The 2009 Ford Trucks Expedition sits in the full-size SUV segment where passenger comfort, towing capability, and long-wheelbase family hauling all meet. In standard and EL form, it was built to cover a lot of ground while carrying more weight and space than a typical crossover. Tire fitment is not one-size-fits-all here, because this Expedition uses 265/70R17, 255/70R18, or 275/55R20 radial sizes depending on the sub-model and wheel package. That makes wheel diameter the first thing to confirm, especially when comparing trims or replacing tires on a used truck. Once the correct size is established, the focus shifts to load capacity, sidewall style, and how the truck is actually driven.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 2009 Ford Trucks Expedition
The 2009 Ford Trucks Expedition uses three different primary tire sizes, and they are tied to different sub-model and wheel combinations. Because those sizes span 17-inch, 18-inch, and 20-inch rims, the first step is confirming the actual wheel diameter on the truck before choosing a replacement. Once that is settled, the real comparison becomes load capacity, tire character, and whether the truck is being kept close to stock or has had wheel changes over time.
Fit(s): EL Eddie Bauer, EL King Ranch, EL Limited, EL XLT, Eddie Bauer, King Ranch, Limited, and XLT
Construction: Radial|Rim: 18 in
255/70R18 is a metric radial size in which 255 is the section width in millimeters, 70 is the aspect ratio, R identifies radial construction, and 18 is the rim diameter in inches. On the 2009 Ford Trucks Expedition, this size represents one of the main stock-style fitments used across several trims. It is a useful reference point for owners who want to stay with an 18-inch wheel setup and preserve the truck's intended overall tire profile. Before replacing it, confirm that the vehicle still has its original 18-inch wheels and has not been changed to another diameter.
Fit(s): EL Eddie Bauer, EL King Ranch, EL Limited, Eddie Bauer, King Ranch, and Limited
Construction: Radial|Rim: 20 in
275/55R20 is a metric radial size with a 275-millimeter section width, a 55-series profile, and a 20-inch rim diameter. This fitment is associated with Expedition configurations that carry a larger wheel package, so it should not be selected simply because it is another size used somewhere in the 2009 Expedition range. Its lower profile compared with the other Expedition sizes also makes wheel confirmation especially important when replacing tires on a truck that may have changed hands. Matching the existing wheel diameter and checking clearance remain the key steps.
265/70R17 is a metric radial size where 265 gives the section width in millimeters, 70 is the aspect ratio, and 17 is the rim diameter in inches. For the 2009 Ford Trucks Expedition, this size appears on certain trims using a 17-inch wheel, and it is the size with currently available BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 options. Those choices use raised white letter sidewalls and vary in load capacity, weight, and service specification. This size deserves a closer look if the truck sees utility use, light off-pavement driving, or replacement with a more truck-oriented tread style.
Sub-model fitment on the 2009 Ford Trucks Expedition varies, and several trims were offered with more than one tire size depending on wheel package. Checking the exact trim and the actual wheel diameter on the truck matters before selecting a tire, especially on used vehicles that may no longer wear their original wheels.
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2009 Ford Trucks Expedition EL Eddie Bauer
The 2009 Ford Trucks Expedition EL Eddie Bauer uses either an 18-inch or 20-inch radial fitment rather than a single universal size. That means tire selection starts with confirming which wheel package is on the truck, then choosing a replacement that matches the intended ride, load use, and overall appearance.
The 2009 Ford Trucks Expedition EL King Ranch carries two possible radial tire sizes tied to different wheel diameters. A correct replacement depends on verifying whether the truck has the 18-inch or 20-inch setup before comparing tire options or considering any change from its present configuration.
The 2009 Ford Trucks Expedition EL Limited can use either of two radial sizes, so trim name alone is not enough to choose a tire. Wheel diameter should be checked first, then the replacement can be narrowed by the type of driving the vehicle sees and the style of tire that suits it.
The 2009 Ford Trucks Expedition EL XLT uses either a 17-inch or 18-inch radial fitment, making wheel confirmation especially important. Once the actual setup is known, the decision shifts to whether the truck needs a more standard road tire approach or a more truck-oriented replacement within the correct size.
