Ford F150 Tire Size Chart – Find The Perfect Fit For Your Truck’S
This comprehensive ford f150 tire size chart provides the factory-recommended dimensions and alternative upgrade options for every major generation of America’s favorite pickup. Whether you are maintaining a work truck or building an off-road beast, these specifications ensure your tires fit perfectly without compromising safety or performance.
Choosing the right tires for your Ford F-150 is one of the most significant maintenance decisions you will make. The sheer variety of trim levels, from the base XL to the high-performance Raptor, means that a one-size-fits-all approach simply does not work.
Navigating a ford f150 tire size chart allows you to identify the exact width, aspect ratio, and rim diameter required for your specific model year. This ensures that your truck maintains its intended payload capacity, towing stability, and speedometer accuracy.
In this guide, we will break down the stock dimensions for the last five generations of the F-150. We will also explore how to safely upsize your tires if you are planning to install a leveling kit or a full suspension lift.
How to Use a ford f150 tire size chart for Your Specific Model
The Ford F-150 has evolved significantly over the decades, and with that evolution came changes in wheel well clearance and suspension geometry. To use a ford f150 tire size chart effectively, you must first identify your truck’s generation and trim level.
Most F-150s come with 17-inch, 18-inch, 20-inch, or even 22-inch wheels from the factory. Each wheel diameter requires a specific tire profile to maintain the overall rolling diameter that the engine control module expects for gear shifting and braking.
Before you purchase new rubber, check the tire placard located on the driver-side door jamb. This sticker provides the original equipment size and the recommended cold tire pressure, which is the baseline for your specific VIN.
Understanding the Trim Level Variations
The XL and XLT trims often prioritize utility, typically featuring 17 or 18-inch wheels with higher-profile tires for better ride quality. These setups are ideal for those who use their trucks for work or frequent gravel roads.
Higher trims like the Lariat, King Ranch, and Platinum often move to 20-inch wheels. These larger rims use lower-profile tires, which offer sharper handling on pavement but may feel firmer when hitting potholes or trail obstacles.
Specialty models like the Raptor or the Tremor are designed with off-roading in mind. These trucks utilize specialized ford f150 tire size chart data because they feature wider fenders and long-travel suspension to accommodate massive 33-inch or 35-inch tires from the factory.
Fourteenth Generation F-150 (2021–Present)
The current generation of the F-150 introduced more aerodynamic features and refined suspension. Most of these trucks utilize a 6-lug 135mm bolt pattern, which has been the Ford standard for years.
- 17-inch Wheels: 245/70R17 (Standard on XL) or 265/70R17 (Common on 4×4 models).
- 18-inch Wheels: 265/60R18 (2WD) or 275/65R18 (4×4).
- 20-inch Wheels: 275/60R20 (Standard on Lariat and above).
- 22-inch Wheels: 275/50R22 (Limited Trim).
If you own a 2021 or newer Raptor, your truck comes stock with 315/70R17 tires, which are roughly 35 inches tall. Some Raptor R models even come equipped with 37×12.50R17 tires from the factory, requiring unique wheel well liners.
The Electric Lightning Factor
The F-150 Lightning has unique tire requirements due to its immense weight and instant torque. Most Lightning models use 275/60R20 or 275/50R22 tires with a higher load rating to handle the heavy battery pack.
Always ensure you select “XL” (Extra Load) or high-load index tires for the Lightning. Using a standard passenger-rated tire on an electric truck can lead to premature sidewall failure or poor handling during emergency maneuvers.
Thirteenth Generation F-150 (2015–2020)
This generation marked the switch to high-strength, military-grade aluminum bodies. The lighter weight changed the suspension tuning, but the ford f150 tire size chart remained relatively consistent with previous years.
- 17-inch Wheels: 245/70R17 or 265/70R17.
- 18-inch Wheels: 265/60R18 or 275/65R18.
- 20-inch Wheels: 275/55R20.
For owners looking to fill out the wheel wells on a 2015-2020 model, a common upgrade is moving to a 285/70R17 or 275/70R18. These sizes offer a more aggressive look without requiring significant modifications to the crash bars located inside the front wheel wells.
Dealing with Front Crash Bars
Ford added structural crash bars to the front wheel wells in this generation to improve small-overlap crash test ratings. If you try to fit tires larger than 33 inches without a lift, you will likely experience significant rubbing against these steel bars.
Never cut or remove these bars to fit larger tires, as they are critical safety components. Instead, use a leveling kit or choose a tire with a slightly narrower width to maintain proper clearance during full-lock turns.
Twelfth Generation F-150 (2009–2014)
The 2009-2014 models are known for their boxy, muscular styling and the introduction of the EcoBoost engines. These trucks are popular platforms for DIY mechanics because of their straightforward suspension design.
- 17-inch Wheels: 235/75R17 or 255/65R17.
- 18-inch Wheels: 265/60R18 or 275/65R18.
- 20-inch Wheels: 275/55R20.
During these years, the FX4 off-road package was highly popular. Most FX4 models came standard with 18-inch or 20-inch wheels and Goodyear Wrangler tires. If you are replacing these, look for an all-terrain tread pattern to maintain the truck’s off-road capability.
