How to Upgrade Wheels For Stock Trucks: Plus Sizing

Upgrading the wheels on your stock truck can transform its appearance, enhance performance, and elevate your driving experience. Regardless of the truck you own, choosing the right wheel size and understanding plus sizing is key to achieving the perfect balance of style, functionality, and safety. At Take Off Tire, we’re here to guide you through the process of upgrading your truck’s wheels with a focus on plus sizing, ensuring you get the best fit for your vehicle. This guide will give you the knowledge to start the process on your own, but we always recommending contacting your local wheel and tire professionals on the matter.

Looking for wheels in Lincoln, NE? Take Off Tire is here to help. Shop for wheels online, give us a call, or stop by and visit in person! 

What Is Plus Sizing?

Plus sizing refers to the practice of upgrading to larger-diameter wheels while maintaining the overall tire diameter by using lower-profile tires. This ensures that the tire’s outer circumference remains close to the stock size, preserving speedometer accuracy, gear ratios, and suspension performance. For example, if your truck comes with 17-inch wheels and a 70-series tire (indicating a taller sidewall), plus sizing might involve moving to 20-inch wheels with a 55-series tire to keep the total diameter similar.

Why Choose Plus Sizing?

  • Improved Aesthetics: Larger wheels give your truck a bold, aggressive stance that stands out on the road or at car meets.

  • Enhanced Handling: Lower-profile tires typically have stiffer sidewalls, which can improve cornering stability and responsiveness, especially for on-road driving.

  • Customization: Plus sizing opens up a wide range of aftermarket wheel designs, from sleek black finishes to chrome or bronze, tailored to your style.

Be cautious, plus sizing requires careful consideration to avoid issues like rubbing, reduced ride comfort, or impacts on fuel economy.

General Steps to Upgrade Wheels for Stock Trucks

Upgrading wheels on a stock truck involves more than just picking a flashy set of rims. Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure a successful upgrade:

1. Understand Your Truck’s Factory Specifications

Start by checking your truck’s stock wheel and tire sizes, which can be found on the tire sidewall (e.g., 265/70R17) or the vehicle’s VIN sticker, typically located on the driver’s side door jamb. Key specifications include:

  • Wheel Diameter: Measured in inches (e.g., 17” or 20”).

  • Bolt Pattern: The number and spacing of lug nuts (e.g., 6×139.7mm for many trucks).

  • Offset: The distance from the wheel’s centerline to the mounting surface, affecting how the wheel sits relative to the fender.

  • Center Bore: The size of the hub opening on the wheel, which must match your truck’s hub.

  • Tire Size: Width, aspect ratio, and diameter (e.g., 275/60R20).

2. Choose the Right Wheel Size

When plus sizing, you typically increase the wheel diameter by 1-3 inches. For example, moving from 17” to 20” wheels is common for stock trucks. However, ensure the new wheel size is compatible with your truck’s suspension and brake calipers. Larger brakes on models like the Chevrolet Silverado Z71 or Ford F-150 Raptor may prevent downsizing to smaller wheels (e.g., 16”) without modifications.

3. Select the Correct Tire Size

To maintain the overall tire diameter, choose tires with a lower aspect ratio. Use a tire size calculator to match the new tire diameter to within 3% of the stock size to avoid speedometer errors or drivetrain strain. For example:

  • Stock: 265/70R17 (31.6” diameter)

  • Plus Size: 275/55R20 (31.9” diameter)

4. Consider Load Ratings
5. Check for Clearance Issues

Larger wheels and tires may rub against fenders, suspension components, or brake calipers, especially on 4×4 models. Test fitment or consult with a professional to verify clearance, particularly if you’re not adding a leveling kit or lift.

6. Choose the Right Tires

For stock trucks, consider your driving conditions:

  • Highway Driving: Opt for all-season or highway-terrain (H/T) tires for comfort and fuel efficiency.

  • Off-Road: All-terrain (A/T) tires like the Nitto Ridge Grappler or Falken Wildpeak A/T4W offer grip for mixed conditions.

  • Heavy-Duty Use: Load-rated light-truck (LT) tires are ideal for towing on models like the Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD.

7. Professional Installation

Have your wheels and tires installed by a professional to ensure proper balancing, alignment, and torque. This prevents vibrations, uneven tire wear, or damage to your truck’s suspension.

Benefits and Risks of Plus Sizing

Benefits

  • Visual Appeal: Larger wheels give your truck a commanding presence.

  • Performance: Stiffer sidewalls can improve handling, especially for highway driving.

  • Customization: Choose from finishes like gloss black, matte bronze, or chrome to match your truck’s style.

Risks

  • Ride Comfort: Lower-profile tires can make the ride harsher, especially on rough roads.

  • Fuel Economy: Larger, heavier wheels may reduce MPG by 1-2 mpg.

