The 2006 Ford Trucks Explorer sits in the era when SUVs had fully moved into everyday family use while still carrying real truck-based utility and a strong presence on the road. By this point, the Explorer could be found in comfort-oriented trims as well as more rugged configurations, so tire selection is tied closely to the exact sub-model and wheel setup. This model uses radial tire fitments in 235/65R18, 245/65R17, or 235/70R16. Available choices range from all-terrain raised white letter styling to wide whitewall radials in 235/70R16. The right pick depends on whether the goal is stock-type road use, a distinctive appearance, or verifying fitment on an Explorer that may have seen wheel changes over time.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 2006 Ford Trucks Explorer
Three primary tire sizes apply to the 2006 Ford Trucks Explorer, and they vary by sub-model and wheel diameter. The first step is confirming the exact trim and whether the vehicle is on 16-inch, 17-inch, or 18-inch wheels, since the available sizes are not interchangeable simply because they belong to the same model year. Once that is settled, the decision becomes choosing the right radial tire style and product type for the way the Explorer is used.
A 235/65R18 tire uses a 235-millimeter nominal section width, a 65-series aspect ratio, radial construction, and an 18-inch rim diameter. On the 2006 Ford Trucks Explorer, this is one of the larger-wheel factory fitments and belongs only on Explorers set up for 18-inch wheels. It gives the buyer a metric radial format that is familiar in modern replacement sizing, even though product choice shown here is more limited than in the other Explorer sizes. This size is the right starting point when the vehicle already carries the correct 18-inch wheel package and the goal is to stay with that wheel diameter.
A 245/65R17 tire is a metric radial size with a 245-millimeter nominal section width, a 65-series profile, and a 17-inch rim diameter. For the 2006 Ford Trucks Explorer, it applies to certain trim and wheel combinations rather than every version of the vehicle. Available examples in this size include a BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 with raised white letter sidewalls, giving it a more truck-oriented look than a plain highway radial. This size deserves a close look when the Explorer has 17-inch wheels and the owner wants to confirm both wheel width and intended use before choosing an all-terrain style tire.
A 235/70R16 tire combines a 235-millimeter nominal section width with a 70-series aspect ratio, radial construction, and a 16-inch rim diameter. On the 2006 Ford Trucks Explorer, this size appears on trims equipped with 16-inch wheels and offers the broadest visible range of product styles. Choices include an all-terrain BFGoodrich KO2 with raised white letters as well as wide whitewall radials from American Classic and Coker Classic Star Series for a very different appearance. This size is worth evaluating carefully when the Explorer is being maintained for daily driving, given a custom whitewall presentation, or fitted with wheels that need width verification.
Tire fitment on the 2006 Ford Trucks Explorer depends on the exact sub-model and wheel package, not just the model name alone. Some trims share more than one tire size, so confirming the current wheel diameter is just as important as confirming the trim badge.
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2006 Ford Trucks Explorer Eddie Bauer
The 2006 Ford Trucks Explorer Eddie Bauer uses either 235/65R18 or 245/65R17 radial tires depending on the wheel setup. That means tire selection starts with confirming whether the vehicle is on 18-inch or 17-inch wheels before comparing available product styles and road-use priorities.
The 2006 Ford Trucks Explorer Limited also uses either 235/65R18 or 245/65R17 in radial construction. Choosing correctly comes down to matching the tire to the wheel diameter already on the vehicle and then deciding whether a more truck-focused or more standard road-use presentation makes sense.
The 2006 Ford Trucks Explorer XLS uses 235/70R16 radial tires. With one primary size tied to this sub-model, the real decision shifts to product style, including whether the vehicle calls for a straightforward radial, an all-terrain look, or a wide whitewall treatment.
The 2006 Ford Trucks Explorer XLT can use either 235/70R16 or 245/65R17 radial tires depending on wheel fitment. Tire selection therefore starts with verifying the actual rim diameter on the vehicle, especially if the Explorer has changed hands or has had wheels replaced at some point.
The tire sizes listed on this page assume factory-standard vehicle configuration. The following modifications may affect tire fitment and are not reflected in this guide:
Suspension changes (lowering, lift kits, spring replacements)
Body alterations (fender modifications, custom bodywork)
If your vehicle has been modified from factory specifications, verify tire clearance before purchase.
Best 2006 Ford Trucks Explorer Tires for Sale
Available Explorer tire choices center on 245/65R17 and 235/70R16, with BFGoodrich all-terrain radial options in raised white letter form and 235/70R16 wide whitewall radials from American Classic and Coker Classic. The visible product range spans truck-style utility and more appearance-driven styling.
Common questions for the 2006 Ford Trucks Explorer usually come down to identifying the correct size by trim and wheel diameter, then comparing radial tire styles, sidewall treatments, and practical fitment checks before road use.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 2006 Ford Trucks Explorer?
The 2006 Ford Trucks Explorer uses three primary radial tire sizes: 235/65R18, 245/65R17, and 235/70R16. The correct size depends on the exact sub-model and, just as importantly, the wheel diameter on the vehicle.
An Eddie Bauer or Limited may use either 17-inch or 18-inch fitment, while the XLS uses 235/70R16 and the XLT may use 235/70R16 or 245/65R17. Matching the tire to the wheel already on the Explorer is the key first step, especially on vehicles that may have had replacement wheels installed over the years.
What size rim does a 2006 Ford Trucks Explorer use?
A 2006 Ford Trucks Explorer can use 16-inch, 17-inch, or 18-inch rims, depending on the sub-model and tire size. The associated tire sizes are 235/70R16 for 16-inch rims, 245/65R17 for 17-inch rims, and 235/65R18 for 18-inch rims.
