Tires: Upgrading SUV tires, ford escape xlt, commuter vehicles

Question
I have a 2002 Ford Escape XLT SUV with 235/70/16 tires on it and am trying to determine whether I could put 245 or 255 /75/16 tires on the same wheel w/o problems.  I understand that the odometer and speedometer may be effected slightly because of the higher tire.  There appears to be clearance in the wheel wells.  I understand that Ford is paranoid about tire changes due to the old Firestone problems but this is primarily a commuter vehicle and tows a small boat in the summertime.

DaveH

Answer
Dave,

from the point of view of thw wheel - It has enough width to accommodate the larger size.

but that's only part of the picture.  The fender well has to have enough room also, and unfortunately no one has published a book that lists how much room there is for the multitude of vehicles out on the market today.

But I would check with some of these on line clubs or web sites that specialize in your vehicle.  Surely someone has already checked this out.

And as far as Ford goes - well those Explorers were commuter vehicles as well AND  Did you read that U haul is refusing to rent trailers to folks with Explorers?  So much for the trailer thing.

My thoughts are this - going taller is bad for an SUV, especially one with a narrow track and a short wheelbase.

Hope this helps.