  • Clearance Issues: Improper fitment can cause rubbing, particularly on 4×4 models.

  • Cost: Larger wheels and tires are more expensive, with LT tires costing more than passenger tires.

Tips for a Successful Wheel Upgrade

  • Consult a Professional: Visit Take Off Tire for expert fitment advice and installation.

  • Choose Reputable Brands: Opt for trusted wheel brands.

  • Consider Your Driving Needs: Prioritize highway-terrain tires for daily driving or all-terrain for off-road adventures.

  • Check Warranties: Double check aftermarket wheels don’t void your truck’s warranty, especially for newer models.

Plus Sizing for Popular Truck Models

Below, we provide specific recommendations for plus sizing wheels on the most popular stock trucks in 2025, including the Ford F-Series, Chevrolet Silverado, Ram 1500, GMC Sierra, Toyota Tundra, and Toyota Tacoma. Always consult with a tire professional to confirm fitment for your specific trim and year.

Ford F-150

Stock Wheel Sizes: 17-22″

Bolt Pattern: 6x135mm

Plus Sizing Options: Upgrade from 17” to 20” wheels (e.g., 275/55R20) for a sleek look without a lift. The F-150 Tremor and Raptor can handle 20-22” wheels with 35” tires (e.g., 315/70R17 to 315/60R20) for off-road builds.

Considerations: The F-150 Limited’s stock 22” wheels are large, but downsizing to 20” may improve ride quality on gravel roads. Avoid 16” wheels on 4×4 models due to brake caliper clearance.

Chevrolet Silverado

Stock Wheel Sizes: 17-22″

Bolt Pattern: 6×139.7mm

Plus Sizing Options: Upgrade from 17” to 20” wheels (e.g., 275/60R20) for a balanced look and performance. The Z71 and Trail Boss trims can handle 33-35” tires (e.g., 285/55R20) with a leveling kit.

Considerations: Larger brakes on Z71 models may prevent fitting 16” wheels without grinding calipers, which is not recommended for safety. LT tires should be considered for durability.

Ram 1500

Stock Wheel Sizes: 18-22″

Bolt Pattern: 6×139.7mm

Plus Sizing Options: Upgrade from 18” to 20” or 22” wheels (e.g., 275/55R20 or 285/45R22). The Ram 1500 Rebel can fit 33” tires (e.g., 285/60R20) without a lift, ideal for street and light off-road use.

Considerations: The Ram 1500 offers a smooth ride due to its coil-spring suspension, making it ideal for larger wheels. Avoid overly wide tires (e.g., 12.5”) to prevent rubbing.

GMC Sierra

Stock Wheel Sizes: 17-22″

Bolt Pattern: 6×139.7mm

Plus Sizing Options: Upgrade from 17” to 20” wheels (e.g., 275/60R20). The AT4 trim supports 33” tires (e.g., 285/60R20) with minimal modifications.

Considerations: The Sierra 1500 Denali’s 20” aluminum wheels are stylish, but plus sizing to 22” can enhance its premium look. Ensure proper offset to avoid rubbing.

Toyota Tundra

Stock Wheel Sizes: 18-20″

Bolt Pattern: 5x150mm

Plus Sizing Options: Upgrade from 18” to 20” wheels (e.g., 275/55R20). The TRD Pro can handle 33” tires (e.g., 285/60R20) with a leveling kit for off-road capability.

Considerations: The Tundra’s stiff ride may be exacerbated by low-profile tires, so prioritize all-terrain tires for comfort. Fuel economy may drop slightly.

Toyota Tacoma

Stock Wheel Sizes: 16-18″

Bolt Pattern: 6×139.7mm

Plus Sizing Options: Upgrade from 16” to 18” or 20” wheels (e.g., 265/60R18). The TRD Off-Road trim can fit 33” tires (e.g., 285/55R18) with a leveling kit.

Considerations: Avoid overly large wheels (e.g., 22”) to maintain off-road performance. The Tacoma’s compact size benefits from lightweight wheels.

Why Choose Take Off Tire for Your Wheel Upgrade?

At Take Off Tire, we specialize in helping truck owners upgrade their wheels with confidence. Our expert team offers:

  • Custom Fitment: We ensure your new wheels and tires fit perfectly, avoiding rubbing or performance issues.

  • Wide Selection: From Fuel Off Road Wheels to Nitto Tires, we carry top brands for all popular trucks.

  • Professional Installation: Our state-of-the-art equipment ensures proper balancing and alignment.

  • Competitive Pricing: Get the best value on wheels and tires for your truck, Jeep, or SUV.

Ready to upgrade your stock truck’s wheels with plus sizing? Contact Take Off Tire today to schedule a consultation or browse our wheel selection online. Transform your truck’s look and performance with the perfect wheel and tire package!