Wondering about the right 2013 F-150 tire size for your truck? Finding the perfect fit isn’t just about appearance—it’s essential for your vehicle’s performance, handling, and safety.
Your Ford F-150 came equipped with exact tire sizes from the factory, but you might be considering an upgrade or replacement. Whether you’re looking to maintain the original specifications or add larger tires for better ground clearance, understanding your options is crucial. The 2013 F-150 models typically came with tire sizes ranging from P235/75R17 to P275/65R18, depending on the trim level and package options.
Understanding the 2013 Ford F-150 Tire Specifications
The 2013 Ford F-150 comes with exact tire specifications that vary across different trim levels. Each tire size is carefully selected by Ford engineers to complement the truck’s capabilities and performance characteristics. Your F-150’s tire specifications include not just the size but also load ratings and speed ratings that determine how much weight the tires can support and at what maximum speed.
Factory tire sizes for the 2013 F-150 include:
| Trim Level | Standard Tire Size | Optional Tire Size |
|---|---|---|
| XL | P235/75R17 | P255/65R17 |
| STX | P235/75R17 | P255/65R17 |
| XLT | P255/65R17 | P275/65R18 |
| FX2/FX4 | P265/60R18 | P275/55R20 |
| Lariat | P265/60R18 | P275/55R20 |
| King Ranch | P275/65R18 | P275/55R20 |
| Platinum | P275/55R20 | None |
| Limited | P275/45R22 | None |
| SVT Raptor | LT315/70R17 | None |
Tire size codes contain crucial information about your tires. For example, in P275/65R18:
- “P” indicates a passenger vehicle tire
- “275” represents the width in millimeters
- “65” is the aspect ratio (sidewall height as a percentage of width)
- “R” means radial construction
- “18” specifies the wheel diameter in inches
Load ratings on 2013 F-150 tires typically range from 109 to 121, with higher numbers indicating greater load capacity. Speed ratings commonly fall between S (112 mph) and T (118 mph), though performance variants may have higher ratings.
Liam Kohn, our resident truck expert, noticed many F-150 owners don’t realize that changing tire sizes affects the truck’s speedometer accuracy. “I’ve seen customers come in confused about their fuel economy after installing larger tires,” he shared. “Their trucks were actually traveling farther than what the speedometer showed.”
The recommended tire pressure for most 2013 F-150 models is 35 PSI for front tires and 33 PSI for rear tires. These specifications are printed on a label inside the driver’s door jamb and provide the optimal balance between ride comfort, handling, and tire longevity.
Factory Tire Sizes for Different 2013 F-150 Trim Levels
Ford equipped the 2013 F-150 with exact tire sizes customized to each trim level’s intended use and capability. These factory tire sizes range from 17-inch to 22-inch wheel diameters, with various width and aspect ratio combinations optimized for different driving conditions.
XL and STX Trim Tire Sizes
The entry-level XL trim comes with different tire configurations based on drivetrain choice. XL 2-wheel drive models feature either 255/65R17 or 235/75R17 tires, providing a balance of economy and utility. XL 4-wheel drive variants use 265/70R17 or 235/75R17 tires for improved traction in challenging conditions. STX trims offer slightly different options, with 2-wheel drive models sporting 255/65R17 or 265/60R18 tires, while 4-wheel drive STX trucks roll on either 265/70R17 or 275/65R18 rubber for enhanced off-road capability.
XLT and FX2 Trim Tire Sizes
The popular XLT trim in 2-wheel drive Regular Cab and Super Cab configurations comes equipped with either 275/55R20 or 235/75R17 tires, giving owners options for appearance and function. FX2 models, designed with a street-performance focus, feature 265/60R18 or 275/55R20 tires that complement their more road-oriented stance. These mid-range trims offer a noticeable step up in tire width compared to base models, contributing to improved stability and traction.
FX4 and Lariat Trim Tire Sizes
FX4 models, built for off-road enthusiasts, come with either 275/55R20 or 275/65R18 tires that provide excellent ground clearance and traction. Lariat 2-wheel drive trucks feature 275/55R20 or 265/60R18 tires, focusing on comfort and on-road performance. Lariat 4-wheel drive variants use 275/65R18 or 275/55R20 tires for versatility across various driving conditions. Trucks equipped with the Heavy Duty Payload Package get specialized 245/75R17 tires, prioritizing load capacity over comfort for demanding hauling tasks.
King Ranch, Platinum, and Limited Trim Tire Sizes
Premium trims receive correspondingly premium tire setups. King Ranch 2-wheel drive models feature 275/55R20 or 265/60R18 tires that balance luxury with capability. King Ranch 4-wheel drive trucks come with either 275/65R18 or 275/55R20 tires for enhanced off-road ability without sacrificing refinement. Platinum models exclusively use 275/55R20 tires, while the top-tier Limited trim stands apart with larger 275/45R22 tires on 22-inch wheels. For extreme off-road performance, the specialized SVT Raptor model features massive 315/70R17 tires designed specifically for high-speed desert running and technical trail navigation.
