2021 Ford F-150 — Tire Size & Pressure (Bolt Pattern, Wheel Specs, TPMS)

Quick answer

• OEM tire size (typical): 245/70R17, 265/70R17, 275/65R18, 275/60R20 (varies by trim/package; Raptor/Tremor use off‑road sizes)
• Recommended cold tire pressure (door placard): usually 35–38 psi front/rear for P‑metric sizes; LT/E‑rated packages (HD Payload, some off‑road) often 50–65 psi—always follow your driver‑door sticker
• Bolt pattern: 6x135 mm (6-lug Ford pattern)
• Wheel size (factory): 17x7.5–20x8.5 in; typical offset +34 to +44 mm; hub bore ~87.1 mm
• Load index & speed rating (common): P‑metric 115–117 S/T; LT options up to 121/118S (E‑load). Verify on tire sidewall/placard
• Spare tire: full‑size steel spare with matching overall diameter; commonly 265/70R17 (varies by package)
• TPMS frequency: 315 MHz on most North American 2021 F‑150; some ROW/late‑build service sensors may be 433 MHz—verify before ordering

Tire sizes by trim

Note: Exact size depends on axle ratio, payload/off‑road packages, and region. Always confirm your driver‑door placard.

Recommended replacement tires

• Budget daily-driver (highway all‑season):
  • General Grabber HTS60, Cooper Endeavor Plus, Firestone Destination LE3
• Midrange all‑terrain (balanced on/off‑road):
  • Falken WildPeak A/T3W, Continental TerrainContact A/T, Toyo Open Country A/T III
• Premium highway/towing (quiet, long life):
  • Michelin Defender LTX M/S, Bridgestone Dueler H/L Alenza Plus, Continental TerrainContact H/T
• Off‑road oriented (LT available):
  • BFGoodrich All‑Terrain T/A KO2, Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac, Nitto Ridge Grappler

Pick P‑metric for comfort and light towing; choose LT (Load Range C/D/E as equipped) for frequent heavy loads or rugged terrain. Match the original load index/speed rating or higher.

When to inflate to max load psi

This light‑duty truck should normally run the door‑placard pressure (often 35–38 psi on P‑metric). Only trucks equipped with LT tires (e.g., Heavy‑Duty Payload Package or certain off‑road packages) may list higher pressures. Inflate toward the placard value for the specific LT size/load range. Use the tire’s sidewall “max” psi only when carrying near‑rated payload or tongue weight and your placard calls for very high pressures. Running max psi unloaded can cause harsh ride, reduced traction, and center wear.

Lug nut torque & pattern

• Bolt pattern: 6x135 mm
• Lug nut torque: 150 lb‑ft (204 N·m) typical for 2021 F‑150
• Stud/nut style: Ford 6‑lug conical‑seat. Re‑torque after 50–100 miles on new wheels.

Wheel size, offset, and upgrade notes

• Factory wheel widths: approximately 7.5 in (17 in), 8.0–8.5 in (18–22 in)
• Factory offsets: commonly +34 to +44 mm; keeping close maintains scrub radius and avoids poke
• Hub bore: ~87.1 mm; hub‑centric fit recommended
• Upgrades: Moving to wider/negative‑offset wheels can cause fender liner or UCA rub with stock tires. Leveling kits increase clearance but verify lock‑to‑lock and at bump.

Common tire issues for this vehicle

• Inner/outer shoulder wear: Often alignment‑related (toe) after suspension work/leveling. Check alignment annually or after impacts/mods.
• Center wear: Over‑inflation, especially if LT tires are run at max psi while unloaded.
• Cupping/feathering on A/T treads: Under‑damped shocks or infrequent rotations. Rotate every 5–7k miles.
• TPMS relearn: Required after tire rotation or sensor replacement; 2021 F‑150 supports simple drive‑cycle or trigger‑tool relearn.
• Winter corrosion at bead: In road‑salt regions, slow leaks can develop on aluminum wheels—clean bead and use new valve stems at tire service.

Door‑placard pressures by common sizes (typical values)

• 245/70R17, 265/70R17, 275/65R18 (P‑metric): about 35 psi F/R
• 275/60R20 (P‑metric): about 35–38 psi F/R
• LT275/65R18 or LT275/70R18 (Load C/D/E): commonly 50–65 psi when loaded per placard
• Raptor 35/37 LT: mid‑to‑upper 30s psi; follow the Raptor‑specific placard

Always use the exact pressure shown on your driver‑door sticker for your VIN/build.

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