mypaldave

I have a 2014 F-150 4x4 and I'd like to drive it off-road.
I noticed most folks upgrade the rims and tires. Is that just for appearance?

Could I just put off roading 31" tires on the original 17" rims and be good?

Thanks all!

Ocular Engineer

I put 315 70R17 on my stock 17" wheels with 2" leveling blocks up front.

No problems so far....

STingray1300

Some of us, especially those of us who really off road, actually go to 17" rims from 18s or 20s because of the increased sidewall, and thus a much better off road ride.

I went from 18s to 17 raptor take offs, and run 34" tires with a 2" level. So, absolutely you can use 17 rims - you're better for it IMHO.

PawPaw

The stock 17's are only 7.5 inches wide...so a 285 0r 295 tire width should be the max. Lots of guys run 285x70 or 295x70x17's on their stock wheels. The Raptor 17's are 8.5 inches wide so you can run 315x70's or 35x12.5x17's but these can rub in some offroad conditions. due to extra height and width.

Havyek

Most vehicles that off-road even semi-seriously benefit from new wheels due to either width, backspacing, or both.

On a tall and/or wide enough tire, when the suspension is flexing there's a fairly large chance that the tire will get shoved into the structure of the vehicle. Same applies if you're turning your wheels, and that is amplified more if you're turning and flexing.

If you're not putting on some serious rubber and a flexy suspension you're probably fine with the stock 17s, and even if you upgrade later to get into more serious performance you can change wheels and keep your tires so long as you're sticking with 17s.

Woods Truck

I ran 17's on my work truck since the tires were cheaper and more available.

This last set was a 255/80-17 on some older F150 factory rims. Big enough for a little more clearance but still able to run chains on all 4.

mustangmike003

Off topic a bit, but put 265 70R17 Firestone Winterforce tires on 17's for the winter..Saving my 275 55R 20's from the liquid corrosion they spray onto the roads up here. Nice tall sidewall and lotsa grip.

glazer1972

That's the size I was thinking about going with.

Woods Truck

Only two tires made in that size. I had the ST Maxx and got 59,000 miles before pulling them off for winter. I will likely run them on my next truck.

chase12

as someone said above the height of the rim isn't a problem because more rubber is always better for off roading, however if you are looking to do some more intense trails wider rims would be better a better option because they give you more traction