My 2005 XLT came with bizaar 18 inch tires. Specifically 275/65/18. My 18 inch choices are limited, expensive and most tire dealers argu with me, that my Ford Truck didn't come with 18 inch tires. I am considering a long term cheaper alternative by going to a 17 inch tire with new wheels. My problem is finding a 17 inch tire that will keep my truck the same height and not mess with my speedometer too much. I would appreciate an recomendations or feedback. Thanks.

 

Your 18"s are not that uncommon. A lot of the trucks came with them actually. Tire dealers arguing with you seems absurd.

Try out this calculator. It's very helpful in comparing a variety of tire sizes and wheel sizes against what you currently have:
Tire Size Calculator - tire & wheel plus sizing

If you think about the cost comparison, you're better off finding new 18" tires, than buying 4 new 17" wheels and new 17" tires.

 

I figure that buying 17's now long term will be the best way to go. At least where I live, the difference between 17" and 18" aside from the low choices is about $40-$90 more a tire. I tried to get the exact same tires I have on my truck, Wranglers, problem is they do not make them anymore in my size (according the Evans Tires). They suggest Falkens, which I personally wouldn't wish on a Chevy owner, so I am not putting them on my truck.

 

The 275/65/18's are a common tire..for some F-150's and also Superdutys. Your tire dealer is screwy. Most 150's had a 'P' series tire... all Superdutys get an 'LT'...maybe try an LT275/65/18. instead of a P275/65/18. LT is light truck..P is passenger.

 

I think if you go on Goodyear's site you'll see they do carry that size. Most of the other well known companies do, as well.

HYPO

 

i have and like 17's but if you want to keep your speedo good than get an edge evolution, it will fix the speedo no matter what size tires to get and will work as a guage cluster, give you more power if you want and make your trans work soooo much better.

 

Where abouts in the Country are you?

You may want to check out Tire Rack - Your performance experts for tires and wheels or Discount Tire, Custom Wheels, Truck & Car Rims | Discount Tire. You'll be able to put in a size that you're after, and see all the available choices in that size.

It also sounds like you need to find another tire shop. They are probably a dealer for certain brands, and are not happy going outside of the box. That's what I love about the shop I go to, they aren't a dealer, just a 4WD shop that does great work. They can get me almost anything.

 

I had a tire dealer tell me the same thing about my stock 17's... that only Ford uses them and he could not get the tire I wanted in that size, and yet it is funny that I called two other dealers and they were able to get them and said that it is not uncommon, and Ford is pretty much the only one who uses that particular size, but are readily available! Depends on the dealer and how hard they want to work I guess! Or what they want to stock and sell. I would go to a different tire dealer!

 

Greeting from the "Great snowy north"!
I just completed a search for my '04 F150 4x4. LT275 65 18 C load range was the stock rubber. I upsized slightly to LT 275 70 18 in an E load range Several tire choices are available; Goodyear, BFG, General , Toyo, Falken, Nitto to name a few. Check around. It sounds like your shop is not being totally up front with you! Unless you live way south, don't tow or carry a load, experience no Snow or ice and never travel off pavement, a passenger rated tire is very light for a pickup. A load range C, D or E should give you better service and wear. It is not unreasonable to spend $200 to 300 a tire for good rubber here in Western Canada. Check out the "Tire rack " site. Lots of good info and reviews there!
Good luck on your hunt!

 

I have a related question- I have a 07' Lariat supercab does anyone know what the stock original brand of tires were?

 

If you have the original owner manual, the original tire warranty papers might still be in there. My truck didn't come with the original owner manual when I purchased it used, but the wife's Taurus did and the original tire warranty papers were in the owner manual packet.

 

The sticker on the inside jamb of the driver's door will have the info for the stock size and pressure of the tires. General, Pirelli, Goodyear and Firestone were often OEM.

 

Thanks! I actually found the different options for that truck that year. Mine has the 20 inch Pirelli's.