From what I've read in the brochures the XL comes with 255/70R16, the XLT comes with 255/65R17 and the Lariat with 265/60R18. They are all close in diameter from what I can see. So, my question is what is the best choice and what is the advantage to the different sizes? I can't see where the vehicle would sit noticeably higher with the 265/60R18.

 

Same outside diameter just different wheel sizes.

 

The larger wheels "look" better, cost more, and are more likely to be damaged if you hit a hard pothole or road hazard because there is less tire height to absorb the road shock. None of these sizes would be *that* much in danger of getting trashed in normal city driving and potholes. (Some cars use 35-50 series tires, which are almost like rubber bands and which do put expensive wheels in real danger.)

For off-roading, smaller diameter wheels with large diameter tires aired down do the best job conforming to rocks and logs; the original Raptor had 17" wheels with 35" diameter tires for that reason while regular F150's offered 18" and 20" wheels. Maybe even 22"(?) Wheels have grown from a 15" standard on F150's to 17" to clear larger brake rotors, so that is one reason to go to larger wheels, but not *the largest* wheels. I think the current Raptor has moved up to 18" wheels to clear larger brakes.

From a cornering performance standpoint, lower profile tires on taller wheels would theoretically give you better cornering on a road course because they don't flex as much from side to side, but not too many trucks end up on road courses. Mustangs, Corvettes, and Porsches use low-profile tires on large diameter wheels so the tires don't deform as much in hard cornering. The downside is that larger wheels with shorter tires generally weigh more, and I have read tests where a car without a lot of power actually performs better with a smaller wheel size and taller tire because of weight reasons--heavier wheels and tires take more power to accelerate and more brake to slow down and stop.

Larger wheels with shorter tires will also give a harsher ride, again because there is less tire to soak up road shock, and shorter tires will generally have less weight capacity for a given width and total diameter.

My preference is to avoid the largest wheel and shortest tire combos to give more protection on the road, and for lower replacement cost of both tires and wheels. On trucks, I like the "meatier" look of a taller tire on a shorter wheel. Seems like some city folks like huge 24"+ wheels which give a giant flashing spoke effect while cruising around smooth roads, but functionally, they are really dumb and really expensive.

 

Thanks YoGeorge, those were the thoughts I had, the larger tire would seem to soak up potholes better. I'm leaning to the XLT so maybe middle of the road would be fine.

 

The XLT is probably where I would be most comfortable also in terms of a decent equipment level. Although a 65 series tire used to be considered low profile, the wide 255 mm width would still give you some decent air volume and sidewall height. Good luck with your deal.

 

Last time I built the Ranger, a couple days ago, you could get the 18" machined and black wheels on an XLT. My plan, dreaming at this point, would be those wheels with some 275/65/18 on them, maybe even go to a 70 aspect ratio..
One thing for certain, it won't be leaving the dealer with the OEM tires, especially if they're the Handycaca Dynacraps. Some call them Hankook DynaPros.