What tires come stock on a Ford F250?
Stock tires on a Ford F-250 vary by model year and trim. In practice, most recent F-250s come with either 18-inch or 20-inch wheels, with tires matched to the wheel package and payload; there isn’t a single universal stock size.
The exact tire size depends on trim level (XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum) and whether the truck has features like 4x4, an off-road package, or a heavy-duty tow setup. This article outlines how Ford specifies stock tires and provides typical examples for recent model years, plus how to verify the size on your specific truck.
How Ford structures stock tire sizes by wheel size
Below are the common wheel-size configurations you may encounter on current Ford F-250 Super Duty models, with notes on what kind of tires typically accompany each setup.
Wheel-size families
- 17-inch wheels (often on base XL trims) typically paired with load-rated all-season tires designed for highway use and payload needs.
- 18-inch wheels (used on mid-range trims such as XLT) commonly paired with all-terrain or highway tires depending on the factory package.
- 20-inch wheels (found on higher trims and certain configurations) usually paired with all-season or all-terrain tires, balancing on-pavement handling with payload and, in some builds, off-road capability.
These wheel-size configurations reflect how Ford offers different tire families to meet payload, towing, and handling requirements across trims and packages.
Typical tire types by package and trim
- All-season highway tires are common on XL and basic trims with 17- or 18-inch wheels, emphasizing durability and payload performance for on-road use.
- All-terrain tires appear with many mid- to high-range trims or off-road-oriented packages, especially on 18- or 20-inch wheels, providing improved grip off pavement while remaining suitable for daily driving.
- Heavy-duty or maximum-tow configurations may use tires with higher load ratings and specific tread patterns to support towing and payload demands, particularly on trucks equipped for demanding work scenarios.
Brands and exact tire models can vary by year, factory order, and regional availability. Always verify the exact OE tire specification for your build when ordering replacements.
How to confirm your F-250's exact stock tires
To be certain which tires were originally installed on your truck, use these verification methods and sources.
- Door jamb placard: The driver’s door sticker lists the original tire size and recommended inflation pressures for the vehicle as built.
- Window sticker or build sheet: If you have the window sticker from new, or your VIN-based build sheet, it will specify the OE tire size and type tied to your trim and package.
- VIN lookup: Many online VIN tools or Ford’s official resources can reveal the original equipment configuration, including the tire size, based on your VIN.
Once you know the exact OE size, you can source exact replacements with the correct load and speed ratings to preserve performance and safety.
Summary
There is no single stock tire size for all Ford F-250 trucks. Tire sizes are driven by model year, trim level, wheel option, and equipment packages. To determine your specific stock tire size, check the door placard, refer to the window sticker or build sheet, or look up your VIN in Ford’s official resources. This ensures any replacements match the original specifications for load, speed rating, and overall performance.
What brand of tires does Ford use?
Ford uses a variety of tires from different manufacturers, including Michelin, Goodyear, Bridgestone, Continental, and Hankook, depending on the specific vehicle model and its intended performance. For example, new Explorer and Capri electric SUVs come factory-fitted with Continental tires, while high-performance models may use Pirelli or Goodyear.
- Continental: Found on new Ford Explorer and Capri electric SUVs.
- Goodyear: Frequently used on models like the Mustang and others.
- Michelin: A common supplier for various models, including the Defender LTX for trucks.
- Hankook: Has supplied original equipment tires for a wide range of Ford vehicles, from the Expedition to the F-150 and Transit.
- Pirelli: Used on models such as the Ford Explorer and Mustang, providing a balance of performance and comfort.
- BFGoodrich: Known for its off-road and all-terrain tires, which are options for vehicles like 4x4s.
Is a 285 tire the same as a 33?
No, a 285 tire is not the same as a 33-inch tire because the numbers represent different dimensions: 285 refers to the tire's width in millimeters, while 33 inches typically refers to the overall height. However, a specific tire size like a 285/70R17 is close in height to a 33-inch tire, with an approximate overall diameter of 32.7 inches.
Tire sizing explained
- 285: This number in a metric tire size (like 285/70R17) is the tire's width across the tread in millimeters.
- 33: In common off-road tire terminology, "33" refers to the tire's approximate overall height in inches.
- The middle number: The number in the middle of the metric size (e.g., 70 in 285/70R17) is the aspect ratio—the height of the tire's sidewall as a percentage of its width.
- Putting it together: To find the overall diameter, you calculate the sidewall height (width multiplied by aspect ratio) and add it twice, then add the wheel diameter.
- For a 285/70R17:
- Width: 285 mm≈11.22 inches285 mm is approximately equal to 11.22 inches285 mm≈11.22 inches
- Sidewall height: 11.22 inches×0.70≈7.85 inches11.22 inches cross 0.70 is approximately equal to 7.85 inches11.22 inches×0.70≈7.85 inches
- Total height: (7.85 inches×2)+17 inch wheel≈32.7 inchesopen paren 7.85 inches cross 2 close paren plus 17 inch wheel is approximately equal to 32.7 inches(7.85 inches×2)+17 inch wheel≈32.7 inches
- For a 285/70R17:
- Why the confusion: A 285/70R17 tire is frequently called a "33-inch" tire because its actual diameter is very close to 33 inches.
Which F-250 to stay away from?
You should generally avoid the 2006, 2008, 2011, and 2017 Ford F-250 models due to common issues like the "death wobble," transmission problems, and other electrical and brake failures. Other models to approach with caution include the 2003-2007 F-250 with the 6.0L Power Stroke engine due to potential engine problems, and the 2008-2010 F-250 with the 6.4L engine, which has known EGR cooler issues.
Model years to avoid
- 2006: Known for stalling, power steering loss, and brake issues, along with the death wobble.
- 2008: Has serious brake problems and the death wobble.
- 2011: Often experiences transmission issues, rough shifting, and the death wobble.
- 2017: Plagued by the "death wobble" and other suspension/steering problems.
- 2017-2019: Specifically mentioned as being susceptible to the "death wobble".
- 2003-2007 (with 6.0L Power Stroke engine): Prone to head gasket and oil cooler failures in stock form.
- 2008-2010 (with 6.4L Power Stroke engine): Has common EGR cooler failures that can lead to coolant loss and overheating.
General issues to be aware of
- Death Wobble: This is a recurring problem in several model years, especially 2008, 2011, and 2017, and is related to suspension and steering components.
- Transmission Problems: Rough shifting and unexpected gear changes have been reported in certain years, notably 2011.
- Engine Issues: Specific diesel engines have known problems. The 6.0L and 6.4L engines are especially notorious for requiring significant maintenance or bulletproofing to be reliable.
- Brake Failures: Some models have reported brake problems, including sudden failure and issues with the brake booster.
What tires come stock on a F-250?
Depending on its year model and trim level, your Ford F-250 Super Duty can come with a range of stock 32'', 33'', 34'' and 35'' tire sizes, including: 245/75R17 tires. 265/70R17 tires.
