How big of tires can I go

[sgtsandman]

The 2019 has 17s. I think the tires are equivalent to 30”. The 2011 has 31” on 15”.

 

[Fast Eddie]

Like the stance on the `11. Thank you.

 

[sgtsandman]

I think 31” is a good match for the original Rangers. The proportions are right and there is still plenty of gear options to best use the available power the engines provide.

 

[Fast Eddie]

I’m running the stock 15” rims. If you plan to do any real off roading (as in stuff more than fire roads and improved trails), more side wall is your friend. I wouldn’t go more than 16” if you feel you must go with a larger rim.

This what you mean?
Dick Cepek Trail Country EXP | 31X10.5R15LT (tirerack.com)

 

[sgtsandman]

This what you mean?
Dick Cepek Trail Country EXP | 31X10.5R15LT (tirerack.com)

All-Terrains will do you well until it comes to mud. Then they become racing slicks just like any other tire than a mud tire. That being said, I went with BFG KO2 All-Terrain tires. So, we'll be in the same boat.

Recommendations by people who overland for a living: If you are just a weekend warrior, All-Terrains will better serve you. If you go off road all the time, it's better to get a dedicated mud tire. Depending on how my KO2s handle the winter weather and snow, my winter tires might get replaced with either BFG KM3s or the Coopers Jim ran on the Loan Ranger.

One word of caution and part of the reason the overlanders are making the recommendations that they are is that mud tires are often made of a softer compound. So they will wear out faster than an All-Terrain tire will. Also, you can't let an off road tire, All-Terrain or Mud wear down like you would with a regular street tire. Otherwise, you might as well just be running street tires. The outcome will be the same.

 

[don4331]

Just for reference 245/75R16s are ~30.5" diameter, and the 31x10.5R15s on my Ranger, BFG ATs, are 30.5". 265/70R16s have basically same overall dimensions as the 15s.

If you are going with 15s, you need to watch rims - some clear front calipers, some don't.

 

[Fast Eddie]

Just for reference 245/75R16s are ~30.5" diameter, and the 31x10.5R15s on my Ranger, BFG ATs, are 30.5". 265/70R16s have basically same overall dimensions as the 15s.

If you are going with 15s, you need to watch rims - some clear front calipers, some don't.

Thanks. I have 15's on it so that should work, correct?

 

[Fast Eddie]

All-Terrains will do you well until it comes to mud. Then they become racing slicks just like any other tire than a mud tire. That being said, I went with BFG KO2 All-Terrain tires. So, we'll be in the same boat.

Recommendations by people who overland for a living: If you are just a weekend warrior, All-Terrains will better serve you. If you go off road all the time, it's better to get a dedicated mud tire. Depending on how my KO2s handle the winter weather and snow, my winter tires might get replaced with either BFG KM3s or the Coopers Jim ran on the Loan Ranger.

One word of caution and part of the reason the overlanders are making the recommendations that they are is that mud tires are often made of a softer compound. So they will wear out faster than an All-Terrain tire will. Also, you can't let an off road tire, All-Terrain or Mud wear down like you would with a regular street tire. Otherwise, you might as well just be running street tires. The outcome will be the same.

Thank you for taking the time to craft a thoughtful and informative reply. Hope to repay it someday. I copied your text and saved it off to a safe place on my hard drive, filed in the correct place (checked thrice).

I'll go with all terrain. I do full time RV living and tow the truck behind me so your insight and recommendations are more than simply appreciated. Take care. My avatar shows a forest service road with the Gran Tetons in the background so, yes, I take her off road, though that road was tame compared to others she's been on.

 

[don4331]

Thanks. I have 15's on it so that should work, correct?

I was going from the OP's post, didn't realize there were 2 individuals asking; if you already have 15" rims that work you are good to go.

 

[sgtsandman]

Thank you for taking the time to craft a thoughtful and informative reply. Hope to repay it someday. I copied your text and saved it off to a safe place on my hard drive, filed in the correct place (checked thrice).

I'll go with all terrain. I do full time RV living and tow the truck behind me so your insight and recommendations are more than simply appreciated. Take care. My avatar shows a forest service road with the Gran Tetons in the background so, yes, I take her off road, though that road was tame compared to others she's been on.

Repay it by paying it forward. We are here to help each other as best we can. The best thing you can do is keep the hobby alive. Preferably with Rangers but even if you move on to another forum and brand of vehicle, help the next guy get the best experience they can with the vehicle they have. I got into to early Honda CR-Vs originally and got involved in Rangers as time went on. A lot of things translate from one vehicle to the next.

 

[Lefty]

Mine is an Edge which Ford had raised 3" to create an off road appearance. This is what it looked like. The second photo is what it looked like after I lowered in by 1."

 

[ParanoidSVT]

Beautiful truck!