​​The Ford F-150 is seen as one of the standard-bearers of pick-up trucks. It's known for its durability and reliability. However, if you want to take full advantage of the Ford F-150's off roading capabilities and handling, then it may be time to upgrade your Ford F-150 off road wheels and tires.

There are many options, and knowing where to start can be overwhelming. Below, we've rounded up our tips and recommendations for finding the best off-road tires for your Ford F-150.

What To Consider When Upgrading Your Ford F-150 Off Road Wheels & Tires

Before selecting off road tires for your Ford F-150, there are some elements you should keep in mind while researching the right fit. Here are some aspects you need to look at when shopping for off road wheels and tires:

Budget

It's exciting to pick out wheels and tires to support your off roading adventures. But before you decide on a final option, it's a good idea to determine your budget. The last thing you want is to break the budget, particularly if you want to also invest in a lift kit. Start paying attention to prices so you know how much you need to spend on wheels and tires.

Sizing

How large do you want to go? Stock tires and wheels are typically on the smaller side. They're fine for on-road travels but do not adequately facilitate off roading. How large do you need your tires to be for off roading? If you're thinking of going larger than the stock option, you need to know how large you can go to complement lift kits without causing any damage.

Are you lifting your truck?

If you get larger tires, you'll have to increase your Ford F-150's ground clearance with a lift kit. If you're adding tires over 20 inches, you'll likely need at least a two-inch lift kit.

Hub size

Every car has a unique hub size and bolt pattern. These metrics will impact which wheel you choose. Some wheels have a five-lug bolt pattern, while others are six. Knowing the pattern and hub size will enable you to select the best wheel and tire to fit your Ford F-150.

Tire speed ratings

How fast are you expecting to go with your Ford F-150? Speed ratings on the sidewall of a tire indicate how much speed the tire can take before its performance starts to suffer. Each letter in the rating corresponds to a different speed.

Wheel material and finishing

Are you looking for sturdy steel wheels or aluminum alloy wheels that are more resistant to rust and corrosion? Additionally, does styling also play a part? Depending on the color of your Ford F-150, you may desire a retro chrome look or, rather, a modern and sleek black or titanium aesthetic. Take a moment to think through these aspects before making a purchase.

What Stock Options You Have

Understanding what you already have access to can also help you decide what wheels and tires to invest in. The standard options for the Ford F-150 include 17-inch silver steel wheels, 245/70 R17 BSW All-Season Tires (4x2 only), and 265/70 R17 OWL All-Terrain Tires (4x4 only). You also have some optional choices that you can add on or order. You can spring for the 20-inch 6-spoke machined aluminum wheels or two 18-inch wheel options.

Additionally, Ford also offers some larger wheel options, including the 275/65 R18 OWL All-Season/All-Terrain Tires (4x4 Only) (a 32-inch tire), various versions of the 275/60 R20 BSW All-Season Tires (4x2 Only) (about a 33-inch tire), and LT265/70R 17C BSW All-Terrain Tires. The latter requires an off-road package.

Nevertheless, while Ford offers some optional wheel and tire choices, you may want to customize your wheels, invest in a specific kind of wheel (like an Icon Alloy with Interlock Technology), or shoot for a sizing option that they don't offer.

At 4 Wheel Parts, we have various options that allow you to select a wheel and tire combo that fits your specific needs. Whether you prefer a particular brand, like BF Goodrich or Yokohama, or have a preference for a distinct wheel styling and sizing in mind, you have many product choices to consider.

Common Issues With Oversized Tires

You may be tempted to spring for the 35- or 37-inch tire to accompany a lift kit that offers higher ground clearance. But, there are some risks to getting tires that are too large for your vehicle. Here are some issues you want to watch out for:

• The potential for hydroplaning - Wider tires are at greater risk for hydroplaning on wet surfaces. This can impact your ability to control the vehicle while driving and can be a significant risk factor during off-roading sessions.

• You'll sacrifice speedometer accuracy - Your car's speedometer is calibrated to work with the standard tire and wheel sizings. So, if you size up too much, the speedometer won't be accurate since larger tires result in fewer wheel rotations within a mile.

• Handling may suffer - A larger tire can negatively impact your ability to handle and turn your Ford F-150. Again, this can be challenging to overcome when driving over treacherous terrain or even getting around on-road.

• You could damage the tire and suspension - Getting the sizing right for your tire and wheel along with the lift kit is a must-do. Not doing so could cause the tire to rub against the wheel well, damaging your tire and suspension system.

• More stress on your transmission - A larger tire means your transmission has to work harder to maintain performance. This scenario can result in more stress on this car part, potentially leading to long-term damage.

Getting a larger tire is possible. But, it would help if you knew what your Ford F-150 could handle and the potential stress a larger tire can have on your car.

You can avoid this by understanding how far you can safely lift your vehicle, and the tire and wheel size your selected lift kit system can reliably support. To help you start your research, look at our tire and wheel inventory to get a feel for what makes sense for your vehicle.