2016 Ford F-150: Tire Size, Pressure & Wheel Specs

Quick answer

Here are the essential tire and wheel specifications for the 2016 Ford F-150. Always confirm by checking the sticker on your driver's side door jamb.

• OEM Tire Size: 245/70R17, 265/70R17, 275/65R18, 275/55R20
• Recommended Cold Tire Pressure (Placard): 35 PSI (Front) / 35 PSI (Rear) for most P-metric tires. Varies with tire type; always check your door placard.
• Bolt Pattern: 6x135mm
• Wheel Size: 17x7.5, 18x7.5, 20x8.5 inches
• Load Index / Speed Rating: Varies by trim, e.g., 116T for 275/65R18 (2756 lbs per tire, 118 mph)
• Spare Tire Size: Typically a full-size spare (e.g., 275/65R18) on a steel wheel.
• TPMS Frequency: 315 MHz

Tire Sizes by Trim

The 2016 F-150 was offered with a variety of trims and optional packages, resulting in several different factory tire and wheel combinations.

Note: The Heavy-Duty Payload Package (HDPP) often included LT-rated (Light Truck) tires on 18-inch wheels for increased load capacity.

Recommended Replacement Tires

Choosing the right replacement tire depends on your budget and how you use your truck—for highway cruising, off-roading, towing, or a mix of everything.

• Budget Friendly (Highway/All-Season): The General Grabber HTS60 offers a quiet, comfortable ride and reliable all-season traction for daily driving and light hauling. Expect to pay in the $150–$200 range per tire.
• Mid-Tier (All-Terrain): The BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 is an iconic choice for F-150 owners. It provides a perfect balance of aggressive off-road capability and well-mannered highway performance. It's a great do-it-all tire, typically costing $250–$350 per tire.
• Premium (Highway/Touring): The Michelin Defender LTX M/S is a top-tier option known for its exceptionally long tread life, quiet ride, and excellent wet and dry traction. It's ideal for owners who spend most of their time on pavement and want the best-in-class performance. Pricing is usually in the $250–$350 range.

When to Inflate to Max Load PSI

Standard P-metric tires on most F-150s should be kept at the 35 PSI recommended on the door placard for normal driving. However, if your truck is equipped with the Heavy-Duty Payload Package (HDPP) and LT (Light Truck) tires, the rules change for heavy-duty use.

These LT tires have a much higher maximum pressure (e.g., 80 PSI) indicated on the tire sidewall. You should only inflate to this maximum pressure when you are carrying a heavy load in the bed or towing a heavy trailer that significantly compresses the rear suspension. This stiffens the sidewalls, preventing overheating and providing stability. For daily driving without a load, you should still use the lower pressure specified on the door placard for a comfortable ride and even tread wear.

Lug Nut Torque & Pattern

Properly torquing your lug nuts is critical for safety, preventing wheel damage and ensuring brake rotors don't warp.

• Lug Nut Torque: 150 lb-ft (204 Nm)
• Socket Size: 21mm
• Tightening Pattern: Always tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern to ensure the wheel is evenly seated against the hub. Never tighten them in a circle. Torque the nuts in stages (e.g., 50 lb-ft, then 100 lb-ft, then a final pass at 150 lb-ft) for the most accurate result.

Common Tire Issues for this Vehicle

The 2016 F-150 is a robust truck, but owners should be aware of a few common tire-related issues:

• Alignment Wear: Like any independent front suspension truck, the F-150 can be sensitive to alignment changes. Hitting potholes or installing leveling/lift kits without a proper alignment can cause rapid inner or outer edge wear on the front tires.
• TPMS Faults: The 315 MHz TPMS sensors can fail over time, usually due to a dead battery. This will trigger a warning light on the dash. When replacing tires, it's often cost-effective to replace the sensors at the same time to avoid a second service visit.
• Balancing Vibrations: The large 18- and 20-inch wheels, especially with heavy all-terrain tires, require precise balancing. If you feel a vibration at highway speeds (55–70 mph), it’s a strong sign that one or more of your wheels needs to be re-balanced.

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