Unimog 404 biggest tire size: stock and lifted
The biggest tire owners run on a Mercedes-Benz Unimog 404 at every lift height, with the trimming it takes, the wheel specs you need and the lift kits that get you there.
There's no lift-kit culture here: the portal axles already give about 400 mm (15.7 in) of clearance. Stock is 10.5-20 (275/80R20) on 9.00-20 rims, and the factory also approved 12.5R20 (335/80R20) on 11.00-20 rims in Continental MPT 81 or Michelin XZL. One Steel Soldiers owner runs 12.50 Michelins and says they won't fit the under-bed spare carrier unless you move the battery box. Anything bigger is custom work.
Biggest Unimog 404 tire at every lift
| LIFT | BIGGEST TIRE | WHAT IT TAKES |
|---|---|---|
| Stock | 12.5R20 (335/80R20) on 11.00-20 rims | Factory-recommended off-road and winter size in Continental MPT 81 or Michelin XZL. One Steel Soldiers owner says 12.50 Michelins won't fit the under-bed spare holder unless the battery box is moved, and that they're about the same height as a 9.00-20. |
| Modified | Up to 39.5 in bias-ply (one-off) | A heavily modified OM617-swapped 1963 404 sold on Bring a Trailer in 2025 ran 39.5-inch bias-plies on 20-inch wheels. There's no off-the-shelf lift; anything past 12.5R20 is custom work. |
Unimog 404 wheel and tire specs
| Factory tire sizes | 10.5-20 / 275/80R20 on 9.00-20 rims (404.0 and most 404.1s) · 10-20 listed for 404.1 (Wikipedia); the Danish army spec gives 10.00 or 10.50-20 |
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Lift kits, wheels and tires for the Unimog 404
Continental MPT 81 and Michelin XZL in 10.5R20 or 12.5R20 are the factory-recommended off-road and winter tires. The wider 12.5s need 11.00-20 rims and a new home for the spare.
The six-to-eight-speed conversion fills the big gap between the middle gears. It doesn't change first or top gear.
Fitment comes from owners and specialists; wheel width, offset, trimming and bump stops change what fits. Check clearance at full lock and full flex before you buy. Some links are affiliate links.