Decoding Tire Sidewall Markings Like a Pro
Understanding the numbers on your tire is just as important as reading a ford f150 tire size chart. Let’s take a common size like 275/65R18 and break it down so you know exactly what you are buying.
The first number, 275, represents the width of the tire in millimeters from sidewall to sidewall. A wider tire generally provides more grip on dry pavement but can increase rolling resistance and decrease fuel economy.
The second number, 65, is the aspect ratio. This is the height of the sidewall expressed as a percentage of the width. A higher aspect ratio means a taller sidewall, which provides more cushion and a softer ride over bumps.
The Meaning of “R” and Rim Diameter
The R stands for radial construction, which is the industry standard for almost all modern road tires. This design uses layers of fabric and steel belts arranged perpendicularly to the direction of travel for better durability.
The final number, 18, is the diameter of the wheel in inches. You must match this number exactly to your current wheels. You cannot mount a 17-inch tire on an 18-inch rim, as the bead will not seat, creating a deadly safety hazard.
Technical Considerations When Changing Tire Sizes
When you deviate from the sizes listed on a standard ford f150 tire size chart, you change the physics of how your truck interacts with the road. The most immediate impact is on your speedometer and odometer.
If you install a taller tire, your speedometer will read slower than your actual speed. For example, moving from a 31-inch tire to a 35-inch tire could result in a 10% discrepancy. You might be driving 77 mph when your dash only shows 70 mph.
To fix this, you will need an electronic calibration tool or a specialized OBD-II software like FORScan. These tools allow you to update the tire circumference in the truck’s computer so that your transmission shifts correctly and your speed readings remain accurate.
The Role of Gear Ratios
Larger tires effectively “lengthen” your gear ratio. This means your engine has to work harder to turn the wheels from a dead stop. If you have a truck with 3.31 gears and you jump to 35-inch tires, you will notice a significant loss in towing power and acceleration.
Trucks with 3.73 or 4.10 gears are much better suited for oversized tires. If you plan on going very large, such as 37-inch tires, you should budget for a professional gear swap in the front and rear differentials to keep your engine in its power band.
Essential Tools for DIY Tire Maintenance
If you plan on swapping your tires or rotating them yourself to save money, you need the right equipment. Working on a heavy truck requires more robust tools than working on a compact car.
- Floor Jack: Use a jack rated for at least 3 tons. Ensure the jack is placed on a flat, level surface and positioned under the frame or a designated lift point.
- Jack Stands: Never work on a truck supported only by a hydraulic jack. Always use heavy-duty jack stands to secure the vehicle.
- Torque Wrench: This is the most critical tool. Most F-150s require the lug nuts to be torqued to 150 lb-ft. Under-tightening can lead to wheels falling off, while over-tightening can warp brake rotors.
- Breaker Bar: Factory lug nuts can be incredibly stubborn. A 24-inch breaker bar provides the leverage needed to loosen them without straining your back.
Always use a star pattern when tightening lug nuts. This ensures the wheel seats evenly against the hub. After driving about 50 miles on new tires or after a rotation, re-check the torque to ensure everything has settled properly.
Frequently Asked Questions About ford f150 tire size chart
What is the biggest tire I can fit on a stock Ford F-150?
On most modern F-150s (2015+), you can fit a 33-inch tire (like a 275/60R20 or 275/70R18) without any rubbing on stock wheels. If you want to go to a 35-inch tire, you will almost certainly need at least a 2-inch leveling kit and potentially some minor trimming of the plastic air dam.
Does changing tire size void my Ford warranty?
Generally, changing tire sizes does not void your entire warranty. However, if the larger tires cause premature wear on suspension components, wheel bearings, or the transmission, the dealership may deny coverage for those specific repairs. Always keep your original tires if you are worried about lease returns or warranty claims.
How does tire width affect off-road performance?
A wider tire provides a larger footprint, which is excellent for flotation on soft surfaces like sand or deep mud. However, a narrower tire (often called a “pizza cutter”) can actually perform better in snow or thin mud because it cuts through the surface to find traction on the solid ground underneath.
Can I put Raptor tires on my XLT or Lariat?
While the Raptor tires (315/70R17) are a popular upgrade, they will not fit a standard F-150 without a significant lift (usually 4 inches or more) and aftermarket wheels with the correct offset. The Raptor has wider fenders designed for that specific tire size, which a standard F-150 lacks.
Choosing the Best Tires for Your Lifestyle
Finding the right entry on the ford f150 tire size chart is only the first step. You also need to choose a tread pattern that matches how you actually use your truck. If 99% of your driving is on the highway, a quiet highway terrain (HT) tire will provide the best fuel economy and comfort.
For those who venture onto job sites or weekend camping trips, an all-terrain (AT) tire offers a great balance. These tires have deeper grooves for traction in dirt but use rubber compounds that don’t roar excessively at highway speeds.
If you are a dedicated off-roader, a mud-terrain (MT) tire is the way to go. These have massive tread blocks and reinforced sidewalls to resist punctures from sharp rocks. Be prepared, however, for a shorter tread life and increased road noise on the asphalt.
By following the specifications in this guide and paying attention to the technical details of fitment, you can ensure your Ford F-150 remains the reliable, capable machine it was built to be. Take the time to measure twice and buy once, and your truck will reward you with thousands of miles of safe travel. Stay safe and stay on the road!
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