Tires for 2017 Expedition

[kristhurman]

Any recommendations on tires (275/65R18) for a 2017 Expedition XL 4WD?

 

[BigOleFordFan]

There are many threads on this subject already, but it appears that Michelin Defenders & Pirelli's are among the favorites for most normal, everyday uses...

But to get a more accurate recommendation, you should state your usage, truck model/trim, current rim & tire size, whether you have 4WD or 2WD, as well as if you have made any mods to the suspension already... ie lifts, spacers etc...

 

[kristhurman]

There are many threads on this subject already, but it appears that Michelin Defenders & Pirelli's are among the favorites for most normal, everyday uses...

But to get a more accurate recommendation, you should state your usage, truck model/trim, current rim & tire size, whether you have 4WD or 2WD, as well as if you have made any mods to the suspension already... ie lifts, spacers etc...

BOFF: Thanks! I'm new to the site and still figuring out the lay of the land. I appreciate you taking the time to respond.

 

[chuck s]

I feel your pain as I search for replacement tires this year as well as the tires on my 2017 have aged out although they still have tread.

The easy recommendation is just replace with the same tires that are on it now. I've never been impressed (either way) with the P-metric Goodyear Wranglers that came on mine from the factory. But mediocre and competent are close cousins.

Tire Rack lists 105 different tires in my tire size. Many are not suitable but there's still a zillion choices. Since this is a 4x4 I like a bit of dirt road capability which is probably obtainable with nothing more than all seasons.

-- Chuck

 

[rollinstone]

My Michelin Defenders have served us well for 6 years. Dang I hate replacing tires with so much tread remaining! We only put about 5000 a year on them…tow vehicle…so they age out before wearing out.

 

[BigOleFordFan]

I feel your pain as I search for replacement tires this year as well as the tires on my 2017 have aged out although they still have tread.

The easy recommendation is just replace with the same tires that are on it now. I've never been impressed (either way) with the P-metric Goodyear Wranglers that came on mine from the factory. But mediocre and competent are close cousins.

Tire Rack lists 105 different tires in my tire size. Many are not suitable but there's still a zillion choices. Since this is a 4x4 I like a bit of dirt road capability which is probably obtainable with nothing more than all seasons.

-- Chuck

Well that's just one more reason why I avoid tire crack like the plague, they purposely put up so many choices to confuse you, hoping you will be foolish enough to ask for advice, which of course lets them recommend whatever tire they are getting the highest mfgr kickbacks/commissions on that particular week/month, regardless of whether it is actually the best tire for YOU, your vehicle and driving habits...

The Wranglers that came with my 011 are ok, but certainly nothing extraordinary. They ride & handle ok, but I really want to move up to a higher-tier tire, if for no other reason as to have a basis for comparison, so that next time I can hopefully make the best choice...

My Michelin Defenders have served us well for 6 years. Dang I hate replacing tires with so much tread remaining! We only put about 5000 a year on them…tow vehicle…so they age out before wearing out.

Can you elaborate please ?

If the tires still have a good amount of tread, the sidewalls are sound, and they hold air, I would not consider their age as the 1st reason to replace them, especially at 5k...IMHO that's just wasting money & adding to the landfill problem we already have..

The Defenders on my dad's Suburban, which he put on in 2017, have about 55K on them, and still look almost new. And like you, he only drives ~5K/yr, with an occasion trailer pull to the landfill or moving furniture, lumber, drywall, or other stuff here & there

 

[rollinstone]

Often tires will age out before they wear out. So, even if a tire has good tread there is internal wear and tear brought on by age. Tires that are pushing 6-10 years (depending on make and model) are candidates for retirement. My Defenders have about 35,000-40,000+ on them (5000-6000 per year towing). The DOT date on them is 0517 which means they were manufactured in Feb 2017…more than 7 years old. So even a low mileage tire with good tread will age out. Appearance is not always the determining factor whether a tire should be replaced or not.

 

[chuck s]

Seven (7) year old tires are nearing end-of-life as the rubber ages and starts developing little spiderweb cracks on the service. It you never leave town no sweat. I'll spend a bit of money to minimize the risk of leaving my wife or daughter on the side of the road. 2017 to 2024 is right at the concern point as far as I'm concerned. A convenience issue if nothing more -- who wants to ruin a vacation searching for a tire(s). Running 13 year old tires on other than your lawn tractor seems risky.

BTW I'm looking at Continental Terrain Contact A/T.

-- Chuck

 

[Fasttimes]

Defender LTX, hands down. The best tires I've had on any of my SUVs.

 

[bloodhound]

Defender LTX, hands down. The best tires I've had on any of my SUVs.

Same here

 

[TavernWench]

Looking at 275's?
I'm looking at 285's just wish I could see the difference at the rear

 

[chuck s]

Based on the last 48 hours I'm pleased with the Continental Terrain Contact A/T in OEM 275/65R18 size.

-- Chuck

 

[BigOleFordFan]

Looking at 275's?
I'm looking at 285's just wish I could see the difference at the rear

Can you please elaborate on your concerns about the rear ?

285's MIGHT work, but you should also be checking on the clearance & rubbing (or not) on the front fenders/frame when the wheels are turned all the way to the sides....on some models the clearances can be really tight if you go with a tire that is a lot wider than the stock ones, on others not so much

Just a thought !

 

[chuck s]

A quick glance at the Tire Size Calculator comparing a 275/65-18 vs 285/65-18 tire shows what appears to be inconsequential differences. For example tire width is 0.4" wider -- 0.2" on each edge. (No surprise 'cuz 10mm is 0.4".)

Checking Tire Rack for available tire sizes in 285 width shows the majority of the 285 tires are Light Truck tires which run much higher tire pressures and make the Expedition ride like a truck.

-- Chuck

 

[M Mack]

We've been running B.F Goodrich Advantage T/A Sport LT and have been really happy with them. My priority is always wet weather traction and braking with everything else taking a back seat.