One sunny day, I decided it was time to change my F150’s tires. I’d been cruising on the standard 18-inch tires for years and wanted something different. I was curious about the largest tires I could put on my truck without a major overhaul. After some digging, I discovered there were quite a few choices to explore. In this article, I’m going to delve into the world of F150 tire upgrades and help you find the perfect fit for your truck

Meet the Author

I’m a lifelong Ford F-series enthusiast hailing from Vancouver. I’m a seasoned gearhead who learned the insides out of my trucks the old-fashioned way: turning wrenches and making mistakes.

– Robert

Biggest Tires for Stock F150

One of the most common truck upgrades is larger tires. They’re stylish and increase off-road performance. F150 owners may question what the largest tires you can use on their truck without modifications. I did the research for you and determined the largest tire sizes on a factory F150 18.

Largest Tire Size for Stock F150 18

The maximum tire size on a factory F150 18 is a 295/70/18; 34.1 inches tall. This tire fits the stock wheel, but you need a leveling kit. A 275/70/18 33-inch tire will fit the stock wheel without a leveling kit.

32-Inch Tires for F150 18

If you have 10-inch wide rims on your F150 18, then you can fit 32-inch tires on your truck without any issues. This is a great option if you want bigger tires but don’t want to make any modifications to your truck.

Complete List of Biggest and Widest Tire Sizes

Here is a complete list of the biggest and widest tire sizes you can fit on a stock F150 18, along with the required modifications:

Impact of Removing the Front Crash Bar

Some F150 owners remove the front crash bar for larger tires. This can impair vehicle safety, so avoid it. Removing the front crash bar increases injury risk in a crash.

Impact of Bigger Tires on F150

The idea of replacing my F150’s stock tires to wider ones thrilled me because it would make it seem more aggressive and perform better off-road. The impact on my truck’s performance and fuel economy worried me. I learnt how bigger tires affect my F150:

MPG and Fuel Economy

Fuel efficiency is a major concern when switching to wider tires. Weight and rolling resistance increase with larger tires, reducing fuel economy. After changing to wider tires, my MPG dropped slightly, but not enough to worry about. Fuel economy may be significantly affected if you drive long distances often.

Speedometer and Odometer

Upgrades to wider tires may affect your truck’s speedometer and odometer. Your speedometer and odometer will read lower with bigger tires. If you depend on your speedometer for highway accuracy, this can be an issue. After installing larger tires, adjust your speedometer and odometer to avoid this issue.

Handling and Performance

Your truck’s handling and performance may be affected by larger tires. Weight and contact patch increase with larger tires, reducing acceleration and braking performance. Bigger tires can also slow down your truck. However, choosing the correct tires and updating your suspension can reduce these concerns and improve your truck’s performance.

Tire and Rim Compatibility

When updating the tires on your factory F150 18-inch rims, make sure they fit. Tire and rim compatibility is essential for appropriate tire fit and truck performance. I’ll explain tire and rim compatibility in this part to assist you decide.

Rim Sizes

Rim size comes first. Stock F150 18-inch rims can fit a variety of tire sizes, but you must choose within the recommended range. The largest tire a factory F150 can fit with 18-inch rims is 34 inches, and 32-inch tires are ok with 10-inch rims.

Wheel Spacers

Wider tires may require wheel spacers to clear the rim. When inserted between the wheel and hub, wheel spacers push the wheel outward. You must choose the proper size and thickness for your truck.

Offset and Backspacing

Rim offset and backspacing also affect tire and rim compatibility. Offset is the distance between the rim centerline and the mounting surface, while backspacing is the distance between the mounting surface and the back edge. These dimensions indicate the tire’s distance from the hub, which impacts fender clearance.

For extra clearance with bigger tires, use rims with a lower offset and backspacing. The rims you purchase must fit your truck’s suspension and braking system.

Suspension and Leveling Kits

Consider suspension and leveling kit options before altering your F150’s tire size. These changes will accommodate larger tires and avoid rubbing.

F150 owners who want bigger tires often use a leveling kit. This item lifts the truck’s front a few inches to match the back. This makes room for bigger tires and improves the truck’s appearance. One- to three-inch leveling kits are available.

Lift kits raise the truck and allow for larger tires. Lift kits, which range from 4 to 6 inches, cost more than leveling kits. However, lift kits increase ground clearance and off-roading.

Consider your tire size and driving style when purchasing a leveling or raise kit. Off-roading may demand a stronger suspension and larger tires.

It’s also crucial to examine F150 suspension size. The shock absorber diameter determines the suspension’s travel. More suspension space for larger tires and smooths the ride.

Tire Size and Clearance Issues

Tire size and clearance are major factors when replacing your F150’s tires. You don’t want to get new tires that won’t fit or cause rubbing issues.

This happened to me when I put bigger tires on my F150. I didn’t consider clearance difficulties and had to roll the fenders and trim plastic to avoid rubbing. It was annoying and expensive.