That makes wheel confirmation essential before choosing tires. Looking only at the model year is not enough, because several trims used more than one wheel package. A quick check of the current tire sidewall and the wheel itself helps prevent ordering the right Explorer tire size for the wrong rim diameter.
Do all 2006 Ford Trucks Explorer sub-models use the same tire size?
No. The 2006 Ford Trucks Explorer uses different tire sizes across its sub-model lineup. The XLS uses 235/70R16, the XLT uses either 235/70R16 or 245/65R17, and the Eddie Bauer and Limited use either 245/65R17 or 235/65R18.
This matters because trim name alone still does not settle the question if the sub-model had more than one wheel option. The most reliable approach is to confirm both the sub-model and the current wheel diameter, then compare tires within that exact size for sidewall style, road-use character, and wheel-width compatibility.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 2006 Ford Trucks Explorer tire?
Start with the correct size for the Explorer's trim and wheel diameter: 235/70R16, 245/65R17, or 235/65R18. From there, the main considerations are construction type, sidewall appearance, rim-width compatibility, and whether the vehicle is being used more like a daily SUV or with a more truck-oriented purpose.
The visible product mix shows that some choices lean toward all-terrain styling, while others change the look dramatically with a wide whitewall treatment. It also helps to compare load capacity and wheel-width range within the chosen size, especially if the Explorer carries passengers, gear, or replacement wheels that may differ from its original setup.
What sidewall styles are available for 2006 Ford Trucks Explorer tires?
The available sidewall styles shown for the 2006 Ford Trucks Explorer are raised white letter and wide whitewall. Raised white letter appears on BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 products, while wide whitewall appears on 235/70R16 radial options from American Classic and Coker Classic.
That gives the Explorer owner two very different visual directions. Raised white letter suits a more rugged SUV or truck-style presentation, while wide whitewalls create a custom or nostalgic look that stands apart from standard late-model SUV fitment. The right choice depends on the exact tire size, the wheel on the vehicle, and the appearance the owner wants.
What brands offer tires for the 2006 Ford Trucks Explorer?
BFGoodrich, American Classic, and Coker Classic all offer tires within the visible 2006 Ford Trucks Explorer fitments. BFGoodrich appears in 245/65R17 and 235/70R16 with the All-Terrain T/A KO2, while American Classic and Coker Classic appear in 235/70R16 wide whitewall radial form.
Brand choice here is less about declaring one better than another and more about matching the Explorer to the intended use and look. A buyer comparing these options should focus on the correct size first, then review sidewall treatment, tire series, rim-width fitment, and load specifications that suit the vehicle's actual wheel and driving plans.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 2006 Ford Trucks Explorer?
A period-style 2006 Ford Trucks Explorer usually starts with keeping the correct wheel diameter and tire size for the specific trim, then choosing a radial with an appearance that suits the vehicle. For a more conventional truck-SUV look, the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 is one visible option in applicable sizes.
A different visual direction is possible in 235/70R16, where wide whitewall radials create a customized appearance rather than a typical mid-2000s SUV presentation. Owners concerned with exact original-delivery appearance should compare the vehicle against window-sticker records, period photos, or marque-specific references before treating any brand or sidewall style as authentic to that Explorer.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 2006 Ford Trucks Explorer?
Construction is straightforward on the 2006 Ford Trucks Explorer because the primary fitments here are all radial. That means appearance changes come less from bias-ply versus radial choice and more from the size itself, the wheel diameter, and the sidewall treatment selected within the correct Explorer fitment.
A raised white letter all-terrain radial gives the vehicle a more rugged, truck-like character, while a wide whitewall radial produces a much more customized look. Keeping the proper size for the trim matters visually too, because the Explorer's stance and wheel-to-tire proportion can change noticeably when the tire no longer matches the intended wheel package.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 2006 Ford Trucks Explorer?
Yes. Modifications can affect tire fitment on a 2006 Ford Trucks Explorer even when the tire size itself is correct for one of the model's original wheel packages. Aftermarket wheels, different wheel widths, altered offsets, suspension changes, or ride-height changes can all change how a tire sits in the wheelwell.
That is especially important on an Explorer with multiple factory rim diameters across the lineup. A modified vehicle should be checked for steering clearance, fender clearance, and wheel-width suitability before settling on a tire. Even a stock-size tire deserves a second look when the wheel or suspension setup no longer matches the original trim configuration.
What should I inspect before driving a 2006 Ford Trucks Explorer on new tires?
Before driving a 2006 Ford Trucks Explorer on new tires, check that the tire size matches the wheel diameter and trim, and inspect the wheels for damage or excessive corrosion. It also helps to confirm proper inflation, lug-nut torque, and that there is no visible interference at the fenders, suspension, or steering components.
A careful road-use check should also include alignment behavior, vibration, and any unusual rubbing on turns or over bumps. Since some Explorer trims used more than one tire size, it is smart to recheck the sidewall markings after installation and confirm that all four tires match the intended setup rather than relying on trim name alone.
How often should tires on a 2006 Ford Trucks Explorer be inspected?
Tires on a 2006 Ford Trucks Explorer should be inspected regularly, not just when tread looks low. Frequent checks for air loss, uneven wear, cuts, bulges, and sidewall cracking are worthwhile, especially on an SUV that may see changing loads, seasonal driving, or long periods between close visual inspections.
Vehicles that are driven less often still benefit from routine checks because aging and pressure loss can develop without obvious mileage. A quick inspection before longer trips is a good habit, and any Explorer with replacement wheels or a nonstandard setup should also be watched for uneven wear patterns that may point to alignment or clearance issues.