Upgrading Your 2013 F-150 Tires: Size Options and Considerations
Upgrading your 2013 Ford F-150’s tires can dramatically improve your truck’s appearance and performance capabilities. The right tire upgrade enhances ground clearance, traction, and overall driving experience while maintaining proper fitment for your exact F-150 trim.
Maximum Tire Size Without Modifications
Standard 2013 F-150 trims accommodate tire sizes up to 275/65R18 or 275/55R20 without requiring any modifications to the suspension or body. Your stock suspension setup provides enough clearance for these moderately larger tire options compared to some factory sizes. Trucks equipped with the XL or XLT trims typically have more conservative tire sizes from the factory (like 255/65R17), giving you room to upgrade within this range. The SVT Raptor stands as an exception, coming factory-equipped with massive 315/70R17 tires specifically designed for its enhanced suspension travel and off-road capability. Staying within these maximum size parameters ensures you’ll avoid rubbing issues during turns or when the suspension compresses over bumps.
Lift Kit Requirements for Larger Tires
Installing tires larger than 35 inches in diameter or wider than 275mm on your 2013 F-150 necessitates a suspension lift kit for proper clearance. Lift heights range from 2 to 6 inches depending on your desired tire size—generally, each inch of lift provides clearance for approximately one inch of additional tire diameter. Modest 2-inch leveling kits work well for 33-inch tires, while 35-inch tires typically require at least a 3-inch lift. Extreme tire sizes exceeding 35 inches demand more comprehensive 4-6 inch lift kits along with additional modifications. These modifications often include fender trimming, bumper adjustments, or wheel offset changes to prevent rubbing during articulation. Quality lift kits also include essential components like extended brake lines and adjusted steering geometry to maintain your F-150’s handling characteristics even though the increased height and tire size.
Performance Benefits of Different Tire Sizes on Your 2013 F-150
Tire size directly impacts your F-150’s performance characteristics, handling, and capability. The 2013 F-150 offers various tire options ranging from 255/65R17 to 315/70R17 for the SVT Raptor, each delivering distinct advantages depending on your driving needs.
Fuel Economy Impact
Tire size significantly affects your truck’s fuel efficiency. Smaller tires like the 255/65R17 and 265/60R18 maintain better fuel economy due to their lighter weight and reduced rolling resistance. Stock-sized tires that match original equipment specifications preserve factory fuel economy levels more consistently. Larger, wider tires with aggressive tread patterns create additional friction against the road surface, increasing fuel consumption by several percentage points. The difference becomes particularly noticeable with the massive 315/70R17 tires equipped on the Raptor, which prioritize off-road capability over fuel savings.
Off-Road Capability Improvements
Upgrading to larger tires transforms your F-150’s off-road performance dramatically. The 275/65R18 tires found on FX4 models provide increased ground clearance, allowing your truck to navigate over obstacles more effectively. All-terrain tires like the Falken Wildpeak A/T3W or Toyo Open Country A/T III deliver superior traction in challenging conditions including mud, snow, and rocky trails. The SVT Raptor’s massive 315/70R17 tires represent the pinnacle of off-road capability in the F-150 lineup, offering maximum clearance and durability for serious trail riding. These specialized tires feature reinforced sidewalls that resist punctures and cuts when traversing sharp rocks or debris.
| Tire Size | Performance Benefits | Fuel Economy Impact | Best Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| 255/65R17 | Smooth ride, responsive handling | Better fuel economy | Daily driving, highway use |
| 265/70R17 | Improved clearance, balanced performance | Moderate decrease | Light off-road, mixed use |
| 275/65R18 | Enhanced ground clearance, better grip | Slightly lower | Off-road, rough terrain |
| 315/70R17 | Maximum off-road capability, durability | Lowest fuel economy | Serious off-roading |
Recommended Tire Brands for the 2013 F-150
The 2013 Ford F-150 performs best with exact tire brands that complement its robust capabilities. Several manufacturers have developed tires that excel in different driving conditions while maintaining the truck’s performance characteristics.
BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 tires stand out as top performers for off-road enthusiasts. These tires offer exceptional durability and traction across varied terrain, making them ideal for F-150 owners who frequently venture beyond paved roads. Their rugged construction handles rocky paths and muddy conditions with ease.
Falken WildPeak A/T4W provides excellent all-terrain performance for mixed driving conditions. These tires deliver strong traction on both highways and light trails, offering F-150 owners versatility for everyday use and weekend adventures.
