38X13.50R17 Tire Size

All You Need to Know About 38X13.50R17 Tires

A 38X13.50R17 tire is a wide radial flotation size combining a nominal 38-inch overall diameter, a 13.5-inch section width, radial construction ("R"), and a 17-inch wheel diameter. It sits one inch taller than the popular 37X13.50R17 while keeping the same section width, and it is a limited-availability size - fewer brands produce 38X13.50R17 compared with the 37- or 40-inch equivalents in this width family.

38X13.50R17 Size Quick Specs

The following specifications reflect the 38X13.50R17 size class. Because this is a limited-production size, actual dimensions and approved rim ranges can differ meaningfully between the small number of available models; always verify against the specific tire's published spec sheet before purchase.

Load capacity note: Actual load capacity for 38X13.50R17 depends on the specific tire model and load range. The figures above are examples from specific published tire specs - not universal values for the size. Always use the load/inflation table for the tire model you are purchasing.

What 38X13.50R17 Means - Notation Explained

• 38 = nominal tire height in inches
• 13.50 = nominal tire width in inches
• R = radial construction
• 17 = wheel diameter in inches

38X13.50R17 vs 37X13.50R17: Height Difference

Both 38X13.50R17 and 37X13.50R17 tires share the same 13.5-inch section width and radial construction on a 17-inch wheel. The single difference is nominal diameter. 

The 38X13.50R17 is one inch taller in nominal diameter than the 37X13.50R17. That translates to approximately 0.5 inch of additional axle clearance at the differential housing. The larger circumference (~119 inches versus ~116 inches for the 37-inch) also means a lower effective gear ratio at any given speedometer reading - a 38-inch tire spins fewer revolutions per mile than a 37-inch tire, effectively lengthening the gearing.

Vehicles already running 37-inch tires that step up to 38s should evaluate whether their current gear ratio remains adequate. Additional lift or fender clearance may also be needed, even on builds that already run 37-inch tires, because the 0.5-inch increase in radius appears at both the top of the wheel well and at full suspension compression.

38X13.50R17 Availability

38X13.50R17 is a niche size with significantly fewer production options than the 37X13.50R17 or 40X13.50R17. Confirmed available options as of the time of publication include the Nitto Trail Grappler M/T (Load Range D, 3,195 lbs @ 50 psi, 37.76" actual inflated diameter), the Falken Wildpeak MT (Load Range D), the Milestar Patagonia M/T, and select Yokohama models in Load Range C. This size is most commonly associated with the Ford Bronco Raptor and similar factory-lifted platforms that accommodate a 38-inch tire as a running configuration.

Buyers should verify current availability for their preferred brand before committing to this size - production runs in limited-availability flotation sizes are sometimes discontinued without notice.

38X13.50R17 vs 40X13.50R17 - Why 38 Exists

The following table places 38X13.50R17 in context alongside the more common sizes above and below it.

38X13.50R17 occupies the gap between the well-stocked 37-inch and 40-inch tiers. It is most commonly chosen for platforms such as the Ford Bronco Raptor, which leaves the factory configured to run 37-inch tires but can accommodate a 38-inch tire with factory or near-stock clearance - without requiring the more extensive modification that a 40-inch tire demands.

For the LT-prefixed version, see LT38X13.50R17. For the bias-ply version, see 38x13.50-17.