The 2009 Ford Trucks Expedition Eddie Bauer has the widest fitment spread in this group, with 17-inch, 18-inch, and 20-inch radial sizes all appearing under the same sub-model name. That makes the actual wheel package on the vehicle more important than the badge when narrowing the correct replacement tire.
The 2009 Ford Trucks Expedition King Ranch uses either an 18-inch or 20-inch radial tire depending on wheel setup. Tire selection should begin with the wheel diameter on the truck, then move to practical factors such as load rating, tread character, and how the SUV is used on the road.
The 2009 Ford Trucks Expedition Limited appears with two radial fitment paths tied to different wheel diameters. A buyer or owner should confirm the existing wheels before replacing tires, since both size and profile change between the 18-inch and 20-inch combinations.
The 2009 Ford Trucks Expedition XLT uses either a 17-inch or 18-inch radial tire size depending on configuration. That means the most useful first check is the wheel itself, followed by choosing a tire that matches the truck's use, load demands, and preferred road manners.
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 2009 Ford Trucks Expedition Tires for Sale
Current product coverage is centered on 265/70R17, where BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 options are available with raised white letter sidewalls, radial construction, and the same 17-inch rim fitment but different load and weight specifications.
These FAQs focus on 2009 Ford Trucks Expedition tire sizing, wheel-diameter differences between trims, available 265/70R17 product choices, and the fitment checks that matter before road use or replacing tires on a used SUV.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 2009 Ford Trucks Expedition?
A 2009 Ford Trucks Expedition uses one of three radial tire sizes: 265/70R17, 255/70R18, or 275/55R20. The correct size depends on the specific Expedition or Expedition EL sub-model and, just as importantly, the wheel package actually installed on the vehicle.
That means the badge on the liftgate is only part of the answer. Many trims were offered with more than one size, so the safest starting point is checking the size on the current tire and confirming the wheel diameter before ordering replacements. On a used Expedition, wheel swaps are common enough that visual confirmation matters.
What size rim does a 2009 Ford Trucks Expedition use?
The 2009 Ford Trucks Expedition uses 17-inch, 18-inch, or 20-inch rims depending on the tire size and vehicle configuration. A 265/70R17 tire uses a 17-inch rim, a 255/70R18 uses an 18-inch rim, and a 275/55R20 uses a 20-inch rim.
Rim diameter is the first fitment detail to verify because none of these tire sizes can be mounted on the others' wheel diameters. Looking at the tire sidewall or measuring the installed wheel is more reliable than assuming all Expeditions of the same year and trim used one rim size throughout their service life.
Why does the 2009 Ford Trucks Expedition have more than one tire size?
The 2009 Ford Trucks Expedition has more than one tire size because different sub-models and wheel packages were offered across the Expedition and Expedition EL lineup. Some trims use two sizes, while the Expedition Eddie Bauer can appear with 17-inch, 18-inch, or 20-inch fitments.
That variation means replacement tires should be chosen by the actual setup on the truck rather than by year alone. Owners should confirm the exact sub-model, check the wheel diameter, and look for any aftermarket wheel change before selecting tires. Doing that avoids choosing a correct Expedition size that is still wrong for that particular vehicle.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 265/70R17 tire for a 2009 Ford Trucks Expedition?
Start with the basics: the truck must actually use the 265/70R17 size and still wear 17-inch wheels. In this size, the available BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 options share the same basic fitment but differ in service specification, load capacity, weight, and pressure-associated load rating.
That makes intended use an important part of the decision. A lightly used family SUV may not need the same specification as an Expedition that regularly carries heavier loads or sees rougher roads. Sidewall presentation is consistent here with raised white letters, so the more meaningful comparison is load requirement and how demanding the truck's duty cycle really is.
What sidewall styles are available for 2009 Ford Trucks Expedition tires?
