Forum Discussion

davehultin's avatar
davehultin
Explorer III
Jul 30, 2021

Tow vehicle tire size not to spec

I'm looking to replace the tires on my tow vehicle (2010 Ford Expedition) and I was surprised to learn that my existing tires do NOT match the tires specs on the vehicle placard. I don't know when or why that happenend. Anyways...

Placard specs are P255/70R18
Existing tires are P265/70R18

So my existing tires are 10 cm wider than what's specified. Is that a bad thing? Or just a "thing?"

My Expedition is no champ for gas mileage, but does that extra 10 cm per tire take the mileage down significantly?

In your opinion, should I return to specs when I replace the tires, or is there a compelling reason to stick with the wider tires?
  • Mike134's avatar
    Mike134
    Explorer
    Jul 30, 2021
    davehultin wrote:

    Placard specs are P255/70R18
    Existing tires are P265/70R18

    So my existing tires are 10 cm wider than what's specified. Is that a bad thing? Or just a "thing?"



    As others have said just a just a thing. Perhaps the P265 can be bought at a cheaper price.
  • Grit_dog's avatar
    Grit_dog
    Navigator
    Jul 30, 2021
    Dude, they’re 1cm wider. (And about a half inch taller or less than 2 cm if we’re still using the queens units.lol)
    You’ll notice virtually no difference
  • KD4UPL's avatar
    KD4UPL
    Explorer
    Jul 30, 2021
    I suspect the vast majority of vehicle that have been around as long as that vehicle have different size tires on them than what came form the factory. It's quite common to change for a variety of reasons.
    The extra width isn't hurting anything. Technically that tire is slightly taller too but almost immeasurably so considering tread wear.
  • enblethen's avatar
    enblethen
    Nomad
    Jul 30, 2021
    I would not worry about that small difference. Make sure ratings are the equal.
    They may also be an option, but that little difference I doubt it.

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