What size tires are on a Ford Transit van?
There isn’t a single tire size for Ford Transit vans. Tire sizes vary by model year, body type, wheel option, and trim; most Transits use 16, 17, or 18-inch wheels with 235–255 mm wide tires and commercial load ratings. The exact size is printed on the door jamb placard and in the owner’s manual.
Why tire size varies on the Transit
The Transit lineup includes multiple configurations: cargo versus passenger variants, different roof heights, and different wheel packages. Because of this, Ford offered several OEM sizes over the years. For safety and performance, always use the size Ford specifies for your exact build.
Common OEM sizes by wheel diameter (representative examples for recent models):
- 16-inch wheels: typically 235/65R16C (common on many cargo configurations).
- 17-inch wheels: commonly 235/60R17C or 255/65R17C (seen on mid- to high-trim vans with alloy wheels).
- 18-inch wheels: often 255/60R18C (found on higher-trim or optioned-wheel packages).
Note: The exact tire size depends on your model year, trim, roof height, and wheel package. Check the placard in the door jamb or the owner's manual to confirm.
How to verify the exact tire size for your Transit
To ensure you buy the correct tires, use official sources and inspect markings on the vehicle. The steps below help confirm the precise size for your van:
- Check the driver's door jamb placard, which lists the recommended tire size, load index, and speed rating for front and rear tires.
- Inspect the tire sidewall of the currently installed tires; the size is printed there (for example, 235/65R16C).
- Consult the owner's manual or a Ford dealer's VIN-based build sheet for the exact specification tied to your VIN, especially if the van has been modified.
- When shopping, match the size, load rating, and speed rating as listed on the placard. If you replace tires with a different size, consult a professional about clearance and performance implications.
Conclusion: Accurate tire sizing is essential for load handling, safety, and performance; always verify the exact size for your Transit configuration.
Practical considerations for tire choice
Beyond size, consider load rating (C or higher for most cargo configurations), speed rating, tread pattern for your climate, and whether you need all-season or winter tires. For commercial fleets, sticking with OEM-recommended sizes helps maintain payload capacity and handling.
Summary
The Ford Transit does not have a single universal tire size. Sizes vary by year, model, wheel diameter (16", 17", or 18"), and configuration. To ensure correct tires, check the door placard, owner’s manual, or a Ford dealer’s VIN-based build sheet, and replace with the same size and rating unless a professional guidance is followed.
