Recommendation for some Beach tires

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toronado13

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I have a 2017 Expy with 22inch rims (285/45r22), which are not conducive to airing down to drive on the beach in the OBX. I just picked up a set of raptor rims (2012/13 style) and I am thinking about getting some 285/70R17 rubber for them. I have stock suspension and I wasn't planning on lifting, I just wanted to be able to air down for beach driving without popping a bead.

According to the tire size calculator I'd be 1.9% larger -- anyone running these on a stock 3rd gen? Any issues? I saw a couple posts with 2nd gen expys running them fine.

Also, anyone who drives there expy on the beach a bunch, any tire recommendations? I want something that will do well in sand when I air down, but also be good for the 8 hour drive down to the outer banks from Pennsylvania.

275/70R17 +0.3%32.2" 10.8" 17 x 7-8.5"
305/65R17 +1.6%32.6" 12.0" 17 x 8.5-11"
285/70R17 +1.9%32.7" 11.2" 17 x 7.5-9.5"
 

emtmark

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How far down are you going to go?

Sand is a game of footprint or horsepower, frequently both.

Blowing a bead usually comes at speed and in a sudden turn.

Are you just going out n back or carving up some dune?


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mjp2

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That size would be fine. Only a minor increase is diameter shouldn't impact your mileage much.

I'm regularly driving on the beach and been running Bridgestone Dueler A/T Revo 3s without issue. Great traction, quiet on road, amazing tread life. I also tow quite a bit so I get the E load rated model. Never had an issue with them and never got stuck, even in the soft sugar sand we get around here in Jersey.
 

JExpedition07

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I’ll be taking mine on the beach with Michelin LTX highway tires in a month lol.....but my friend will be there in their 4Runner with off-road tires too. I doubt I will get stuck though, a friend of mine takes their RWD Chrysler 300 to the beach. I recall my aunt running her Denali with 22’s on the beach and no issues.
 

Scott Carden

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I’m running Goodyear ultra terrain on 20s with no problems anywhere and they are quiet and seem to last. The tread is super deep.889CF3A6-D3B2-43D1-BC50-79A141D5DFF7.jpeg9059AD3F-001E-40C9-8936-F67F1EDF13A6.jpeg
 
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toronado13

toronado13

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How far down are you going to go?

Sand is a game of footprint or horsepower, frequently both.

Blowing a bead usually comes at speed and in a sudden turn.

Are you just going out n back or carving up some dune?


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Just out and back... just really to hang out and fish... no dune carving for me. I've been out with my Explorer in years past... and I had some Falken Wildpeak AT3W -- and they were fine... but I did get stuck once, so I was just curious if there was something better out there since I'm in the spot where I need to buy some tires. I've usually aired down to about 20.

I think airing down the low profile of the 22s would not get me any more surface area... even if I didn't end up popping it.
 
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toronado13

toronado13

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Ok, so I ended up getting some Falken Wildpeak AT3Ws. I don't know how they will be on the sand yet, but I will report back! Also, for anyone else wondering in the future, I put 2010ish 17" raptor wheels on my expedition and wrapped them in 285/70/17 Wildpeaks. Stock suspension and no rub at all!
 

wbyoung

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Curious to know how you like those tires. I'm about to pull the trigger on a set of 2017 Raptor wheels with 315/70R17 Falken Wildpeak AT3W. Putting the ReadyLIFT 2/3 lift too. I ride the beach in OBX 3 or 4 times a year as well, and I've been doing it with stock 285/45R22 on my 16 Platinum EL. Haven't gotten stuck yet, just don't like the look.
 

Trainmaster

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My 2008's on the beach all the time with Michelin LTX highway tires, and I never got stuck. I air them down to about 15# and take care where I ride. Nothing so soft that I'd sink to the frame. And I bring a Hi-lift jack with straps for the wheels in case I get stuck.
 
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toronado13

toronado13

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Curious to know how you like those tires. I'm about to pull the trigger on a set of 2017 Raptor wheels with 315/70R17 Falken Wildpeak AT3W. Putting the ReadyLIFT 2/3 lift too. I ride the beach in OBX 3 or 4 times a year as well, and I've been doing it with stock 285/45R22 on my 16 Platinum EL. Haven't gotten stuck yet, just don't like the look.

They worked great! In fact, the day you sent this message I was actually driving on the beach with them. They performed fine for me, even with my stock ride height. I'm really happy with them and my raptor wheels.. I felt a lot more confident airing these down rather than the 22s. I still need to grind down to make room for the center caps on the rear yet.

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