Unimog U1300L biggest tire size: stock and lifted
The biggest tire owners run on a Mercedes-Benz Unimog U1300L (435) at every lift height, with the trimming it takes, the wheel specs you need and the lift kits that get you there.
Most U1300Ls in the US run 20-inch Continental MPT 81s or Michelin XZLs in 335/80R20 (12.5R20, about 40.6 in tall) or 365/80R20 (14.5R20, about 42.9 in), and several BaT trucks wear 365/80R20 MPT 81s. One builder chose 365s with fast axles to keep first gear low enough for trails. A 395/85R20 is too big for a U1300 without a cab lift, according to one Expedition Portal member, and it also loads the portal bearings, which are expensive.
Biggest Unimog U1300L tire at every lift
| LIFT | BIGGEST TIRE | WHAT IT TAKES |
|---|---|---|
| Stock | 365/80R20 (≈ 42.9 in) | Common on U1300Ls; one fast-axle owner chose 365s to keep first gear usable on trails. Expedition Imports lists the MPT 81 365/80R20 at 42.87 in tall and 14.8 in wide. |
| Cab lift | 395/85R20 | Too big for a U1300 without a cab lift, according to an Expedition Portal member, and hard on the expensive portal bearings. A U1700 camper on 395s held only about 55 mph. |
Unimog U1300L wheel and tire specs
| Factory tire sizes | 20-in wheels on 6-lug disc-brake axles; 365/80R20 (14.5R20) Continental MPT 81 is common on ex-military trucks sold in the US · 335/80R20 (12.5R20) is the other common 20-in Unimog size |
|---|---|
| Bolt pattern | 6-lug (U1300); the U1700 uses 10-lug axles |
| Lug thread | M18 x 1.5 studs (6-lug disc-brake axles) |
Lift kits, wheels and tires for the Unimog U1300L
Two-piece bolt-together rims let you change a tire without heavy tools and run very low pressures in sand. Hellgeth makes a 6-bolt 20x11 rim.
The MPT 81 is the usual mixed-use choice: quiet, good in sand, snow and rock, but slow to clean out in deep mud, where an MPT 80 is better. Both are rated to 68 mph.
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.