The 2013 Ford Trucks Explorer sits in the modern phase of Ford’s long-running SUV line, blending family-hauling practicality with the more road-focused character that defined this generation. That matters when choosing tires, because this Explorer uses three different primary radial sizes depending on trim and wheel package: 245/65R17, 245/60R18, and 255/50R20. The main decision is not vintage-style construction versus radial, but making sure the exact sub-model and rim diameter are matched correctly before comparing tire options. Once that is settled, the focus shifts to wheel compatibility, intended use, and whether the vehicle remains stock or has seen wheel or suspension changes.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 2013 Ford Trucks Explorer
The 2013 Ford Trucks Explorer uses three primary tire sizes, and the correct choice depends on the exact sub-model and wheel setup. These are all radial fitments, but they do not share the same rim diameter, so the first step is confirming whether the vehicle uses 17-inch, 18-inch, or 20-inch wheels. Once that is clear, the real comparison becomes selecting the right tire within the correct size for road use, appearance, and wheel compatibility.
245/65R17 is a metric radial size where 245 is the section width in millimeters, 65 is the aspect ratio, and 17 is the wheel diameter in inches. On the 2013 Ford Trucks Explorer, this size is a primary fitment for the Base model and keeps the buyer focused on a modern radial construction rather than a vintage sizing system. Available product choice in this size can include light-truck-oriented tread and raised white letter styling, as seen in BFGoodrich’s All-Terrain T/A KO2. This size is worth evaluating carefully if the Explorer is used beyond pavement or if tire load, wheel width, and overall stance matter to the owner.
255/50R20 is a metric radial size that uses a 255-millimeter section width, a 50-series profile, and a 20-inch rim. On the 2013 Ford Trucks Explorer, this size belongs to specific sub-models rather than the full model line, so it should be matched to the actual trim and wheel package on the vehicle. Its lower-profile format gives it a different fitment character than the 17-inch and 18-inch sizes used elsewhere in the Explorer range. This is the size to verify closely when replacing tires on a Limited, Sport, or certain XLT models, especially if the SUV has aftermarket wheels.
245/60R18 is a metric radial size with a 245-millimeter section width, a 60-series sidewall profile, and an 18-inch wheel diameter. On the 2013 Ford Trucks Explorer, this size is associated with particular XLT configurations, which makes trim confirmation just as important as reading the sidewall on the current tire. It sits between the 17-inch and 20-inch fitments used elsewhere in the Explorer lineup, so it should not be assumed interchangeable simply because the overall dimensions are relatively close. This size makes the most sense when the vehicle still carries its proper 18-inch wheel setup and stock-type clearance.
Tire fitment for the 2013 Ford Trucks Explorer varies by sub-model, and some trims share a size while others do not. Checking the exact trim is important here because the Explorer uses three different primary tire sizes across 17-inch, 18-inch, and 20-inch wheel applications.
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2013 Ford Trucks Explorer Base
The 2013 Ford Trucks Explorer Base uses the 245/65R17 radial size, making it the 17-inch wheel application within this model range. Tire selection should center on staying with the correct size and confirming that any replacement matches the actual wheel width and intended use of the SUV.
The 2013 Ford Trucks Explorer Limited uses the 255/50R20 radial size, which places it on the larger 20-inch wheel setup. That makes wheel confirmation especially important before replacement, particularly if the vehicle has ever had aftermarket wheels or a previous size substitution.
The 2013 Ford Trucks Explorer Sport also uses the 255/50R20 radial size, sharing the same primary fitment as the Limited. The key decision is not between multiple primary sizes, but making sure the 20-inch wheel setup is still in place and then choosing a tire that suits the vehicle’s road use and setup.
The 2013 Ford Trucks Explorer XLT can use either 245/60R18 or 255/50R20, so this trim needs the closest fitment check of the group. Tire selection starts with confirming whether the vehicle has 18-inch or 20-inch wheels, then choosing within the correct size rather than treating the two as interchangeable.
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 2013 Ford Trucks Explorer Tires for Sale
Available product choice for the 2013 Ford Trucks Explorer is currently centered on 245/65R17, including a BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 option with radial construction, raised white letter styling, and a 7.0- to 8.0-inch rim-width range.
For the 2013 Ford Trucks Explorer, the most important questions center on trim-specific tire size, wheel diameter, product selection, and what to inspect before road use on a stock or modified SUV.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 2013 Ford Trucks Explorer?
The 2013 Ford Trucks Explorer uses three primary tire sizes: 245/65R17, 245/60R18, and 255/50R20. The correct size depends on the sub-model and wheel package, with Base using 245/65R17, Limited and Sport using 255/50R20, and XLT using either 245/60R18 or 255/50R20.
That means the first step is identifying the exact trim and then confirming the wheel diameter on the vehicle. An Explorer that has had wheel changes, previous tire substitutions, or aftermarket upgrades should be checked carefully before replacement so the new tire matches the actual rim and available clearance.
What size rim does a 2013 Ford Trucks Explorer use?
The 2013 Ford Trucks Explorer uses 17-inch, 18-inch, or 20-inch rims depending on the tire size and sub-model. The 245/65R17 size uses a 17-inch rim, 245/60R18 uses an 18-inch rim, and 255/50R20 uses a 20-inch rim.
