The Ford F-150 is the best-selling truck in America, and for good reason. It is versatile enough to serve as a daily driver, a work truck, a family hauler, and an off-road machine. But that versatility means there is no single best tire for every F-150 owner. The right tire depends on your specific model, any modifications you have made, and how you actually use your truck. At American Fusion Wheels, we fit tires on more F-150s than any other vehicle, and this guide covers everything you need to know.
Stock F-150 Tire Recommendations
If your F-150 is at factory ride height with no suspension modifications, you are looking at the stock tire sizes that came on your truck. Common factory sizes include 265/70R17, 275/65R18, and 275/60R20 depending on the trim and wheel package.
Best All-Season for Stock F-150
- Michelin Defender LTX M/S: The gold standard for highway all-season truck tires. Exceptional tread life (often 60,000+ miles), quiet ride, and strong wet traction. Perfect for daily commuting and occasional towing.
- Continental CrossContact LX25: Excellent ride comfort with low road noise. EcoPlus technology helps with fuel efficiency. A great choice for F-150 XLT and Lariat owners who prioritize a smooth ride.
Best All-Terrain for Stock F-150
- BFGoodrich KO2: The most popular all-terrain tire for the F-150. Handles everything from highway driving to dirt trails with confidence. 3-Peak Mountain Snowflake rated for winter conditions.
- Falken Wildpeak A/T3W: An excellent value alternative to the KO2. Strong off-road performance, good highway manners, and a very competitive price point. Also 3-Peak rated.
- Toyo Open Country A/T III: Balanced performance with an emphasis on highway comfort. Quieter than most all-terrains while still being capable when the pavement ends.
Leveled F-150 Tire Recommendations
A leveling kit is the most common modification on the F-150, raising the front 2 to 2.5 inches to eliminate the factory rake. This opens up the wheel wells for larger tires. The most popular tire sizes for a leveled F-150 are:
- 275/65R18: This is the stock size on many F-150 trims and works well with a leveling kit. It is a safe choice that maintains factory speedometer accuracy.
- 285/70R17: Approximately 32.7 inches tall. A popular upgrade that fills the wheel well nicely on a leveled truck without any rubbing on most setups.
- 275/70R18: About 33.2 inches tall. Fits most leveled F-150s without trimming and provides a noticeable visual upgrade.
- 33x12.50R17: The classic 33-inch tire that gives an aggressive look. May require minor trimming of the front crash bar or fender liner on some model years.
Best Tires for Leveled F-150
- Nitto Ridge Grappler (285/70R17): Aggressive look with quiet highway manners. The most popular tire we sell for leveled F-150s.
- BFGoodrich KO2 (275/70R18): Proven reliability and winter capability in a size that fits perfectly on a leveled F-150.
- Toyo Open Country R/T (33x12.50R17): Rugged terrain tire that splits the difference between all-terrain and mud-terrain. Great off-road and surprisingly good on the highway.
Lifted F-150 Tire Recommendations
With a 4 to 6-inch suspension lift, the F-150 can accommodate significantly larger tires. The most popular sizes for lifted F-150s include:
- 35x12.50R17: The king of lifted truck tires. This size fits well on a 4-inch or larger lift and delivers a dramatic transformation in appearance and capability.
- 35x12.50R18: Same overall diameter as the 17-inch version but on a slightly larger wheel for a different look.
- 35x12.50R20: For owners running 20-inch wheels on their lifted F-150. Less sidewall but still a true 35-inch tire.
- 37x12.50R17: For 6-inch lifts and above. The ultimate statement size that makes your F-150 look absolutely massive. May require additional modifications like fender trimming and regearing.
Best Tires for Lifted F-150
- Nitto Trail Grappler (35x12.50R17): Mud-terrain tire with surprisingly good highway manners. Aggressive tread pattern that looks fantastic on a lifted F-150.
- BFGoodrich KM3 (35x12.50R17): Pure mud-terrain performance with Krawl-TEK compound for maximum grip on rocks and in mud. Louder on the highway but unmatched off-road.
- Toyo Open Country M/T (35x12.50R17): Open scallop design clears mud and debris effectively. Durable construction for trail abuse.
- Nitto Ridge Grappler (35x12.50R17): If you want a 35-inch tire that is comfortable on the highway, the Ridge Grappler in this size is an outstanding choice.
Tire Pressure and F-150 Performance
Proper tire pressure is critical for safety, tread life, and fuel economy on the F-150. Factory tire pressures are listed on the driver door jamb sticker, but aftermarket tires may require different pressures depending on the load rating and size.
General guidelines for F-150 tire pressure:
- Highway driving (stock or leveled): 33 to 36 PSI for most sizes
- Off-road (aired down): 18 to 25 PSI for better traction and a smoother ride on trails
- Towing: Increase to 40 to 45 PSI for rear tires to support the added tongue weight
- 35-inch tires: Often require slightly lower pressures (30 to 34 PSI) for optimal contact patch
Get Your F-150 Fitted Right
At American Fusion Wheels, we stock a huge selection of truck tires in every popular F-150 size. Whether you are running stock height or sitting on a 6-inch lift, we will match you with the right tire for your setup and driving style. Browse our full tire selection online or come in for a personalized consultation.
Call 913-291-2027 or visit our shop at 12310 W 62nd Ter, Shawnee KS.
