[bbird]

The tire size 235-65-16 E., went to the "Tire rack" site, only one company in the Entire world makes that size. That would be Hankook, never even heard of them until now, however they come with a 70,000 mile treadlife warranty, so I should get 30,000 miles out of them

 

[Sprinter_Owner]

The tire size 235-65-16 E., went to the "Tire rack" site, only one company in the Entire world makes that size. That would be Hankook, never even heard of them until now, however they come with a 70,000 mile treadlife warranty, so I should get 30,000 miles out of them

I am sure the other tire MFRs will produce them and sell them at a premium, bend over sucker! >

 

[Chance]

The specs I've seen suggest Transit tires are not "E" rated. Their load capacity is even higher. I'd double check the tires' load rating before assuming "E" rated in same size is adequate.

Last time I looked Transit tires had a higher load capacity than my Econoline's 245/75R16 load range E.

 

[Dale_R]

According to the Transit Dimensions and Capacities brochure, the tires are 235/65R16C. Dual wheel tires are 195/75R16C.

 

[SuprMover]

a couple more

Continental also makes the same size, as does Nokian (winter tires) and some no-name brand. All these tires are Euro-Commercial tires, which means the load rating is appropriate for this vehicle. These are not "Load Range E" tires

 

[Chance]

That's correct. Transit tires on SRW models are load rated at 121, while the much larger tires of an E-350 van, 245/75R16, are rated 120 if I recall correctly. Smaller tires if E-rated would be much less. Still, it may be enough depending on van model and cargo, but I'd personally hesitate swapping as equals. I expect Transit tires will initially be much more expensive.

 

[hammerdown]

I don't get it. If an E load rated tire on a T1N 2500 sprinter with more GVWR and less curb weight (read, slightly higher payload capacity) is sufficient, why wouldn't the same E load rated tire be fine on a Transit? I'm slapping 225/75/16 T1N Sprinter sized Mud and Snow rated rubber on my Transit when it ultimately arrives in the winter of my discontent. Also known as regular winter.

In the 225/75/16 size there are numerous options of quality tires.

 

[alarmist]

I don't get it. If an E load rated tire on a T1N 2500 sprinter with more GVWR and less curb weight (read, slightly higher payload capacity) is sufficient, why wouldn't the same E load rated tire be fine on a Transit?...

I shall explain: Ford engineers are infallible. If they spec'ed a certain tire, this is what you must use. No mere mortal could ever hope to fathom the myriad, interrelated factors which went into this choice of tire, or the dire consequences of using another. That, or they got a deal on them at overstock.com. Hard to tell with engineers.

 

[bbird]

I shall explain: Ford engineers are infallible. If they spec'ed a certain tire, this is what you must use. No mere mortal could ever hope to fathom the myriad, interrelated factors which went into this choice of tire, or the dire consequences of using another. That, or they got a deal on them at overstock.com. Hard to tell with engineers.

Like I said the only heavy duty tire, go on "Tirerack" Find Hankook then find the tire model and size, they have it under 235-65-16C. Now look up the "max Load" 3195 psi. No other tire fits that load rating with that size

 

[hammerdown]

I shall explain: Ford engineers are infallible. If they spec'ed a certain tire, this is what you must use. No mere mortal could ever hope to fathom the myriad, interrelated factors which went into this choice of tire, or the dire consequences of using another. That, or they got a deal on them at overstock.com. Hard to tell with engineers.

Sounds like they've been spending happy hour with Mercedes engineers.

 

[Chance]

Do any of you remember, or were old enough to remember, the serious problem Ford Corporation had over Explorers crashing due to Firestone tire failures? It cost Ford big time economically. Ford, like some other manufacturers, also had issues with large passenger vans rolling over when tires failed. Many Americans blamed "stupid" drivers for taking risks and not maintaining their vehicles properly (like under inflated tires, overloaded vans, or driving too fast) but accidents hurt Ford nonetheless. It reflects poorly on their products even if the driver is at fault.

So can we be that surprised that Ford takes a conservative approach with tires for the Transit? I'd bet it was driven more by lawyers than engineers. It's required cover your @@$ mentality in today's world.

These new Euro-style vans are taller and larger, so in my opinion more likely to be overloaded by owners. If Ford specified tires for US Transits that were inferior to European Transits, I'd expect law suits based on negligence the very first time a Transit had a tire-related accident.

 

[SuprMover]

The 235/65R16C tires are rated at a maximum pressure of 85 psi. Consider that the tire placard recommends 49 psi front and 71 psi rear, so the tires may have a slightly reduced load capacity at that pressure. I drove it around with 85 psi all around and it was much less comfortable. My truck is a 250, maybe the 350 and extended 350 use the higher pressures

 

[gregmchugh]

Anyone notice what brand and model of tire is in the Transits at the dealers?

 

[ted]

Anyone notice what brand and model of tire is in the Transits at the dealers?

That might actually be a good thing to track. Not sure if dealers have some influence with what type of tire their vehicles come with or if it's what is selected at the plant.

 

[bbird]

Anyone notice what brand and model of tire is in the Transits at the dealers?

Hankook, Dynapro

 

[John S]

Transit tires

I recall having the same kind of issue with the European spec Goodyear commercial tires that came as original equipment on my new 1993 Volkswagen Eurovan

When it came time to replace those (VW dealer availability only -- Goodyear tire dealers said they didn't have them listed.) I was blown away by the cost.

I replaced the orginal tires with high quality domestic tires that fit the wheels just fine. Those tires performed well. The Eurovan itself was a never-ending series of expensive problems.