Tire Advice, Please!

[MavCamper]

I am the happy owner of a 2022 Maverick Lariat - FX4 + 4K Tow package, 17” wheels. I love this little truck! If I had one complaint, it would be that the truck sits too low; I am a big fan of the extra visibility that comes from having a higher perch, but in the Maverick it feels like I am sitting at the height of your average sedan. I considered lift kits early on, but the reviews seem mixed and I never acted on it.

In any event, it is time for a set of new tires. I wanted to ask the esteemed members of this forum for some advice. Is there a tire that would help me gain any additional height without creating rubbing or clearance issues of any kind? Absent a height improvement, what tires are you digging most these days? My use is mostly in warm to very hot weather, rarely off-road, occasionally towing but not mission critical.

Last thought before shutting up: I am meh on Pirelli Scorpions. Have had them on multiple vehicles and they seem to wear too quickly.

Thanks in advance for any advice!

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[Gray Goose]

245 is the largest I've read about without rub or lift. 1/2" diameter difference from 235 which is only 1/4" radius.

 

[OleFordGuy]

Don't know what to tell you about height, etc, but imo, for "me" I'm a Michelin only fan hands down for a all season type tire (not off road). Won't be your cheapest option, but hard to beat on quality, safety, mileage and warranty. I'm sure many will debate that and that's fine, everyone has their own opinion, that's a good thing. So my recommendations for you to consider would be the Michelin CrossClimate 2 or the Michelin Defender 2. Good luck in your search and your ultimate purchase!

 

[ATXTACOS]

2024 lariat 4k, my situation reflects yours. I went with light duty AT BFG Trail Terrain 245/65/17. I like them a lot. Street manners are good. Highway gets between 26-30mpg calculated. Gave the truck a more aggressive stance. Next time I'll likely look for a 235/70/17. I really wanted white letters out is the reason I did BFG.

 

[Cancunbadlands]

245/65/R17
Play safe

 

[MavCamper]

Great advice, everyone. Thank you. Looking at the BFGs - just want to make sure they perform well in wet conditions (it's a Florida thing).

Has anyone had a positive experience with a lift kit, or is it just asking for trouble?

 

[Oscarcat]

I am the happy owner of a 2022 Maverick Lariat - FX4 + 4K Tow package, 17” wheels. I love this little truck! If I had one complaint, it would be that the truck sits too low; I am a big fan of the extra visibility that comes from having a higher perch, but in the Maverick it feels like I am sitting at the height of your average sedan. I considered lift kits early on, but the reviews seem mixed and I never acted on it.

In any event, it is time for a set of new tires. I wanted to ask the esteemed members of this forum for some advice. Is there a tire that would help Myme gain any additional height without creating rubbing or clearance issues of any kind? Absent a height improvement, what tires are you digging most these days? My use is mostly in warm to very hot weather, rarely off-road, occasionally towing but not mission critical.

Last thought before shutting up: I am meh on Pirelli Scorpions. Have had them on multiple vehicles and they seem to wear too quickly.

Thanks in advance for any advice!

My 2024 Lariat hybrid came with 18" wheels and Michelin A/S tires. I feel the height is like that of an SUV.

So you might consider finding 18" wheels. Note that the Michelin A/S series has several variants with different tread depths and of course, speed and load ratings.

I am partial to Michelin. They continue to give a good ride as the tire ages and the bladder design [seal against the rim] keeps air in better. Remember to write "tape weights only" on your work order or they will hide them on the inside of the rim.

 

[Surly Old Bill]

Michelin has been the Gold Standard for durability and reliability. Soft compound versions for winter use won't last as long, though.
As for tire size, everyone already mentioned 245 as the largest you can go without hamstringing your truck. Bigger than that, it's just for show, and makes for worse go. Of course there are some who will try to justify their expensive big tire, Tonka Truck aesthetic by saying they "work better", but they don't. A unibody vehicle is a very difficult thing the slap oversize tires on without messing up the CV joints or other drivetrain components. And the shape and clearance of the wheel well openings limits how big you can go, even with a lift. You'd have to raise the body at least 10" to get the narrow spot high enough above the widest part of the tire (the hub) to be able to put on tires that would give you more than an extra 1.5" of ground clearance (3" taller tires). In my boring, practical opinion, it's a fool's errand. If big tires are a goal, just get a body on frame pickup and lift it as much as you want.

 

[MavCamper]

Settled! Thank you very much for your feedback.

 

[d7602002]

My only advice would be no matter what tires you get make sure you have four of them on your truck otherwise you might have an issue. My only advice.

 

[Gray Goose]

My 2024 Lariat hybrid came with 18" wheels and Michelin A/S tires. I feel the height is like that of an SUV.

So you might consider finding 18" wheels. Note that the Michelin A/S series has several variants with different tread depths and of course, speed and load ratings.

18" o.d. is approximately the same as 17". Difference is less sidewall on th 18"

 

[surfstar]

It's all relative. Drive a Prius for a while and the Maverick feels like a lifted truck - lol

I'd be wary of weight of the tires since you're upsizing - find a few models you like and compare their weights in the size you want. Excess weight kills mpg and acceleration - most notably in town.

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