How much bigger of a tire can I put on my truck?
Upgrading your truck's tires can enhance its performance, improve its off-road capabilities, and give it a more aggressive look. However, there are important considerations to keep in mind when deciding how much bigger you can go without causing issues. In this article, we’ll explore the factors that determine the maximum tire size for your truck and provide practical tips to ensure a safe and effective upgrade.
Factors to Consider When Upgrading Tire Size
Before you decide on larger tires, it’s essential to evaluate the following factors to avoid potential problems with your truck’s performance and safety:
- Wheel Well Clearance: Larger tires require more space in your wheel wells. If the tires are too big, they may rub against the fenders, suspension components, or other parts of the truck.
- Suspension and Lift Kits: If you want significantly larger tires, you may need to install a suspension lift or leveling kit to create additional clearance.
- Gear Ratio: Bigger tires can affect your truck’s gear ratio, potentially reducing acceleration and fuel efficiency. Re-gearing may be necessary to maintain performance.
- Speedometer Calibration: Larger tires can throw off your speedometer and odometer readings. Recalibration is often required to ensure accuracy.
- Legal Restrictions: Some states or regions have regulations regarding tire size and vehicle modifications. Be sure to check local laws before making changes.
How to Determine the Maximum Tire Size for Your Truck
To find out how much bigger you can go with your truck’s tires, follow these steps:
- Check the Owner’s Manual: Your truck’s manufacturer provides recommended tire sizes and specifications in the owner’s manual. This is a good starting point.
- Measure Current Clearance: Measure the space between your current tires and the nearest components, such as the fenders and suspension. This will give you an idea of how much extra room you have.
- Consult a Professional: Visit a trusted auto repair shop or tire specialist to get expert advice. They can recommend the best tire size based on your truck’s make, model, and intended use.
- Test Fit Larger Tires: Some tire shops allow you to test fit larger tires to see how they perform and whether they fit without rubbing or causing issues.
Common Tire Size Upgrades
For most trucks, you can typically increase the tire size by 1-2 inches in diameter without requiring major modifications. For example:
- If your truck currently has 31-inch tires, you may be able to upgrade to 33-inch tires with minimal adjustments.
- For larger upgrades, such as moving from 33-inch to 35-inch tires, a suspension lift or leveling kit is often necessary.
Potential Risks of Oversized Tires
While larger tires can offer benefits, going too big can lead to several issues:
- Rubbing and Damage: Oversized tires may rub against the fenders or suspension, causing damage over time.
- Reduced Fuel Efficiency: Bigger tires are heavier and can increase rolling resistance, leading to lower gas mileage.
- Strain on Components: Larger tires can put additional stress on your truck’s suspension, brakes, and drivetrain.
Conclusion
Upgrading to larger tires can transform your truck’s appearance and performance, but it’s crucial to do so carefully. Always consider factors like clearance, suspension, and gear ratios, and consult with a professional if you’re unsure. At Kevin’s Autos, we’re here to help you make the right choice for your truck. Contact us today for expert advice and installation services!
Frequently Asked Questions
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 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 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 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.
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.
How much taller is a 285 tire than a 275 tire?
Plus Sizes
| 275/65-17 | 285/70-17 | |
|---|---|---|
| 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) |
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.
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.
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.
What size is a 33 truck tire?
Tire Sizes, Overall Diameter and Width
| Tire Size | Overall Diameter (Inches) | Width (Inches) |
|---|---|---|
| 31X10.50R15 | 31 | 10.5 |
| 32X11.50R15 | 32 | 11.5 |
| 33X10.50R15 | 33 | 10.5 |
| 33X12.50R15 | 33 | 12.5 |
