What size tires can I fit on my Tundra?
In broad terms, you can fit larger tires on a Tundra with the right combination of wheels and suspension, but the exact maximum depends on your model year, wheel offset, and how much you’re willing to modify (or trim). Most Tundras can safely run around 33 inches in diameter with a leveling kit, and about 35 inches with a moderate lift and careful fitting. Going bigger (37 inches or more) usually requires substantial modifications. Always verify clearance and alignment before purchasing.
Know your baseline: stock tires and clearance
To plan any tire upgrade, start with the stock setup. Find the original tire size on the door placard or owner’s manual, and note your wheel size and offset. Measuring the available space in the wheel wells at full steering lock and compressions helps predict rub risks. This baseline sets the limit for how aggressively you can pursue larger tires without modifying the suspension or fenders.
Typical fitment ranges by generation
Note that exact sizes depend on trim, wheel width, and whether the truck is stock or modified. The ranges below reflect common practice among Tundra owners, but your experience may vary.
- Generation 1 (2000–2006): generally used 16-inch wheels; upgrades often stay in the low 30s in diameter with careful clearance checks and minor trimming if necessary.
- Generation 2 (2007–2021): commonly run 17–18 inch wheels; many owners upgrade to roughly 33 inches with leveling or a modest lift, depending on wheel choice.
- Generation 3 (2022–present): uses modern 18–20 inch wheels; a 33-inch tire is a frequent starting point, with 35 inches achievable on a lift and proper fitment work.
Conclusion: your actual maximum tire size hinges on wheel width/offset, suspension setup, and how much fender or inner liner work you’re willing to do.
What affects fitment
Several factors determine whether a given tire size will fit on your Tundra without rubbing or clearance issues. Understanding these helps you choose a safe, reliable setup.
- Wheel diameter and width: larger wheels change the tire’s overall diameter and the space it occupies in the wheel well.
- Wheel offset and backspacing: offsets that push the wheel outward can increase rubbing risk with larger tires.
- Suspension height: stock suspension vs. leveling kits or lifts alters clearance above the tire.
- Fender clearance and trim: some rub may occur against the fender liners, inner fenders, or trim pieces; trimming may be required.
- Steering angle and suspension geometry: extreme sizes can bind at full lock or under articulation.
- Drivetrain and braking clearances: fitment must avoid contact with control arms, shocks, brakes, and steering components.
- Speedometer and gearing: larger tires affect speedometer accuracy and may necessitate recalibration.
Plan for some flexibility: even with a recommended tire size, you may need minor modifications to realize a clean, rub-free fit.
How to plan your tire upgrade
Follow these steps to approach a tire upgrade methodically and reduce surprises during installation.
- Identify your baseline size by checking the factory tire on your Tundra (or the placard in the door jamb).
- Decide on your target size and determine whether you’ll use a leveling kit, a small lift, or stock height with larger tires.
- Check clearance at full steering lock and when the suspension is fully compressed; look for contact with fender liners, coils, control arms, and brakes.
- Choose wheels with the correct diameter, width, and offset for your target tire size to minimize rubbing.
- Confirm that the selected tires fit the overall diameter within your speedometer tolerance; plan for a recalibration if needed.
- Have a professional install and align the vehicle; verify after installation with a test drive and recheck clearances.
Conclusion: a careful, staged approach helps you achieve your desired look and performance without compromising safety or reliability.
Common tire sizes and upgrade paths
These examples illustrate typical upgrade trajectories seen on Tundra owners. Always verify with your exact model, wheel, and suspension before buying.
- Stock-height trucks commonly upgrade to 33-inch tires with a leveling kit (33x12.5 or similar on compatible 17–18 inch wheels).
- With about 2 inches of lift, 34–35 inch tires become common, depending on wheel width and offset.
- For larger lifts (3 inches or more), 35–37 inch tires are often pursued, but may require fender trimming and additional suspension components.
Final note: start with the smallest, most reversible upgrade that achieves your goal, and test for rub at full steering and articulation before committing to larger tires.
Legal and safety considerations
Before you finalize a tire upgrade, consider local rules and safety impacts. Some areas require mud flaps or limits on tire protrusion beyond the fenders, and larger tires can affect braking, handling, and fuel economy. Ensure your setup remains road-legal and meets safety standards.
- Check local regulations for tire coverage and fender requirements.
- Ensure adequate fender clearance to prevent debris from hitting other vehicles.
- Maintain proper alignment and suspension geometry to preserve handling and tire wear.
- Recalibrate speedometer/odometer if tire diameter changes significantly.
Summary
For a Toyota Tundra, you can typically move from stock tires to around 33 inches with a leveling kit, and up to 35 inches with a moderate lift and careful fitment. Bigger sizes demand more extensive modifications, fender work, and professional setup. Always start by confirming your baseline, check clearances at full steering and compression, choose wheels with appropriate offset, and consider a speedometer recalibration. When in doubt, consult a qualified installer or your Toyota dealer to confirm model-specific fitment and safety considerations.
