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How much bigger of a tire can I put on my truck?

If you're looking to upgrade the tires on your truck, you may be wondering just how much bigger you can go. The answer depends on a few key factors, including your truck's make, model, and year, as well as the current size of your tires. In this article, we'll provide a detailed guide on how to determine the maximum tire size for your truck and the steps you can take to safely install larger tires.


Factors to Consider When Upgrading Truck Tires


When it comes to upgrading your truck's tires, there are several important factors to consider:



  • Tire Size: The current size of your tires, including the width, diameter, and aspect ratio, will determine the maximum size you can safely install.

  • Wheel Well Clearance: You'll need to ensure that the larger tires you choose will fit within the wheel wells without rubbing against the fenders or suspension components.

  • Speedometer Accuracy: Larger tires can affect the accuracy of your truck's speedometer, so you may need to recalibrate it to ensure you're getting an accurate reading.

  • Load Capacity: Make sure the larger tires you choose can handle the weight of your truck and any cargo you'll be carrying.


By considering these factors, you can ensure that you choose the right size tires for your truck and avoid any potential issues or safety concerns.


Determining the Maximum Tire Size for Your Truck


To determine the maximum tire size you can install on your truck, you'll need to consult your owner's manual or the information placard located on the driver's side door jamb. This will provide you with the factory-recommended tire size, as well as the maximum tire size that your truck can accommodate.


You can also use online tire size calculators or consult with a reputable tire shop to get a more accurate assessment of the maximum tire size for your specific truck model. They'll be able to take into account factors like your truck's suspension, wheel well clearance, and other important considerations.


Steps to Safely Install Larger Tires


Once you've determined the maximum tire size for your truck, you can follow these steps to safely install the larger tires:



  • Measure Wheel Well Clearance: Measure the clearance between the current tires and the wheel wells to ensure the larger tires will fit without rubbing.

  • Check Speedometer Calibration: Use a speedometer calibration tool or consult with a professional to ensure your speedometer is accurate with the new tire size.

  • Inspect Suspension Components: Carefully inspect your truck's suspension components, such as the shocks, struts, and control arms, to ensure they can handle the additional weight and size of the larger tires.

  • Properly Inflate Tires: Follow the manufacturer's recommended tire pressure for the new tire size to ensure optimal performance and safety.

  • Align and Balance Tires: Have your truck's wheels aligned and the tires balanced to ensure a smooth and stable ride.


By following these steps, you can safely and effectively upgrade your truck's tires to a larger size, improving its performance, appearance, and off-road capabilities.

Is it OK to put bigger tires on my truck?


Larger tires can have a negative influence on stopping power and possible decrease of comfort on pavement as more unsprung weight can translate to a rougher ride. Vehicles can, in fact, benefit from an increase in tire width. Using a wider size while maintaining the same overall diameter is known as “plus-zero” sizing.



How much can you oversize a tire?


As a general rule, you want replacement tires that are within 3 percent of the diameter (height) measurement of your existing tires' diameter — assuming your current tires are what your owner's manual recommends.



Can I fit 275 tires instead of 265?


Going from 265 to 275 is fine on your car and you should not notice any difference in driving. It's less than a 4% difference in width: 10/265 = 0.0377).



How much taller is a 285 tire than a 275 tire?


Plus Sizes

275/65-17285/70-17
Width inches (mm)10.83 (275)11.22 (285)
Circum. inches (mm)97.62 (2479.66)102.76 (2610.04)
Sidewall Height inches (mm)7.04 (178.75)7.85 (199.5)
Revolutions per mile (km)649.02 (403.28)616.6 (383.14)



How much difference in tire size is acceptable?


Generally, you don't want to go with tires that have a diameter that is more than 3% different from the factory tires. It's also a good idea to consult with a trusted mechanic before switching to larger or smaller tires.



What is the biggest tire size I can fit on my truck?


On average, if your truck isn't lifted, you can fit tires up to 33”. In case the vehicle is lifted, you can find a good set of 37” or larger tires to fit. However, you must make some measurements to learn what your truck needs.



Are 255 and 275 tires interchangeable?


Yes you can. Infact it's actually harder to inflate a tire that is wider on a narrower rim. Because the bead will not sit properly on the rim. It might take a proper tire machine to initially inflate it but it will sit properly on the rim when the tire is slightly smaller than the rim.



Can I put 55 tires instead of 60?


Similarly, we only recommend changing the aspect ratio by 5% either side of your cars preferred size. For example, a car designed to take a 60 aspect ratio tire could also fit a 55 or 65 aspect ratio. In winter it is very common to 'downsize' tires – this is making the width slightly smaller.



Can I put bigger tires on my truck without lifting it?


Fenders and Leveling Kits
Rolled fenders are one of the answers to your question, “can I put bigger tires on my truck without a lift?” You can do this by applying heat and using special tools to have the truck's inner lip bent above the tire in a V shape instead of an L.



What size is a 33 truck tire?


Tire Sizes, Overall Diameter and Width

Tire SizeOverall Diameter (Inches)Width (Inches)
31X10.50R153110.5
32X11.50R153211.5
33X10.50R153310.5
33X12.50R153312.5


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.