2017 Ford Transit Tire Size, Pressure & Wheel Specs

As an ASE-certified master technician, I’ve serviced countless commercial vans. The 2017 Ford Transit is an absolute workhorse, but keeping it on the road safely requires strict attention to its tire specifications. Because these vans carry heavy cargo and tools, running the correct commercial-grade (C-type) tires at the proper inflation pressure is critical for handling, fuel economy, and tire lifespan.

Here is your comprehensive guide to the 2017 Ford Transit tire sizes, pressures, and wheel specifications.

Quick Answer: 2017 Ford Transit Tire & Wheel Specs

• OEM Tire Size: 235/65R16C (Single Rear Wheel - SRW) / 195/75R16C (Dual Rear Wheel - DRW)
• Recommended Cold Tire Pressure: 49–52 PSI (Front) / 71–75 PSI (Rear) Always verify with the driver's door B-pillar placard as it varies by 150/250/350 chassis and payload package.
• Bolt Pattern: 5x160mm (SRW) or 6x180mm (DRW)
• Wheel Size & Offset: 16x6.5J (SRW, ~60mm offset) / 16x5.5J (DRW, ~109mm offset)
• Load Index & Speed Rating: 121/119 R (SRW C-Type) or 107/105 R (DRW C-Type)
• Spare Tire Size: Full-size matching spare
• TPMS Frequency: 315 MHz

Tire Sizes by Trim

The 2017 Ford Transit utilizes specific commercial-rated (C) tires. Never replace these with standard Passenger (P) or standard Light Truck (LT) tires that don't meet the load index requirements.

Recommended Replacement Tires

When outfitting a commercial van, prioritize durability, load capacity, and all-weather traction. Here are my top picks for the 2017 Transit:

1. Michelin Agilis CrossClimate (Premium): The gold standard for commercial vans. Offers exceptional tread life, excellent wet/snow traction, and reinforced sidewalls to handle curb scrubbing.
2. Continental VancoFourSeason (Mid-Range): The original equipment choice for many Transits. It provides a quiet ride and solid highway stability under heavy payloads.
3. Hankook Vantra LT (Budget-Friendly): A highly capable commercial tire that offers great value. It delivers respectable durability and payload support without the premium price tag.

When to Inflate to Max Load PSI

Because the Ford Transit is a heavy-duty cargo vehicle, understanding max load inflation is crucial. The rear tires on Transit 250 and 350 models typically require around 71 to 75 PSI to safely support their maximum Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR).

If you are running the van completely empty, you can theoretically drop the rear pressure slightly for ride comfort, but this will trigger the TPMS light. If you are hauling tools, building materials, or a full passenger complement, always inflate to the placard’s maximum recommended pressure. Running heavy loads on underinflated tires causes excessive heat buildup, leading to catastrophic blowouts and severe sidewall degradation.

Lug Nut Torque & Pattern

Proper wheel installation is a matter of life and death on a commercial van. Over-torquing can stretch wheel studs, while under-torquing can cause the wheel to shear off under load.

• Lug Nut Torque: 150 lb-ft (204 Nm). This is significantly higher than most passenger vehicles; do not rely on an impact wrench alone. Always use a calibrated torque wrench.
• Tightening Pattern: Use a traditional 5-lug star pattern for SRW models, or a crisscross/star pattern for the 6-lug DRW models. Ensure mating surfaces are free of rust and debris before mounting.

Common Tire Issues for this Vehicle

1. Premature Outer Edge Wear: The Transit is tall and heavy. Taking corners too fast while fully loaded causes intense scrubbing on the outer shoulders of the front tires.
2. Rear Tire Cupping: Often a result of failing rear shock absorbers or running maximum tire pressure while the cargo area is completely empty for extended periods.
3. TPMS Sensor Failures: Since the 2017 models are aging, the internal batteries in the 315 MHz TPMS sensors are reaching the end of their 7-10 year lifespan. If your tire light flashes for 60-90 seconds upon startup before going solid, you have a dead sensor, not just low pressure.

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