Just a month ago, we found out that the tires on the Ford Transit Trail are too big to fit properly under the van. Ford now has a “fix” to the problem.
The company plans to replace the tires on the affected vans with smaller tires, as stated in the NHTSA Safety Recall Report.
Ford Transit Trail Recall Fix
Tire rubbing on the fenders, fender well, and frame can lead to tire failure. Any rapid loss of tire pressure is, of course, a massive safety hazard.
Ford’s remedy for this issue is to replace the Goodyear Wrangler Workhorse AT Tires (LT245/75R16E 120/116S) with a tire with a size designation of 235/65R16C. That means Ford is going to swap out 30.47-inch diameter tires for 28.03-inch tires with a less rugged sidewall.
The remedy will include changing the vehicle’s tire and certification labels and updating the vehicle calibrations for the new tire size.
Is This Really a Fix?
The standard Ford Transit van comes with the same 28-inch size and C-rated tires that this recall remedy indicates.
Ford is replacing E-rated tires with C-rated tires. That equates to a loss of sidewall durability, with E-rated tires having a 10-ply construction and C-rated having just 6-ply.
One of the main reasons for choosing the Transit Trail package is to get larger, more durable tires from the factory. They offer more clearance off-road and the ability to air down off-road without sidewall failures, enabling more off-the-beaten-path van life adventures.
