The important requirement for guaranteeing good off-road performance for your truck is to get sufficient ground clearance. Bigger tires prevent the important structures under your vehicle from hitting the ground.
They will also enhance your truck’s towing capacity. Thankfully, the F150 is perfect for most modifications.
This write-up will expose you to the biggest tires that can fit the Stock F150. We will review the best and optimal tire sizes for the 17’, 18’’ and 20’’ rims on the Stock F150.
What Is The Biggest Tire For a Stock F150?
The biggest tires you can install on a stock F150 without removing the crash bars are between 33 and 34 inches. However, if you select the largest one that can size your wheel arch, your Mileage per Gallon (MPG) might fall a bit.
Before we explore the biggest tire sizes on Stock F150, it will help if we understand the interpretation of the figures. Let us pick 315/70/17 as an example. The first figure, 315, represents the width of the tire from sidewall to sidewall in millimeters.
If you want to convert that number into inches, you divide by 25.4. That gives 12.4 inches. The second number, 70, denotes the tire’s aspect ratio or percentage.
The figure denotes 70% or 0.70. The aspect ratio multiplied by the width of the tire gives you the height of one sidewall.
For example, the sidewall, in this case, is 315 x 0.70, which is equal to 220.5mm or 8.68 inches. Lastly, 17 is the dimension of the rim that the tire will cover.
Biggest Tires on Stock F150 17” Rim
The largest tire sizes on the Stock F150 17” rim include:
Size | Suspension | Wheel | Inch |
---|---|---|---|
318/72R17 | Stock | Aftermarket | 35 x 12.52 |
315/70R17 | Stock | Raptor 17 | 34 x 12.4 |
285/70R17 | Stock | Raptor 17 | 33 x 11.22 |
265/70R17 | Stock | Stock 17 | 32 x 10.43 |
Biggest Tires on Stock F150 18” Rim
The list of the largest tires you can get on a Stock F150 with 18” rims include:
Size | Suspension | Wheel | Inch |
---|---|---|---|
318/68R18 | 6'' lift | Aftermarket | 35 x 12.52 |
305/60R18 | 3'' lift | Aftermarket | 32 x 12.01 |
275/65R18 | Stock | Stock | 32 x 10.83 |
318/68R18 | Adjustable | Stock | 35 x 12.52 |
285/65R18 | Stock | Stock | 33 x 11.22 |
265/70R18 | Stock | Stock | 33 x 10.43 |
Biggest Tires on Stock F150 20” Rim
For the 20” rim, the biggest tire sizes available are:
Size | Suspension | Wheel | Inch |
---|---|---|---|
275/60R20 | Stock | Stock | 33 x 10.83 |
285/50R20 | Stock | Aftermarket | 31 x 11.22 |
285/60R20 | Stock | Stock | 33 x 11.22 |
305/50R20 | Stock | Aftermarket | 32 x 12.01 |
305/55R20 | Stock | Stock | 33 x 12.01 |
What Should I Consider Before Choosing A Ford F150 Tire?
The wrong tire can impact your ride quality. Also, it is vital to strike a balance between your budget and physical requirements before getting a tire for your F150 truck. Here are a few of the factors to keep in mind:
- Use case: Some tires have labels “P” and “C” which indicate passenger and commercial applications respectively. If you want the best experience with big tires, get All-Terrain (AT) tires.
- Tire noise: Different tires make unique sounds when they are in contact with different surfaces. Some F150 tires produce more noise compared to others. Thread design determines how much noise a tire makes. For example, Highway Terrain (HT) tires are ideal for paved roads. Do your research and read what experienced drivers have to say on online forums.
- Weather condition: Access the kind of climatic condition in the region you reside. Check if the tire is designed to work all year round or for a specific season, such as winter. It is best to select a product that can deliver safety, optimal performance, and reliability at all times.
- Life expectancy: Ford F150 tires have different lifespans. Most tires that produce a very sleek ride usually have a shorter life span. Therefore, consider your budget and maintain the balance between life expectancy and performance.
- Load capacity: Most tires for 18-inch rims on the F150 can lift up to 3300 pounds. Although some variants can give you up to 4000 pounds.
FAQs
1. Do Big Tires Change The General Look And Feel Of The Ford F150?
Yes. Your truck will appear taller while looking at it. While you are driving, you will feel higher and get a better view of the road. Your off-road experiences will feel lighter and smoother.
However, you may need your mechanic to work on your odometer and speedometer, as they are adapted for your previously smaller wheels.
2. Can I Install Bigger Tires Without Swapping Crash Bars?
It is possible. However, that might not be a good idea. The wear, tear, and noise will be a lot for your vehicle to withstand. You won’t get a pleasant feeling while driving your truck.
Furthermore, swapping your crash bars affects your safety. Ford installed the crash bars to enhance your protection in the case of a collision. Stay within the limit of 33-34 inches on the Ford F150.
Conclusion
The ability to enhance the appearance and performance of the F150 makes it a popular vehicle. Moreover, the benefits of installing bulgy tires on this beast are numerous.
Your vehicle will get an aesthetic and aggressive look. Bigger tires will raise your F150 higher to reduce the risk of damage to your chassis and engine.
They also provide sufficient traction with the ground to provide a superior driving experience. Thankfully, this is important on wet, slippery, or muddy roads. Make the choice to go bigger and better!
Read more: Ford Flex Towing Capacity [2009 – 2019]
Helpful resources:
- https://fourwheeltrends.com/what-is-the-biggest-tire-you-can-put-on-a-stock-ford-f150/
- https://4wheeldriveguide.com/whats-the-biggest-tires-for-a-stock-f150/
- https://www.f150forum.com/f118/biggest-tires-w-o-lift-w-stock-wheels-xlt-screw-367130/