Toyo Open Country A/T III tires balance on and off-road capabilities perfectly. Their design prioritizes durability while maintaining good handling characteristics on pavement, giving F-150 drivers confidence across multiple environments without compromising comfort.
Bridgestone’s Dueler series includes popular options like the Dueler HP92A and AT Revo3. Available in sizes like 265/60R18, these tires excel in highway driving while handling occasional off-road excursions. The series offers different specializations depending on your primary driving needs.
Specialized options such as Nomad Grappler and Arctic Claw WXI come in the 265/60R18 size with higher load ratings. These heavy-duty tires support the F-150’s towing and hauling capabilities, making them excellent choices for work-focused truck applications.
Tru-Trac offers several models including the SU, AT, and HT variants that deliver solid performance in various conditions. These tires represent good value while maintaining the performance standards required for the F-150’s capabilities.
The right tire choice depends on your exact driving habits and needs. Off-road enthusiasts benefit from aggressive all-terrain options like the BFGoodrich KO2, while highway drivers might prefer the smoother ride of Bridgestone Duelers. Matching your tire selection to your typical driving conditions ensures optimal performance from your 2013 F-150.
Tire size compatibility remains crucial when selecting brands. Popular factory sizes for the 2013 F-150 include P265/70R17, P265/60R18, and P275/55R20, varying by trim level. Each recommended brand offers options in these sizes, allowing you to maintain proper fitment while upgrading performance characteristics.
Conclusion
Finding the right tire size for your 2013 F-150 doesn’t need to be complicated. Whether you stick with factory sizes ranging from P235/75R17 to P275/65R18 or upgrade for improved performance you now have the knowledge to make an well-informed choice.
Remember that your choice affects everything from fuel economy to off-road capability. Premium options like the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 or Falken WildPeak A/T4W can transform your truck’s performance when paired with the right size.
Maintain proper tire pressure and be mindful of how size changes might affect your speedometer readings. With the right tires your F-150 will continue to deliver the dependable performance and capability you expect from America’s favorite pickup.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the factory tire sizes for the 2013 Ford F-150?
The 2013 Ford F-150 comes with factory tire sizes ranging from P235/75R17 to P275/65R18, depending on the trim level and package options. XL and STX trims typically use 17-inch wheels, while premium trims like King Ranch and Platinum feature larger 18 to 22-inch options. The SVT Raptor model has specialized 315/70R17 tires for off-road performance.
Can I upgrade my F-150’s tire size?
Yes, you can upgrade your F-150’s tire size, but you should consider several factors. Larger tires can improve ground clearance and off-road capability but may affect speedometer accuracy and fuel economy. Always ensure the new size is compatible with your wheel wells and doesn’t interfere with suspension components. Consult with a tire professional before making significant changes.
How does tire size affect fuel economy in the F-150?
Tire size directly impacts fuel economy in the F-150. Smaller tires like the 255/65R17 and 265/60R18 are lighter and create less rolling resistance, resulting in better fuel efficiency. Larger, heavier tires, particularly aggressive off-road options like the Raptor’s 315/70R17, require more energy to rotate and can reduce fuel economy by 1-2 MPG or more.
What is the recommended tire pressure for a 2013 F-150?
The recommended tire pressure for most 2013 Ford F-150 models is typically between 35-40 PSI for front tires and 35-45 PSI for rear tires, depending on load requirements. Always check the tire pressure information label located on the driver’s side door jamb for the exact specifications for your specific trim level and configuration.
What tire brands work best with the 2013 F-150?
Top tire brands for the 2013 F-150 include BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 for off-road use, Falken WildPeak A/T4W for mixed conditions, Toyo Open Country A/T III for balanced performance, and Bridgestone Dueler series for highway driving. Choose based on your driving habits—all-terrain tires for occasional off-roading or highway tires for better fuel economy and quieter rides.
How do I read the tire size code on my F-150?
A tire size code like P275/65R18 breaks down as follows: “P” indicates passenger vehicle tires, “275” is the width in millimeters, “65” is the aspect ratio (sidewall height as a percentage of width), “R” means radial construction, and “18” is the wheel diameter in inches. This information helps you select compatible replacement tires for your F-150.
Will larger tires improve off-road performance?
Yes, larger tires generally improve off-road performance by increasing ground clearance and providing a larger contact patch for better traction. Tires like the 275/65R18 or 275/55R20 offer enhanced capability in mud, snow, and rough terrain. However, extremely large tires may require suspension modifications and can negatively affect on-road handling and fuel economy.
How often should I rotate tires on my 2013 F-150?
You should rotate tires on your 2013 F-150 every 5,000-7,500 miles to ensure even wear and maximum tire life. Regular rotation is especially important for trucks due to weight distribution differences between front and rear axles. Following this maintenance schedule can extend tire life by up to 20% and maintain optimal handling characteristics.
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