question mark was removed and replaced by "no modifications needed" now that it is confirmed. Mentions of the other person reporting having a lift, which is irrelevant to the tire fitting, was removed so myopic people won't obsesses. It really was useless info, and didn't need to be in there.

List of tire sizes that fit Transit

Just to minimize the numerous threads about the topic, and to have a one-stop answer center, let's contribute to this thread by keeping speculation, opinion (me>:D), and lengthy discussions out. If you have used a tire size successfully, list that tire size. If the tire rubbed, say yes or no...

www.fordtransitusaforum.com

 

[TheSandman13]

I replaced my stock tires last month. Went with BFG KO2 245/75/16

Also swapped out the stock silver rims with stock black rims. Didn't want to spend more than I had to, and I like the look of the black stock rims just fine. The only thing I did was hammer the pinch weld down on the back side of the front wheel wells. It has enough clearance at every position the wheel is turned. I think the closest it ever gets is maybe 1/4" while the wheel is rotated out, but there hasn't been any rubbing at all. Put about 2000 miles on so far. They are about 2 1/2" bigger in diameter than those tiny stock tires. To me it makes a huge difference in the look, and gives me slightly more clearance too. I'm happy with them. Before and after photos.

 

[greenvan]

-Cooper Discovery AT3 LT 245/70R17 30.5" on Method 701's - 17" x 7.5"
-Pinch weld modded, no other clearance issues.

Bling!! Method 701's coming in Hot!

Well I just pulled the trigger on a set on 17'x7.5" Method 701's in Bronze and a set of 245/70R-17 Cooper AT3's. should cram in there in the front. I will be building a front end lift in the fall, copying one of our "smart" forum members homemade (but perfect) lift kit. Thanks to everyone for...

www.fordtransitusaforum.com

 

[Xprmntl]

-Cooper Discovery AT3 LT 245/70R17 30.5" on Method 701's - 17" x 7.5"
-Pinch weld modded, no other clearance issues.
View attachment 135859

Bling!! Method 701's coming in Hot!

Well I just pulled the trigger on a set on 17'x7.5" Method 701's in Bronze and a set of 245/70R-17 Cooper AT3's. should cram in there in the front. I will be building a front end lift in the fall, copying one of our "smart" forum members homemade (but perfect) lift kit. Thanks to everyone for...

www.fordtransitusaforum.com

 

[Xprmntl]

-Cooper Discovery AT3 LT 245/70R17 30.5" on Method 701's - 17" x 7.5"
-Pinch weld modded, no other clearance issues.

Also confirming a 245/70R17 (~30.6") fits on a 148 LWB (non-extended, with Quigley 4x4 lift), Yokohama Geolander A/T G015 on Ultra Motorsports 450 Toil 17" x 8".

To avoid rubbing on front wheel arch, trimming to the pinch weld and lower wheel well plastic trim on front and rear of arch was necessary.

For the spare to fit on a std 148 LWB, as reported by Morey (see link, below) with equivalent size 245/75R16, one must use a ratchet trap (or similar) to hold he tire over the back lip of the spare recess area to keep it from contacting the differential cover. For a 148 LWB-EL (extended), it has been reported that these ~30.5 tires fits in the spare recess. To help retain as much ground clearance as possible below the spare, I went with a 225/75R17 spare which is a 30.3" tire, right about the size of a worn 30.6".

People seem to be fixated on whether or not a certain tire and lift kit combo matters, but fitment should largely on depend on tire size (up to ~33", I'd guess) and wheel combination, unless the front suspension gets moved fore or aft with the lift, as the pinch point is at the lower portion of the wheel well, not the upper. It is possible Quigley lift may move the front wheel fore a little as I had to trim the front lower plastic in addition to the plastic trim near the rearward bead weld area. However, necessity for trimming the front lower front plastic trim may be due to the combo of 50 mm wheel offset and the 8" width affecting tire shape.

I would not suggest trying to hammering the bead weld flat as I have heard mention of on this forum. For me it did not work as some of the metal started to pull away and create a gap. The pinch weld metal is very tough to bend.

Adding Larger Tires To The Ford Transit

The Ford Transit comes with pitifully small 235/65-R16 tires and at a diameter of just 28″, it really limits the Ford Transit’s off-road abilities. At about the 21,500 miles mark, the s…

moreysintransit.com

 

[greenvan]

I would not suggest trying to hammering the bead weld flat as I have heard mention of on this forum. For me it did not work as some of the metal started to pull away and create a gap. The pinch weld metal is very tough to bend.

Adding Larger Tires To The Ford Transit

The Ford Transit comes with pitifully small 235/65-R16 tires and at a diameter of just 28″, it really limits the Ford Transit’s off-road abilities. At about the 21,500 miles mark, the s…

moreysintransit.com

Some metal did pull away, that whole area appears to be glued together, one side had more glue than the other. I ground the areas clean and used SEM seam sealer to tidy up and waterproof.

 

[Xprmntl]

I did not find it necessary to deflate the 225/75R17 (Dean tire, below) spare, and the ratchet strap tension length in combo with the spare lift cable length can be used to position it between the differential cover and the trailer hitch (Curtis Class IV), in my case, to give the clearance and help keep as level as possible.
Strap I used w/stainless hardware: Amazon.com: Keeper (07508) Koastal 8' x 1" Stainless Steel Ratchet Tie Down, (Pack of 2): Automotive

Dean Back Country QS-3 Touring H/T are very inexpensive right now. I got one shipped to my house for $75 from the Walmart site! This could also be an interesting tire for those looking to get ground clearance but limit contact patch for mileage. Dean brand is owned by Les Schwab and manufactured by Cooper tires. Also
Dean Tires Back Country QS-3 Touring H/T LT 225/75R17 116/113R E (10 Ply) AS A/S All Season Tire 2016