2018 Ford F-250 Super Duty: Tire Size, Pressure, & Wheel Specs

Quick answer

• OEM Tire Size: 245/75R17, 275/65R18, 275/70R18, 275/65R20
• Recommended Cold Tire Pressure (Front/Rear): 60-80 PSI (refer to door placard for exact figures based on GVWR and tire size)
• Bolt Pattern: 8x170mm
• Wheel Size: 17x7.5", 18x8", 20x8"
• Load Index/Speed Rating: Varies by tire size and trim, typically E-rated (Load Range E) for heavy-duty use.
• Spare Tire Size: Matches OEM tire size.
• TPMS Frequency: 315 MHz

Tire sizes by trim

The 2018 Ford F-250 Super Duty was available with several tire and wheel combinations depending on the trim level and optional packages.

*Always confirm exact tire pressures on your vehicle's door placard.

Recommended replacement tires

Selecting the right replacement tires for your 2018 Ford F-250 Super Duty is crucial for maintaining its towing and hauling capabilities, as well as ride comfort and safety. Here are a few popular and highly-rated options that cater to different needs and budgets:

• Michelin Defender LTX M/S: A premium all-season highway tire known for its excellent tread life, quiet ride, and strong wet and dry traction. Ideal for trucks that spend most of their time on paved roads and occasionally tow or haul. (Price Tier: Premium)
• BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2: A legendary all-terrain tire offering impressive off-road capability without sacrificing too much on-road manners. Great for owners who frequently venture off the beaten path or encounter challenging weather conditions. (Price Tier: Mid-Premium)
• Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac: Another popular all-terrain option that leans more towards aggressive off-road performance while still being a capable daily driver tire. Excellent in snow and mud. (Price Tier: Mid-Premium)
• Firestone Transforce HT2: A durable highway-terrain tire designed for heavy-duty trucks, focusing on fuel efficiency and long tread life. A solid choice for work trucks and frequent towing. (Price Tier: Mid-Range)

When to inflate to max load psi

For heavy-duty trucks like the Ford F-250 Super Duty, the "max load psi" (maximum cold inflation pressure) indicated on the tire's sidewall is not the recommended everyday driving pressure. This pressure should only be used when the vehicle is carrying its maximum permissible load, such as when towing a heavy trailer or hauling significant weight in the bed, ensuring the tires can support the full Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR).

For everyday driving and lighter loads, always refer to the tire pressure placard located on your driver's side door jamb. This placard provides the vehicle manufacturer's recommended cold tire inflation pressures, which are optimized for ride comfort, handling, tire wear, and fuel economy under normal operating conditions.

Failing to adjust tire pressure for heavy loads can lead to tire overheating, premature wear, reduced stability, and potential tire failure. Conversely, running at max load psi constantly with light loads can result in a harsher ride, uneven tire wear (center wear), and reduced traction.

Lug nut torque & pattern

The 2018 Ford F-250 Super Duty utilizes an 8-lug bolt pattern with a 170mm diameter (8x170mm). The recommended lug nut torque specification is 165 lb-ft (225 Nm). It is crucial to use a torque wrench to tighten lug nuts to the manufacturer's exact specifications to ensure proper wheel retention and prevent issues like stripped studs or loose wheels. Always tighten lug nuts in a star or criss-cross pattern to ensure the wheel is seated evenly against the hub.

Common tire issues for this vehicle

Owners of 2018 Ford F-250 Super Duty trucks may occasionally encounter specific tire-related issues:

• Rapid or Uneven Tire Wear: This can often be attributed to improper tire pressure, misaligned suspension, or an imbalance issue. Given the heavy-duty nature of the F-250, maintaining correct tire pressure (especially when loaded) is paramount to even wear.
• Cupping or Scalloping: This wavy wear pattern often indicates worn shock absorbers or suspension components. The heavy weight of the F-250 can accelerate wear on these parts.
• Vibration at Highway Speeds: While this can be caused by various factors, unbalanced tires or steering/suspension component issues are common culprits. Given the larger tire sizes on the F-250, even minor imbalances can be noticeable.
• TPMS Sensor Issues: Like many modern vehicles, the F-250's TPMS sensors can occasionally malfunction, leading to warning lights on the dashboard. This can be due to a dead battery in the sensor, damage, or simply a need for reprogramming after a tire rotation or replacement.

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