Rim diameter should be confirmed before ordering tires because these sizes are tied to different wheel applications. Reading the current tire sidewall, measuring the wheel, and checking for aftermarket wheel changes can prevent selecting a tire size that belongs to another Explorer trim rather than the one actually sitting on the vehicle.
Do all 2013 Ford Trucks Explorer sub-models use the same tire size?
No, the 2013 Ford Trucks Explorer does not use one tire size across every sub-model. Base uses 245/65R17, Limited and Sport use 255/50R20, and XLT may use either 245/60R18 or 255/50R20 depending on its wheel setup.
That variation matters because the size difference is tied directly to wheel diameter, not just tread width or sidewall height. An owner should verify the trim and inspect the actual wheels already on the SUV, especially on XLT models where either 18-inch or 20-inch fitment may be present.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a tire for a 2013 Ford Trucks Explorer?
Start with the correct primary size for the exact 2013 Ford Trucks Explorer sub-model and wheel diameter. From there, compare radial construction details, intended use, and wheel compatibility, since this model range spans 17-inch, 18-inch, and 20-inch applications rather than one universal setup.
A replacement choice should also reflect how the SUV is driven. A road-focused Explorer may call for a different tread approach than one that sees rougher surfaces, while any vehicle with suspension changes or aftermarket wheels deserves a closer check for clearance, rim width, and overall fitment before installation.
What sidewall styles are available for 2013 Ford Trucks Explorer tires?
Among the available products for the 2013 Ford Trucks Explorer, raised white letter sidewall styling appears in 245/65R17. That gives buyers in that size an appearance option beyond a plain black sidewall presentation, while still staying within a modern radial tire format.
Sidewall style is mostly an appearance decision, but it should always come after confirming the correct size and wheel application. A Base model owner shopping 245/65R17 may care about a more aggressive visual look, while owners of 18-inch or 20-inch Explorer trims should focus first on proper size and setup.
What brands offer tires for the 2013 Ford Trucks Explorer?
BFGoodrich is represented among the available tire options for the 2013 Ford Trucks Explorer, with a 245/65R17 All-Terrain T/A KO2 application. That places brand choice within the broader task of matching the correct size to the correct Explorer trim and wheel diameter.
Brand should be considered alongside the tire’s series, sidewall style, load specification, and intended use rather than as a stand-alone decision. A buyer comparing options should first confirm whether the vehicle is a Base, Limited, Sport, or XLT and then make sure the brand offering is available in the proper size.
Restoration & Appearance
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 2013 Ford Trucks Explorer restoration?
Yes, correct tire fitment still matters on a 2013 Ford Trucks Explorer even though it is a much newer vehicle than a traditional collector car. The right size keeps the vehicle visually balanced and ensures the wheel diameter matches the trim-specific setup used by Base, XLT, Limited, or Sport models.
Appearance can change quickly when an Explorer is fitted with a size meant for another trim or with wheels that alter the vehicle’s stance. Owners aiming for a stock-type presentation should confirm the sub-model, wheel diameter, and current setup before choosing tires, especially on XLT models that can use more than one primary size.
How does tire selection affect the appearance of a 2013 Ford Trucks Explorer?
Tire selection affects the 2013 Ford Trucks Explorer’s appearance through wheel diameter, sidewall profile, and sidewall treatment. A 17-inch, 18-inch, or 20-inch setup gives the SUV a noticeably different visual proportion, and 245/65R17 can also bring raised white letter styling into the overall look.
Keeping the proper trim-specific size usually preserves the most natural stance for the vehicle. Buyers who want a clean stock-style presentation should avoid assuming that another Explorer size will look or fit the same, particularly when changing between 17-inch, 18-inch, and 20-inch wheel applications.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 2013 Ford Trucks Explorer?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 2013 Ford Trucks Explorer. Aftermarket wheels, altered offsets, suspension changes, or previous tire substitutions can all change how a 245/65R17, 245/60R18, or 255/50R20 tire sits within the wheel opening and how it clears steering and suspension components.
A modified Explorer should be checked at the wheel itself rather than relying only on trim-based fitment. Verifying rim diameter, rim width, and available clearance through the full steering range helps prevent choosing a tire size that belongs to the model line in general but not to the vehicle’s current setup.
What should I inspect before driving a 2013 Ford Trucks Explorer on new tires?
Before driving a 2013 Ford Trucks Explorer on new tires, inspect tire pressure, bead seating, valve stems, lug torque, and basic clearance around the fenders and suspension. It also helps to confirm that all four tires match the intended size for the vehicle’s trim and wheel diameter.
A short initial drive followed by a recheck can catch rubbing, vibration, or air loss early. Owners should also keep an eye on tread wear patterns and steering feel, since unusual wear or pull may point to alignment or suspension issues that can shorten tire life even when the correct size has been installed.
How often should tires on a 2013 Ford Trucks Explorer be inspected?
Tires on a 2013 Ford Trucks Explorer should be inspected regularly, with pressure checks and visual condition checks becoming part of normal ownership rather than a once-in-a-while task. Look for uneven tread wear, cuts, cracking, punctures, bulges, and signs of air loss on any of the Explorer’s trim-specific tire sizes.
Routine inspection matters even more if the SUV sits for extended periods or sees mixed road conditions. Catching wear or damage early helps preserve ride quality and can also reveal problems with alignment, suspension parts, or wheel condition before they become larger fitment or drivability issues.
