Published by Rims & Tires
Compiled & checked by the site's publisher from manufacturer, NHTSA & USTMA data · Updated 2026-07-17
The Ford Transit is the best-selling van in the US — used as cargo vans, passenger vans, box truck cutaways, camper conversions, and service vehicles. Tire requirements for the Transit differ significantly from passenger vehicles: Transit tires must handle heavy payload, sustained highway driving under load, commercial use cycles with high mileage, and in many cases contact with rough loading docks and worksites.
Ford Transit Tire Sizes by Configuration
Ford Transit Low Roof (T-150): typically 235/65R16C on 16-inch steel wheels. The C designation indicates Commercial-grade construction with 6-ply rating. Standard fitment for the smallest Transit configuration.
Ford Transit Medium and High Roof (T-250, T-350): 235/65R16C is the factory single-rear-wheel fitment across every SRW Transit trim, T-150 through T-350, regardless of roof height. 245/75R16 is a common aftermarket upsize on the stock 16-inch wheels, but it is not a factory listing — there is no factory 235/60R17C configuration on the Transit.
Ford Transit Cargo Van at maximum GVWR (T-350HD, T-350HD Dual Rear Wheel): requires higher load range tires at maximum payload. The Transit DRW (dual rear wheel) configuration uses 195/75R16 or 205/75R16 across the dual rear positions.
The C in the tire size designation (e.g., 235/65R16C) indicates a commercial-grade tire construction — 6-ply equivalent load range, designed for vans and light trucks at commercial GVWR. Standard passenger tires (without C designation) are not appropriate for a loaded Transit.
Best Commercial Tires for the Ford Transit
Michelin Agilis CrossClimate in 235/65R16C: Michelin's commercial all-weather van tire with 3PMSF winter certification. The Agilis line is designed for Transit-type commercial use — high mileage durability, load range appropriate construction, and all-weather capability. One of the most recommended Transit tires for year-round fleet use.
Goodyear Cargo G26: a common OEM specification on Ford Transit and other commercial vans. Well-regarded for highway durability and low noise — appropriate for Transit owners who prioritize on-highway performance over light off-road capability.
Continental VanContact Ultra in 235/65R16C: Continental's Transit-specific commercial van tire. Strong reviews for wet braking performance — important for loaded vans where stopping distance is significantly affected by payload weight.
For budget-conscious fleet operators: the Firestone Transforce AT or Falken GiTi commercial tires in Transit fitments offer competent performance at lower cost per tire — appropriate for cost-sensitive fleets where tire replacement is a regular line item.
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Transit Tire Maintenance for Fleet Use
Transit tires in commercial use wear faster than passenger car tires due to payload weight and high mileage. Fleet operators typically replace Transit tires every 30,000 to 50,000 miles depending on load and driving patterns. Track mileage carefully.
Tire pressure in a loaded Transit is critical: the difference between an empty and fully-loaded Transit can be 2,000+ pounds of additional weight. Tire pressure should be adjusted for load according to the placard inside the driver door, not set to a fixed number regardless of load.
Dual rear wheel configurations require all tires on the same axle to be within 4/32 of tread depth of each other — mismatched tread depths on duals cause the tire with more tread to carry more load, accelerating wear and stress unevenly.
Best Tires for the Ford Transit Van at a glance
| Tire | Size | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Michelin Agilis CrossClimate | 235/65R16C | Michelin's commercial all-weather van tire with 3PMSF winter certification — high mileage durability, load range appropriate construction. One of the most recommended Transit tires for year-round fleet use. |
| Goodyear Cargo G26 | Not specified | a common OEM specification on Ford Transit and other commercial vans. Well-regarded for highway durability and low noise. |
| Continental VanContact Ultra | 235/65R16C | Continental's Transit-specific commercial van tire. Strong reviews for wet braking performance — important for loaded vans where stopping distance is significantly affected by payload weight. |
| Firestone Transforce AT or Falken GiTi | Not specified | for budget-conscious fleet operators — competent performance at lower cost per tire, appropriate for cost-sensitive fleets where tire replacement is a regular line item. |
Frequently asked
What size tires does the Ford Transit use?
Every SRW Transit trim — T-150, T-250, and T-350, any roof height — shares the same factory fitment: 235/65R16C. 245/75R16 is a popular aftermarket upsize on the stock 16-inch wheels, but it's never a factory listing, and there's no factory 235/60R17C configuration. DRW T-350HD: 195/75R16 or 205/75R16 across the dual rear positions. Always verify with the door jamb placard — Transit GVWR affects required load range.
Can you put regular passenger tires on a Ford Transit?
No — a loaded Transit exceeds what standard passenger tires are rated for. Commercial-grade C or E load range tires are required. Using passenger tires on a loaded Transit is a safety risk and will cause premature tire failure.
How long do Ford Transit tires last?
30,000 to 50,000 miles in typical commercial use. Heavily loaded vans in urban stop-and-go driving may wear tires faster. Highway-dominant use patterns extend tire life.
What are the best Ford Transit tires for a camper conversion?
Michelin Agilis CrossClimate (all-weather, 3PMSF) or Goodyear Cargo G26 are strong choices for Transit camper conversions. Camper conversions often add significant roof and interior weight — verify the total loaded weight is within your tire's load rating. Many camper builds approach or exceed the Transit's payload rating.
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Last updated 2026-07-17. General guidance only — confirm specifics with a local shop for your exact vehicle.