Among the currently available products for this 2009 Ford Trucks Expedition fitment, 265/70R17 is offered with an RWL sidewall. That means raised white lettering, a traditional truck and SUV presentation that gives the tire a more pronounced visual character than a plain blackwall.
Sidewall style does not change the basic tire size, but it does affect how the Expedition looks once mounted. Buyers who care about appearance should decide whether they want a more overt truck-style look or a more subdued presentation in another size when additional product choices are available. The sidewall choice should still come after confirming the correct wheel diameter and tire size.
What brands offer tires for the 2009 Ford Trucks Expedition?
Current product availability for the 2009 Ford Trucks Expedition includes BFGoodrich in 265/70R17. The product line represented in that size is the All-Terrain T/A KO2, offered in more than one service specification while keeping the same basic 17-inch radial fitment.
Brand matters most after the fitment is already settled. Once the Expedition's wheel diameter and tire size are confirmed, the better comparison is between the specific specifications available in that size rather than choosing on brand name alone. Load capacity, sidewall style, and the truck's actual use usually have more effect on satisfaction than branding by itself.
Restoration & Appearance
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 2009 Ford Trucks Expedition restoration?
Yes, correct tire fitment matters on a 2009 Ford Trucks Expedition even though it is a newer vehicle than a traditional collector car. The right tire size preserves the relationship between wheel diameter, sidewall profile, and the overall stance the SUV was meant to have in its original trim and wheel-package context.
Appearance can shift noticeably when a 17-inch, 18-inch, or 20-inch setup is substituted without planning. Anyone restoring one should first establish the exact trim and wheel package being represented, then match the tire size to that configuration. If originality is especially important, period brochures, build records, and marque-specific references are worth checking.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 2009 Ford Trucks Expedition?
On the 2009 Ford Trucks Expedition, the primary fitments are radial, so construction choice is less about bias-ply-versus-radial appearance and more about profile, tread character, and sidewall presentation within the correct size. A 17-inch all-terrain tire with raised white letters gives a very different visual effect than a highway-oriented tire on an 18-inch or 20-inch wheel.
That means restoration-oriented buyers should think about both size and style together. The vehicle can look more truck-like, more upscale, or more modern depending on the wheel-and-tire combination installed. To keep the presentation coherent, confirm the correct rim diameter first and choose a tread and sidewall treatment that suits the specific trim being represented.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 2009 Ford Trucks Expedition?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 2009 Ford Trucks Expedition. Aftermarket wheels, suspension changes, ride-height changes, and body alterations can all change the clearances that matter, even when the tire size being considered is one that belongs somewhere in the Expedition lineup.
That is especially important on a model that already spans 17-inch, 18-inch, and 20-inch fitments. A used Expedition may wear non-original wheels or spacers, so checking wheel width, offset, and clearance at full steering lock is smart before replacing tires. Matching the current setup matters more than assuming any Expedition size will work on every modified truck.
What should I inspect before driving a 2009 Ford Trucks Expedition on new tires?
Before driving a 2009 Ford Trucks Expedition on new tires, inspect the wheel diameter, wheel condition, and valve stems, then confirm the tire size matches the actual vehicle setup. It also helps to check lug hardware, inflation pressure, and whether the tires clear suspension and body components through the steering range.
A short test drive should be followed by another look for rubbing, unusual noise, or pressure loss. On an older SUV, alignment condition and worn steering or suspension parts can affect how a fresh set of tires behaves. Catching those issues early helps the new tires wear evenly and prevents a fitment problem from being mistaken for a tire defect.
How often should tires on a 2009 Ford Trucks Expedition be inspected?
Tires on a 2009 Ford Trucks Expedition should be inspected regularly, not just when tread appears low. Monthly pressure checks are a sensible baseline, and visual inspections should look for cracking, punctures, bulges, uneven wear, and any sign that one tire is losing air faster than the others.
Extra attention is worthwhile before road trips, towing, or carrying heavier loads. An Expedition that sits for long periods can also develop age-related issues even if the tread still looks usable. Watching both condition and inflation helps protect ride quality and keeps the chosen 17-inch, 18-inch, or 20-inch fitment performing as intended.