Stock Raptor BFG Tires. What you need to know!

[MarkT]

Ford worked with BFG to create a unique tire for the Raptor. One reference to what they did is here:

"Those BFGs, while made in the same molds -- and carrying the same tread pattern -- as traditional BFGs, have a unique compound. ....they worked with BFG and changed the thickness, belt angle, and compound..."

The result is that there are two BFG tires available that to the naked eye look identical but are different in construction and rubber compound. The two versions of the tire should not be mixed on the same vehicle.

So how can you tell the difference? What do you look for if you need to replace one tire in a set or if you want to make sure you are getting the "Raptor spec" version of the BFG T/A KO?

Besides the obvious things such as size, brand, and model of tire... you need to check the speed rating on the side of the tire. The "Raptor spec" tire is rated "S" while the similar-looking tire is rated "R". See photo of what to look for below:




Speed Rating "S"= Raptor spec tire

P.S. If you are interested in more (general) information on the tire markings, the Ford F150 Owner's Manual has several pages on the topic.

 

[SOCOMech]

I vote for this to be sticky-fied.

 

[MagicMtnDan]

I vote for this to be stickified with Mark's post copied at the top of the thread so members don't have to go through pages of my rants to see where we ended up

 

[NoCaDiver]

Good info Mark.

 

[MagicMtnDan]

Ford worked with BFG to create a unique tire for the Raptor. One reference to what they did is here:



The result is that there are two BFG tires available that to the naked eye look identical but are different in construction and rubber compound. The two versions of the tire should not be mixed on the same vehicle.

So how can you tell the difference? What do you look for if you need to replace one tire in a set or if you want to make sure you are getting the "Raptor spec" version of the BFG T/A KO?

Besides the obvious things such as size, brand, and model of tire... you need to check the speed rating on the side of the tire. The "Raptor spec" tire is rated "S" while the similar-looking tire is rated "R". See photo of what to look for below:




Speed Rating "S"= Raptor spec tire

P.S. If you are interested in more (general) information on the tire markings, the Ford F150 Owner's Manual has several pages on the topic.

We talked about that Mark, when we were together at Raptor Run 3 a couple weeks ago. At that time we didn't know what markings on the tire that could be unique to the Raptor's BFG All-Terrain T/A KO. Now we know.

So how'd you find out that the S after the 121/118 is the special sauce for the BFG's for the Raptor?

 

[MarkT]

We talked about that Mark, when we were together at Raptor Run 3 a couple weeks ago. At that time we didn't know what markings on the tire that could be unique to the Raptor's BFG All-Terrain T/A KO. Now we know.

So how'd you find out that the S after the 121/118 is the special sauce for the BFG's for the Raptor?

From the BFG website and from speaking with BFG the difference between the two versions is the Speed Rating markings.

Also note that in the pic I posted that the 121/118S stamp looks different from the other markings. That's because it's on an interchangeable plate in the mold so the same mold can be used for both tires.

Here's another link to tire load index ratings:

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tiretech/techpage.jsp?techid=35

The BFG rep said on LT tires there is more than one load index on the tire itself... 121/118... 121 is for single tire applications and the 118 rating is for dual tire applications... like on the rear of a dually pickup. After the load index rating(s) comes the Speed Rating. In this case S.

I'm 100% confident that the S after the 121/118 load index is the marking that tells the two tires apart.

 

[BigJ]

Great post Mark. I'm going to copy it to the Knowledge Base.