The 2012 Nissan Vans NV3500 was built as a full-size work and people-hauling platform, with cargo and passenger configurations that place tire fitment squarely in the category of function first. On this model, the key tire decision starts with sub-model identification, because the NV3500 uses either 245/75R17 or 245/70R17 radial tires on 17-inch rims depending on configuration. That means the choice is less about vintage-style construction and more about matching the van’s exact setup, load needs, and intended use. A correct selection should also account for the wheel size already on the van, overall tire proportions, and whether the vehicle remains stock.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 2012 Nissan Vans NV3500
The 2012 Nissan Vans NV3500 uses two primary tire sizes, and the difference comes down to sub-model rather than a change in basic construction. Both sizes are radial tires for 17-inch rims, so the first step is confirming whether the van is a cargo or passenger configuration and then matching the tire size to that exact version before comparing product details.
In 245/75R17, the 245 identifies the nominal section width in millimeters, 75 is the aspect ratio, R indicates radial construction, and 17 is the wheel diameter in inches. On the 2012 Nissan Vans NV3500, this size is used on certain cargo-van configurations and keeps the fitment within a modern radial format familiar to current buyers. Available choices in this size include a BFGoodrich All Terrain T/A KO2 with raised white letter sidewall styling. This size should be evaluated with the van’s exact sub-model, wheel width, and intended duty in mind before replacement.
Fit(s): S Passenger Van, SL Passenger Van, and SV Passenger Van
Construction: Radial|Rim: 17 in
In 245/70R17, the 245 is the nominal section width in millimeters, 70 is the aspect ratio, R marks radial construction, and 17 refers to the rim diameter in inches. This size is used on the passenger-van versions of the 2012 Nissan Vans NV3500, making sub-model confirmation especially important before choosing a replacement. Product selection in this size includes a BFGoodrich All Terrain T/A KO2 with a raised white letter sidewall treatment. Buyers should compare the tire to the van’s existing wheel setup and keep the passenger configuration’s original size assignment in mind.
Tire fitment on the 2012 Nissan Vans NV3500 varies by sub-model, so identifying the exact cargo or passenger version matters before selecting a size. The good news is that every covered sub-model uses a radial tire on a 17-inch rim, which keeps the construction and wheel diameter straightforward once the van’s configuration is confirmed.
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2012 Nissan Vans NV3500 S Cargo Van
The 2012 Nissan Vans NV3500 S Cargo Van uses the 245/75R17 radial size rather than the shorter 245/70R17 used on passenger versions. Tire selection here centers on keeping the correct cargo-van size, then checking wheel width compatibility and intended work or road use.
The 2012 Nissan Vans NV3500 S Passenger Van uses the 245/70R17 radial size on a 17-inch wheel. That makes replacement more about staying with the proper passenger-van fitment and comparing product details than choosing between different tire constructions.
The 2012 Nissan Vans NV3500 SL Passenger Van uses the 245/70R17 radial size, matching the other passenger-van variants rather than the cargo models. Buyers should focus on preserving that size assignment and confirming wheel compatibility before moving on to tread style and load-related specifications.
The 2012 Nissan Vans NV3500 SV Cargo Van uses the 245/75R17 radial size, the same primary fitment found on the other cargo configuration. That keeps the decision centered on correct cargo-van sizing, wheel-width match, and whether the van still carries its original wheel and suspension setup.
The 2012 Nissan Vans NV3500 SV Passenger Van uses the 245/70R17 radial size on a 17-inch rim. Choosing a tire for this sub-model starts with confirming that passenger-van fitment, then comparing available product specifications and sidewall presentation within that size.
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 2012 Nissan Vans NV3500 Tires for Sale
Available 2012 Nissan Vans NV3500 tire choices center on BFGoodrich All Terrain T/A KO2 radials in both 245/75R17 and 245/70R17 sizes. The product comparison is straightforward, with raised white letter sidewalls and size-specific differences in rim-width compatibility, load capacity, and tire weight.
Owners of a 2012 Nissan Vans NV3500 usually need clarity on exact tire size by sub-model, 17-inch rim fitment, product differences between the two radial sizes, and what to inspect before putting a cargo or passenger van back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 2012 Nissan Vans NV3500?
The 2012 Nissan Vans NV3500 uses either 245/75R17 or 245/70R17, depending on the exact sub-model. Cargo-van versions use 245/75R17, while passenger-van versions use 245/70R17, and both are radial tire sizes built for 17-inch rims.
