Ford E-150 Tire Size Question

[ryry4730]

Hi Everyone,

I am new to the forum and new to the van world. I just purchased a 2012 Ford E-150 8-passenger van that I plan to convert into a fun, camp/surf rig. I am starting with outside modifications to begin with before I turn to the inside. I have already ordered some gear from Aluminess (roof rack/nerf bars/ ladder, etc.) and have put in my deposit with Camburg for their Baja Performance Kit w/ Fox 2.0 shocks.

I apologize if this question has already been answered but I cannot locate anything similar through my different search queries: Camburg recommends 285/75R16 as the tire size for this kit but they say on their site that the E-150 should have 265/75R16 tires. Why is this? Is it due to weight or power? I have the smaller, 4.6 engine w/ 4-speed automatic transmission. The dealer printout says the stock axle ratio is 4.10.

The stock tires are 225's so I know it's quite a jump up but I really like the way the 285's look. However, I would hate to have a major issue running these instead of the recommended 265's. When I called Camburg to ask about this, I think the person I was talking to was new as he didn’t have any more information other than that’s what they recommend.

I do not have a slider door so there won’t be a clearance issue. I won’t be towing anything with the van and I don’t plan on making it extremely heavy. Any information regarding this would be incredibly helpful as I am stuck on what to do!

[Bbasso]

I hate to sound like a smart ass but if they recommended tire size why don't you ask them why?
And if they don't answer think about the customer service...

There is a large portion of us that recommend the 6.8 or a diesel for moving our flying bricks with big tires. There are a bunch of people that have the 5.4 and are pleased (but secretly wish for more) with it but I don't recall anyone using the 4.6...

[reelchef67]

I would be thinking with 4.10 and a 4.6 285 would make your van gutless... I notice a difference going from 225 to 245 even with 5.4.

[BajaSportsmobile]

We have a customer who wanted the 4.6L, we converted it to our Agile Off-Road Long Travel TTB 4X4 system, 4.56 gears and 285's. It is a full build out with Pent House and he loves it.

He will never tow anything and like the performance and economy that fits his lifestyle.

On another note:

I just towed my 26 foot enclosed trailer, loaded with axles and transfer cases, 1000 miles from Cabo to San Diego. Trailer weighed 6,000 pounds, Sportsmobile weighed ~9,000 pounds - EB, PH, SMB, 5.4L, 4.10, 285's.

If you have driven that road, you know how challenging it is - narrow, steep 1st gear hills. We got run off the road once, yellow pinstriped the red trailer on a big rigs side mirror while passing him with no shoulder and no room and did 22 miles of rough dirt road between Hwy 1 and Coco's Corner and Gonzaga Bay.

Van did well, but I would have like to have had 4.86 gears, for the hills and better acceleration. Once I hit 70 mph it was in the power band and did fine in Overdrive, but below that... I probably drove 70% of the trip with the Overdrive turned off.

[depark]

My experience is the same as BajaSportmobile. It does fine but don't expect a racer.
Cheers

[ryry4730]

Thank you all for your insight!