Wheels on a ?13 explorer

[Little Dutch]

There's almost no information out there on the forums about downsizing the rims. I honestly thought more people would drop down from the 20" rims and this question would have an easy answer. What I've found is people with the 18" wheels all went to the 20's, nothing with people going the other direction. So the brake clearance question remains unanswered. I've found two sets of OEM 18" rims that should fit it, both from the similar year Explorer in whatever trim package offered the 18", but they are both in Pueblo. I'd like to try one on before I commit, so I haven't done anything.


Checking the various tire store sites, there are even fewer options for the 18" rims than the 20's for this truck! The 18's are still cheaper than the 20's, but...dang.


I don't want to be a quitter, but I'm about ready to put this to bed by getting new rubber for her 20" rims. It was a nice thought, but I think I'm about done spending time on it.

If you do a little research you can find out if the '13 Explorer was ever offered with 17" or 18" wheels. If it was, then it's likely that 17's/18's can be found that will fit.

It's OT but I hate the "wagon wheel" trend with the bigger and bigger rims. Looks like crap, rides like crap and costs extra $$. And yet, even with 4wd trucks (you know, the kind that would actually benefit from having a big sidewall), the higher trim levels all seem to include 20" wheels because "that's what the customers expect."

My new-to-me 2018 F-150 was an XLT model with 18's, but from what I've seen on the Intertoobz, 17's will fit as well. The good news for me is that it seems like the price difference between 17's and 18's isn't that great, at least not as great as between 18's and 20's.

This is pretty much where I'm at. I prefer the look and functionality of more sidewall and less rim. Luckily it's my wife's daily driver and not my mountain driving truck. We picked it up for the third row seating so we can fit the car seats and everyone else in it, and it probably won't see anything rougher than winter driving conditions.