That makes sub-model identification the first step before replacing the tires. An S Cargo Van or SV Cargo Van should not automatically be treated the same as an S Passenger Van, SL Passenger Van, or SV Passenger Van, even though all of them share the same wheel diameter.
What size rim does a 2012 Nissan Vans NV3500 use?
The 2012 Nissan Vans NV3500 uses a 17-inch rim with both of its primary tire sizes. Whether the van takes 245/75R17 or 245/70R17, the tire is built around the same basic 17-inch wheel diameter.
Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture, so it still helps to confirm actual wheel width before mounting a replacement. The available 245/75R17 and 245/70R17 products each carry their own rim-width range, and that should match the wheels currently on the van.
Why does the 2012 Nissan Vans NV3500 have more than one tire size?
The 2012 Nissan Vans NV3500 has more than one tire size because fitment changes by sub-model. Cargo versions use 245/75R17, while passenger versions use 245/70R17, even though both remain radial tires for 17-inch wheels.
This is why a replacement tire should be matched to the exact van configuration rather than the NV3500 name alone. A quick check of the sub-model, current tire sidewall, and actual wheel setup helps prevent choosing the wrong profile for the vehicle already in front of you.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 245/75R17 or 245/70R17 tire for a 2012 Nissan Vans NV3500?
Start with the correct size for the van’s exact sub-model, since the 2012 Nissan Vans NV3500 uses 245/75R17 in cargo form and 245/70R17 in passenger form. Both available sizes are radial 17-inch fitments, so size accuracy comes before brand, tread, or sidewall details.
After size confirmation, compare product details that affect real-world use, including rim-width range, maximum load at stated pressure, and tire weight. Those points matter on a van platform, especially if the vehicle sees regular hauling, passenger duty, or has already been fitted with different wheels.
What sidewall styles are available for 2012 Nissan Vans NV3500 tires?
The available tires for the 2012 Nissan Vans NV3500 use an RWL sidewall, which means raised white letter styling. That sidewall treatment appears on the BFGoodrich All Terrain T/A KO2 options offered in both 245/75R17 and 245/70R17.
Sidewall style is mostly an appearance decision, but it still helps define how the van presents on the road. Raised white letters give the tire a more assertive truck-style look, so buyers who want a lower-key appearance should confirm that the sidewall treatment suits the vehicle before purchasing.
What brands offer tires for the 2012 Nissan Vans NV3500?
BFGoodrich is the brand available here for the 2012 Nissan Vans NV3500, with the All Terrain T/A KO2 offered in both primary sizes. That keeps the brand decision simple and shifts attention toward selecting the correct size and matching it to the van’s configuration.
With a single brand in view, the more useful comparison becomes size-specific fitment and specification differences. Cargo and passenger NV3500 models do not share the same tire size, so the right choice depends less on brand preference and more on choosing the proper 17-inch radial for the exact sub-model.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 2012 Nissan Vans NV3500?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 2012 Nissan Vans NV3500 even when the replacement tire matches the original size. Aftermarket wheels, different wheel widths, suspension changes, or altered ride height can all change how a 245/75R17 or 245/70R17 sits in the wheel opening.
A van that no longer carries its original setup should be checked for wheel width, clearance at full steering lock, and any contact points around the suspension or body. Those checks matter on both cargo and passenger models because the NV3500 uses two different tire profiles across the range.
What should I inspect before driving a 2012 Nissan Vans NV3500 on new tires?
Before road use, inspect the wheel condition, confirm the new tire size matches the van’s exact sub-model, and verify that the tires are properly inflated for service. It also helps to look over valve stems, check for any mounting damage, and make sure the tires clear surrounding components.
A careful walkaround should include tread seating, sidewall condition, and enough clearance through steering and suspension travel. On a full-size van, this is especially important if the vehicle carries tools, passengers, or cargo, since load and suspension movement can reveal fitment issues that do not show at rest.
How often should tires on a 2012 Nissan Vans NV3500 be inspected?
Tires on a 2012 Nissan Vans NV3500 should be inspected regularly rather than only when a problem appears. Frequent checks for pressure loss, uneven wear, cuts, bulges, embedded debris, and sidewall damage are especially worthwhile on a full-size van that may spend time carrying heavier loads.
A good habit is to inspect them before longer trips and anytime the van has been parked for a while or has seen rough service. Tire age and condition still matter even when tread depth looks acceptable, so low-use vehicles deserve the same attention as vans that see daily road time.
