What are the Biggest Tires for a Stock F150: Perfect fit
The largest tires you can fit on a stock F150 without removing the crash bars are 33-34 inches without severe rubbing.
Alternatively, you can fit 32-inch tires if your rims are 10” wide.
What are the biggest tires we can fit on a stock F150, without removing the crash bars and a small leveling kit?
This is what we know so far:
Key Takeaways
- The largest tires you can fit on a stock F150 without removing the crash bars are 33-34 inches without severe rubbing.
- You can fit 32-inch tires if your rims are 10” wide.
- These tire sizes fit the 17-inch F150 stock rims: 32.10.43, 33×11.22, 34×12.4
- These tires can fit mostly on a stock F150 with 18” rims: 32×10.83, 33×10.43, 33×11.22
- With a leveling kit, you can squeeze a 35″x12.5″, 18”x9” AT tire.
- Might require minor plastic trimming around the wheel well area.
- 35×12.5 on 18×10 -44 wheels you will require a leveling kit as well as minor plastic trimming.
- A bigger 20” rim i.e. 35”x11.5” on a 20×10 and -25 offset requires minor plastic modification/readjustment needed.
- There is no need to trim, however, you need to pull back and secure the inner plastic fender liner to the brace which is located directly behind the inner fender.
- 35×12.5 on 18×10 -44 wheels you will require a leveling kit as well as minor plastic trimming.
- You can remove the front crash bars and swap them around with the passenger’s side crash bar for improved clearance.
The size of the rim significantly impacts the sidewall profile, especially for off-roading applications.
A taller sidewall (aspect ratio) creates a longer tire footprint which results in improved traction when deflated.
A taller sidewall with a larger footprint, is especially beneficial on dunes, thus enhancing off-road performance.
The below sizes can work, assuming everything else is stock, including rims and suspension, just a leveling kit.
The below table offers a basic guide for the correct size option based on your intended purpose with the vehicle.
| Tire Size | Description |
|---|---|
| 32”x10” | Indicates a tire size with a diameter of 32 inches and a width of 10 inches. This size offers a balanced profile for various on and off-road conditions, providing moderate width and sufficient sidewall height for traction and comfort. Example: 265/70/17 or 275/65/18 |
| 33″x11″ | Specifies a tire size with a diameter of 33 inches and a width of 11 inches. This size offers slightly increased width compared to the previous size, potentially enhancing traction and stability, particularly in off-road terrains, while maintaining a good balance between width and height. Example: 285/70/17 or 285/65/18 |
| 34”x12” | Denotes a tire size with a diameter of 34 inches and a width of 12 inches. This size features a wider footprint, which could provide improved traction and stability, especially in challenging off-road environments, while sacrificing some sidewall height compared to narrower sizes. Example: 315/70/17 |
Conversely, larger diameter rims such as 20 inches might offer a stylish look but limit off-road capabilities due to low-profile tires that cannot be deflated effectively for better traction in challenging terrains.
More important than the diameter:
- From a fitment point of view, the offset and the backspacing are more important.
- The more negative the offset, the more the wheel will stick out.
- The more positive the offset, the closer it will sit to the inside of the wheel arch.
- A more negative offset wheel might look tough, however,
- There is more risk of rubbing at the arches at full articulation.
Below is a list of tire sizes that fit 17-inch F150 stock rims.
| Suspension | Size | Inch | Wheel | Rubbing | Trimming |
| Stock | 265/70/17 | 32.10.43 | Stock 17 | No | No |
| Stock | 285/70/17 | 33×11.22 | Raptor 17 | No | No |
| Stock | 315/70/17 | 34×12.4 | Raptor 17 | No | No |
| Stock | 318/72/17 | 35×12.52 | Aftermarket | Slight | Possibility |
Below is the list of tires you can fit mostly on a stock F150 with 18” rims:
| Suspension | Size | Inch | Wheel | Rubbing | Trimming |
| Stock | 275/65/18 | 32×10.83 | Stock | No | No |
| Stock | 265/70/18 | 33×10.43 | Stock | No | No |
| Stock | 285/65/18 | 33×11.22 | Stock | No | No |
| 3” Lift | 305/60/18 | 32×12.01 | Aftermarket | No | No |
| Adjustable | 318/68/18 | 35×12.52 | Stock | No | Minor |
| 6” | 318/68/18 | 35×12.52 | Aftermarket | No | No |
Things to Note:
- With a leveling kit, you can squeeze a 35″x12.5″, 18”x9” AT tire on.
- It might require minor plastic trimming around the wheel well area,
- There is no rubbing with this combo.
- 35×12.5 on 18×10 -44 wheels you will require a leveling kit as well as minor plastic trimming.
Now, let’s look at the 20” tire and rim combos.
Can this be done?
Yes, we know it can be done and is rather popular, but let’s see what is possible with the stock F150 suspension
Below is the list of tires you can fit mostly on a stock F150 with 20” rims:
| Suspension | Size | Inch | Wheel | Rubbing | Trimming |
| Stock front | 305/50/20 | 32×12.01 | Aftermarket | No | No |
| Stock | 285/50/20 | 31×11.22 | Aftermarket | No | Slight |
| Stock | 275/60/20 | 33×10.83 | Stock | No | No |
| Stock | 285/60/20 | 33×11.22 | Stock | No | Slight |
| Stock | 305/55/20 | 33×12.01 | Stock | No | No |
As you can see once you go 34” and bigger you’ll need a leveling or complete lift kit.
6” Kits are quite popular and allow you a wide range of options.
Bigger on 20s
If you want to go bigger on a 20” rim like say a 35”x11.5” on a 20×10 and -25 offset there will be some minor plastic modification/readjustment needed.
There is no need to trim, however, you need to pull back and secure the inner plastic fender liner to the brace which is located directly behind the inner fender.
F150 2.5” Leveling Kit 35” Tires
The safe bet here would be a minimum 6” lift kit or leveling kit.
You want to go 10 wide and -24 offset. That equates to 35×12.5.
Things to Note:
- It’s quite an aggressive look
- There will definitely be some trimming required.
- If you have a 4” lift then the better choice would be a 33×12.5”
- This works great when paired with a -24 offset wheel.
Ford F150 Crash Bars
Many F150 owners have confirmed that you can remove the front crash bars and swap them around with the passenger’s side crash bar.
The reasoning behind this is the slight curvature on the crash bar will be just enough to allow the wheels to turn at full lock without touching.
Things to Note:
- These steel bars make quite an “impact” on your safety.
- Ford crew cabs who had them fitted aced the safety crash tests
- Models exempt from them only received a dismal rating of “marginal” safety.
Make sure you understand what it implies in terms of your safety.
BACKSPACING
Backspacing is described as the distance from the hub mounting surface to the inside edge/lip of the wheel (measured in inches).
Increased backspacing pushes the tire further away from the truck.
Decreased backspacing brings the wheel closer inward toward the truck.
Hence a rim with a 0 or negative offset will sit further out giving your truck a wider stance allowing you to fit wider tires.
Helpful Resources
- Check out https://www.customwheeloffset.com/gallery for a comprehensive collection of rim, tire, and suspension setups with feedback from owners.
Final Thoughts
The Ford F150 offers extensive modification options, especially with its adaptable wheel arches.
Consider a lift or leveling kit for tire sizes exceeding 33 inches to ease fitting and enhance both appearance and functionality.
