What is the biggest size tire for a stock Silverado 1500?
The biggest factory-approved tire diameter you can run on a Silverado 1500 without lifting or modifying the suspension is roughly 33 inches, typically achieved with a 275/60R20 tire on 20-inch wheels. Exact fit depends on year, trim, and wheel choice.
In practice, tire sizes offered by GM vary by model year and trim, and the range of wheel options—from 17 to 22 inches—produces different OE sizes. This article explains the current stock maximums for non-modified Silverado 1500s, how to verify your vehicle’s OE size, and what to consider before moving to larger rubber.
Stock tire sizes by wheel diameter
To understand the ceiling, it helps to group factory sizes by the wheel diameter the truck uses. The following sizes have appeared on recent Silverado 1500s in factory form, though exact availability depends on year and trim.
- 17-inch wheels: 265/70R17 (roughly 30.5 inches in overall diameter)
- 18-inch wheels: 265/65R18 (roughly 30.6 inches) or 275/65R18 (roughly 32.0 inches)
- 20-inch wheels: 275/60R20 (roughly 32.0–33.0 inches)
- 22-inch wheels: 275/45R22 or 285/45R22 (roughly 31.8–32.8 inches)
Concluding: The practical maximum for a truly stock Silverado 1500 is around a 33-inch overall diameter on a 20-inch wheel; factory 22-inch options tend to stay in the low-to-mid 32s, depending on the exact tire model.
What to check before you upgrade
Even with a tire that’s technically “stock” for another year or trim, fit can vary by production run and changes on the line. Here are the factors to verify before buying tires.
- Check the door placard or owner’s manual for the exact OE tire size originally equipped on your truck. This is the starting point for any official tire sizing guidance.
- Confirm fender clearance and turning radius in your typical driving conditions; some wheel/tire combos can rub on full steering lock or suspension travel.
- Expect changes to speedometer accuracy and gearing if you move to a larger diameter tire; you may need a software update or gear ratio change to maintain correct speed readings.
Concluding: Staying within the OE tire size for your wheel diameter minimizes rubbing and avoids calibration changes. Going beyond typically involves modifications. Always verify your specific vehicle’s OE size on the door placard and consult GM guidance before purchasing tires.
Summary
The biggest stock tire size for a Silverado 1500 generally tops out around 33 inches in overall diameter, most commonly realized with a 275/60R20 tire on 20-inch wheels. Exact options depend on model year, trim, and wheel choice; always verify your vehicle’s OE size on the door placard and consult GM guidance before making a tire purchase.
Will 33x12.5 fit stock silverado 1500?
Yes, 33x12.5 tires will fit on a stock Silverado 1500, but they will likely cause some rubbing, especially at full turn, and may require minor modifications. The fitment can also depend on the specific year, trim level, and wheel offset.
Potential fitment issues
- Rubbing: Expect some rubbing, particularly on the upper control arm at full lock and on the front fender liner or pinch weld under articulation or full-lock turns.
- Tire width: The 12.5-inch width is wide and can be the primary cause of rubbing with stock wheels.
- Wheel offset: The wheel's offset can affect clearance. A wheel that sits more flush or slightly outside the fender can increase the chance of rubbing.
Possible solutions
- Minor trimming: Some drivers report needing to trim the front fender liner or perform minor "pinch weld" work to eliminate rubbing.
- Adding spacers: Small wheel spacers can push the tire out, creating more clearance from the control arm, but this can also increase the rubbing on the fender liner.
- Installing a leveling kit: A 1-2 inch leveling kit provides the necessary clearance to significantly reduce or eliminate rubbing, even with 33x12.5 tires.
- Consider narrower tires: If you want to avoid any modifications, a narrower tire, such as a 33x10.5, is less likely to cause rubbing.
Will 285 70R17 fit silverado 1500?
Yes, 285/70R17 tires will fit a Silverado 1500, but you will likely need a leveling kit to prevent rubbing. Without a leveling kit, the tires may rub, especially when turning, but some models may fit with minimal interference.
This video demonstrates fitting 285/70R17 tires on a Silverado 1500 with a leveling kit: 58sThe Sundae DriveYouTube · Mar 29, 2022
Key considerations
- Leveling kit: A leveling kit is highly recommended to provide enough clearance. Many leveling kits are advertised as being specifically designed to fit this tire size.
- Rubbing: Even with a leveling kit, some rubbing can occur with certain wheel offsets, especially when turning at full lock or over bumps.
- Wheel and tire width: The wheel's offset and width can affect fitment. A 17x9 wheel with a negative offset is often used with this tire size without rubbing, according to this Custom Offsets example.
- Trimming: With a leveling kit and proper wheel choice, trimming is often not needed, as seen in this Custom Offsets example.
Can you fit 33 inch tires on a stock Silverado?
Yes, 33-inch tires will often fit a stock Silverado, but it depends on the model year and trim, and you may experience some rubbing at full lock, especially with wider tires. Newer models generally have more clearance, and some might fit without any issues, while older models may need a leveling kit for more room. It is best to check specific fitment details for your truck's generation.
Key factors to consider
- Model Year and Trim: Newer Silverados with rounded wheel wells have more clearance than older, more squared-off models. Some models, like certain RSTs, may even come with 33-inch tires from the factory.
- Wheel Offset: The wheel's offset can affect fitment. A wider tire combined with an aggressive offset (positive or negative) is more likely to cause rubbing.
- Tire Width: A 33-inch tall tire with a narrower width will be more likely to fit than a wider 33-inch tire.
- Potential for Rubbing: Even if they fit, you might experience minor rubbing at full steering lock. A leveling kit is often recommended to solve this issue completely.
- Trimming: In some cases, particularly with wider tires or older models, minor trimming of the bumper or other components might be necessary.
Is a 295 tire a 33?
Yes, a 295 tire is often considered a 33-inch tire because its total diameter is slightly over 33 inches. The number "295" refers to the tire's width in millimeters, and while its diameter can vary slightly depending on the aspect ratio (the second number), it's a very close equivalent to a 33-inch tire.
- Diameter calculation: A 295 tire's diameter is calculated using its width, aspect ratio, and rim diameter. For example, a 295/60R20 tire has a diameter of about 33.94 inches, while a 295/70R17 tire has an even larger diameter when mounted.
- Tire industry naming: In the tire industry, a "33-inch" tire is a standard metric, but the actual size varies depending on the specific tire. For instance, a 285/70R17 is also often marketed as a 33-inch tire, even though its diameter is closer to 32.8 inches.
- Comparison: A 295 tire is generally wider than a 285 tire, so a 295/70R17 will be slightly larger in diameter than a 285/75R17, making it a more accurate 33-inch equivalent.