To avoid these types of issues, it’s important to consider the following factors when selecting tire size:

• Tire Size: The size of the tire can impact clearance issues. The biggest tires on stock 18-inch rims for an F150 are the 265/70/18 or the 275/65/18 tires. These sizes provide a good balance between size and clearance.
• Clearance: The clearance between the tire and other parts of the vehicle, such as the fenders and suspension, is crucial to prevent rubbing. It’s important to ensure that the new tire size will not cause any clearance issues.
• Ground Clearance: The larger the tire, the less ground clearance you will have. It’s important to consider this when selecting tire size, especially if you plan on off-roading.
• Rubbing: Rubbing can occur when the tire is too large for the vehicle and comes into contact with other parts. This can cause damage to the tire and other parts of the vehicle. It’s important to select a tire size that will not cause rubbing issues.
• Fender Rolling: Fender rolling is a process where the fender lip is rolled to create more clearance for the tire. This can be done to prevent rubbing issues, but it can also affect the appearance of the vehicle.
• Plastic Trimming: Trimming plastic can also be done to create more clearance for the tire. This is a less invasive option than fender rolling, but it can also affect the appearance of the vehicle.
• Front Crash Bar: The front crash bar can also cause clearance issues when upgrading to larger tires. It’s important to ensure that the new tire size will not come into contact with the front crash bar.

Tire Types and Their Performance

Tires come in many varieties. Choosing the proper tire for your needs is crucial because each type has pros and cons. Here are some popular tire types and their performance:

• All-Season Tires: These tires perform well on rainy and dry surfaces. They’re useful for drivers who don’t want to change tires with the seasons, but they may perform poorly in heavy snow or ice.
• Winter Tires: Winter tires are designed for traction in snow and ice. Custom rubber formulations keep them supple in cold weather, and deeper treads improve road grip. Drivers in harsh winters need them.
• Off-Road Tires: Off-road tires are for dirt, mud, and rocks. The aggressive tread patterns and sturdy materials make them suitable for off-road driving. However, they are noisy and may perform poorly on paved roads.
• High-Performance Tires: These sporty tires offer great handling and traction at high speeds. They are pricey and may not last as long as other tires.
• Touring Tires: Touring tires are comfortable and quiet for long drives. They may not function as well as other tires.

Specific Tire Sizes and Their Impact

When it comes to upgrading your F150’s tires, it’s important to understand the impact different sizes can have on your truck. Here are some specific tire sizes and how they can affect your ride:

• 275/70/18: This tire size is common among F150 upgraders. Its broader stance and higher ground clearance make it perfect for off-roading. However, complete lock twists may rub the inner fender lining.
• 265/70/18: If you want to upgrade your tires without sacrificing fuel efficiency, choose this size. It raises the ground clearance and looks more aggressive, but won’t impact your truck’s speedometer or odometer.
• 275/65/18: Like the 275/70/18, but with a shorter sidewall. It enhances road handling and stability but may not work off-road.
• 305/50/20: For a wider stance and more aggressive look, this tire size is ideal. It improves traction and handling but may rub the inner fender liner during full lock spins.
• 285/50/20: Like the 305/50/20, but with a shorter sidewall. It enhances road handling and stability but may not work off-road.
• 285/65/18: Those seeking off-road performance should choose this tire size. It has a wider stance and more ground clearance, but full lock turns may rub the inner fender lining.
• 33×12.5: Off-roaders choose this tire size. It has a wider stance and more ground clearance, but full lock turns may rub the inner fender lining. Note that this tire size may require a lift or leveling kit for your truck.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the largest tire size I can put on my stock F150 without a lift?

The largest tire size you can put on your stock F150 without a lift is 33-34 inches without severe rubbing. However, if your rims are 10 inches wide, you can fit 32-inch tires. Keep in mind that the exact tire size that can fit on your stock F150 may depend on factors such as your wheel offset, tire width, and suspension setup.

Can I fit 34 inch tires on my stock F150?

Yes, you can fit 34-inch tires on your stock F150, but you may need to remove the crash bars or fender liner to prevent rubbing. Additionally, you may need to adjust your suspension or install a leveling kit to accommodate the larger tire size.

Will 275/70R18 tires fit on my stock F150?

Yes, 275/70R18 tires will fit on your stock F150 without any modifications. This tire size has a diameter of 33.2 inches and a width of 10.8 inches, making it a popular choice for F150 owners looking to upgrade their stock tires.

What is the biggest tire size I can put on my 2010 F150 without a lift?

The biggest tire size you can put on your 2010 F150 without a lift is 33-34 inches without severe rubbing. However, if your rims are 10 inches wide, you can fit 32-inch tires. Keep in mind that the exact tire size that can fit on your 2010 F150 may depend on factors such as your wheel offset, tire width, and suspension setup.

Can I fit 285/65R18 tires on my stock F150?

Yes, you can fit 285/65R18 tires on your stock F150, but you may need to remove the crash bars or fender liner to prevent rubbing. Additionally, you may need to adjust your suspension or install a leveling kit to accommodate the larger tire size.

What is the best tire size for my F150 with a leveling kit?

The best tire size for your F150 with a leveling kit depends on your preferences and driving needs. Some popular tire sizes for leveled F150s include 33-inch, 34-inch, and 35-inch tires. Keep in mind that larger tire sizes may affect your fuel efficiency, acceleration, and braking performance. It’s important to choose a tire size that is compatible with your F150’s suspension setup and driving habits.