Thinking of putting 275/55R20 AT tires on my '16 Explorer. Found some info online but not much. Anyone here tried it?
I don’t have any specific advice, but that Explorer looks amazing with those tires!
Hollis said:
I don’t have any specific advice, but that Explorer looks amazing with those tires!
Right? I thought so too! Not finding much info on this size though.
Hollis said:
I don’t have any specific advice, but that Explorer looks amazing with those tires!
Yeah, it totally transforms the look.
I don’t think you’ll have enough clearance. With tires that size, you’d lose some utility since turning might be an issue with any compression in the front, and the back may struggle with heavy loads or towing.
Plus, you’d be adding more rotational mass, which can lower acceleration, reduce fuel economy a bit, and make the tires cost more. What’s the upside for you? Proper-sized ATs could work fine without going oversize unless you’re lifting it.
Did some digging and found a pic where someone used 275/55R20’s without a lift, just minor rubbing on full turns. Anyone here actually running this setup? I’m eyeing some 275/55R20 BFG K02s.
Linden said:
Did some digging and found a pic where someone used 275/55R20’s without a lift, just minor rubbing on full turns. Anyone here actually running this setup? I’m eyeing some 275/55R20 BFG K02s.
There goes the fuel economy, though.
@Valor
Fuel economy? What fuel economy? 
Right! The Explorer doesn’t get stellar mileage anyway.
Linden said:
Did some digging and found a pic where someone used 275/55R20’s without a lift, just minor rubbing on full turns. Anyone here actually running this setup? I’m eyeing some 275/55R20 BFG K02s.
I’ve heard 265s are a good fit. Planning on trying them out soon.
You’re definitely going to get rubbing with that size. Too far from the 3% recommended size difference. You can go up to 265/50/20 without issues and no need for any reprogramming in Forscan.
Tried that size, and it rubbed too much for my liking. You can trim things down a bit to make it work, but for me, it wasn’t worth the hassle. I ended up going with 265s. I’ve seen some people using 255/55R20s too.
Honestly, with the way the factory 20”s fit, I’d just get KO2s in 255/50R20. They fill out the wheel well perfectly without rubbing and keep your speedometer accurate. I recently put Falken A/Ts on my wife’s ‘16 Explorer, and they look amazing.
@Koa
Interesting! But I only see 265/60R20 and 275/55R20 in KO2s on the BFG site.
Linden said:
@Koa
Interesting! But I only see 265/60R20 and 275/55R20 in KO2s on the BFG site.
That’s odd. Well, between those two sizes, the 265/60R20 would be a tad taller than the 275s. If you’re set on KO2s, I’d suggest measuring your clearance and checking with a reliable shop to see if they’ll work. I agree with others—your pic looks awesome!
Why go with KO2s on an Explorer? The BFG Sport TAs might be better suited for how you’ll probably use it.
Darby said:
Why go with KO2s on an Explorer? The BFG Sport TAs might be better suited for how you’ll probably use it.
Oh, you know my driving conditions? Appreciate the assumption, lol.
@Linden
Well, considering the Explorer’s design, I assume you’re not doing hardcore off-roading. It’s got limited ground clearance and approach angles, so it’s not exactly built for heavy-duty off-road. Plus, aggressive AT tires are louder, not great in the rain, and they’re pricey. A good crossover tire might be a better fit.
@Darby
How do you know it’s only FWD? Even if it’s AWD, it’s not the same as only front-wheel drive. I use mine for outdoor stuff like camping, hiking, and snowy conditions, which is what some AT tires are perfect for. Not all off-roading is rock crawling—sometimes it’s just dealing with snow and unpaved roads. ATs can be a good balance without needing much more ground clearance.
@Oaklee
With the Explorer’s AWD, you’re still looking at a 60/40 bias to the front. It’s okay for some rough terrain, but the clearance and design still limit it. Just meant that it might not need such aggressive tires like KO2s, especially if winter tires could handle your needs. But if it works for you, go for it.