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Choosing Truck Tires: Size, Load Range and Tread
Written by the PickupChain team · Last reviewed October 17, 2026
Your tire size is printed on the sidewall, for example 275/65R18: 275 mm wide, sidewall height 65% of the width, for an 18-inch wheel. Off-road sizes are often written in inches, like 35x12.50R20: 35 inches tall and 12.5 inches wide.
Highway tires are quiet and efficient, all-terrain tires balance on- and off-road grip, and mud-terrain tires add traction in mud and rocks at the cost of road noise. If you tow or haul, check the load range and load index.
Frequently Asked Questions
+How do I compare two tire sizes?
Use our tire size calculator. Enter your current and new size to see the difference in diameter, width, sidewall height and speedometer reading.
+What size tires fit without a lift?
On many stock half-ton pickups, tires up to about 32 to 33 inches fit with little or no rubbing. Bigger tires usually need a leveling or lift kit. Exact limits depend on the model and wheel offset.
+What does load range E mean?
Load range E (10-ply rated) tires handle higher pressures and heavier loads than standard-load tires. They are common on three-quarter and one-ton trucks and on half-tons used for heavy towing.
