The right tire size for your trick can be found in two places: the sidewall of your tire or the inside frame of the driver’s side door. But it’s written in codes, and other factors will eventually determine the size to go for.
When you’re replacing or upgrading your tires, sizing is one of the important aspects to consider.
Generally, your truck’s manufacturer’s recommendations are the best way to determine the right tire size (both bigger and smaller) for the truck. But it doesn’t end there.
In the rest of this post, you will learn how to quickly identify the right tire size for your truck and factors you should consider before going to larger options.
Key Takeaways
- If your truck still has its original tires, you can quickly check the size of the tire’s sidewall. Look for a number with three parts separated by a “/” or an “X. The format is usually like “35×11.50R17LT.”
- Wider tires with a lower sidewall usually improve handling and performance, but they can make the ride less smooth.
- You can find the best affordable truck tires from Discounted Wheel Warehouse.
Two main ways to classify tire sizes are the Imperial system (also called flotation sizes) and the P-metric system.
P-metric tires are usually found on regular cars. They are designed to offer a good mix of comfort, performance, and fuel savings.
Imperial or flotation tires are made for light trucks and off-road vehicles. They focus on being strong, carrying heavier loads, and handling rough roads.
Choosing the Right Truck Tire Size: Imperial System (Flotation Sizes)
The Imperial system measures the tire’s overall diameter and width in inches. For example, the size specification of a truck tire will be written like this: 35×11.50R17LT
- 35: Overall diameter of the tire in inches
- 11.50: Width of the tire in inches
- R: Radial construction
- 17: Rim diameter in inches
- LT: Stands for light truck designation
How to Identify the Recommended Tire Size for Your Truck
How do you find your truck’s original or recommended tire size?
If your truck still has its original tires, you can quickly check the size of the tire’s sidewall. Look for a number with three parts separated by a “/” or an “X” just as in the image below.
But since it’s a truck tire, it can take the format of “35×11.50R17LT” which means it’s an imperial size.
However, if you think your truck doesn’t have the original tires, you can find the correct size by looking for an informational sticker on the vehicle.
This sticker usually includes important details like the vehicle’s VIN (vehicle identification number), GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating), paint code, and factory tire size.
These stickers are often located in easily accessible spots, such as inside the driver’s door frame, on the back of the fuel door, or under the hood.
If you have a truck or SUV, it will likely be imperial size. Just like P-metric sizes, tires use three numbers to show height, width, and wheel diameter, but everything is measured in inches.
Case Study: 35×11.50R17LT
The code you’ll see on your tire will take the above format.
The first number (33) shows the tire’s height in inches, meaning this tire (or the ideal tire size for your truck) is 33 inches tall.
The second number (11.50) is the width in inches. The third number (17) is the wheel diameter, which tells you the wheel size the tire fits on.
The letter “R” after the width indicates the type of tire construction, just like on a P-metric tire.
Lastly, “LT” means the tire is for a light truck.
Can I Put a Different Tire Size on my Truck?
Once you pick a tire size for your truck, it’s best to stick with that same size when you need replacements.
This is because using a different tire size could cause your speedometer to malfunction and affect your vehicle’s anti-lock braking or stability system.
So, what’s the biggest tire size you can put on your truck? It mainly depends on the model of your truck and the size of the rims.
If your truck hasn’t been lifted, you can usually fit tires up to 33 inches. If your truck is lifted, you can go for tires that are 37 inches or even larger.
What About Plus-Sized Tires on Trucks?
Let’s say you already know your truck’s tire size, but you want to upgrade to bigger tires.
You can go for “Plus-Sized” tires, which vary by brand but usually follow these general rules:
- Plus-One tires are 1 inch larger than your truck’s original tires, about 10 mm wider, and require rims that are 1 inch bigger.
- Plus-Two tires are 2 inches larger and about 20 mm wider, so they need rims that are 2 inches bigger to fit correctly.
- Plus-Three tires are 3 inches larger, around 30 mm wider, and need rims that are 3 inches bigger to fit properly.
Are Bigger Tires Better for My Trucks?
It depends on what you want from your tires.
Wider tires with a lower sidewall usually improve handling and performance, but they can make the ride less smooth.
A “plus-one” upgrade (going up one inch in size) typically gives the best mix of performance and comfort. Any extra inches after that don’t improve handling much and make the ride rougher.
Yes, larger tires travel farther with each rotation than smaller ones. After getting bigger tires, you should adjust your speedometer.
If you don’t, your speed readings could be off, and you might accidentally drive over the speed limit.
Meanwhile, if you’re thinking of truck tires, also consider budget. Bigger options are more expensive.
Where To Get The Best Deals on Truck Tires?
Discounted Wheel Warehouse is one of the best online stores for finding cheap truck tires and rims deals.
You can browse through our collection of affordable, high-quality truck tires to make your choices.
With over 850+ brands, there’s more than enough variety to meet any budget. We guarantee the lowest prices + fast shipping on top-quality, authentic rims and tires.
While our aftermarket truck tires are available in various styles, our built-in search tool can help you find the right tire size for your truck’s specifications and model.
The Bottom Line
The recommended tire size for your truck is usually written on the sidewall and often listed using the imperial (or flotation) sizing system.
If you want a simpler option, visit the Discounted Wheel Warehouse website. Go to the truck tires section and enter your vehicle’s model. It will automatically suggest the best tire size options for your truck.