The Ford F-150 Raptor, a legendary pickup truck with a 5 star safety rating, earned a place in the ‘10 Best Trucks and SUVs’ award in 2017 with its amazing ride quality and towing power. The base model comes with a 3.5 liter V-6 engine, as well as the optional 2.7 liter turbocharged V-6 engine too. However, if you want a higher capacity, you can always pick the 5.0 liter V-8 which packs enough power to pull a fully loaded truck.

All versions come with automatic 6 speed gears, and the best one is the 3.5 litre twin-turbo V-6 which features the speed automatic for optimum towing capacity of 12,200 pounds. The classic truck is luxurious in its design, with a lush interior that makes you oblivious to the fact that you are sitting in a pickup truck.

Ford F-150: Basic Information on Wheels and Tires

The general information of the factory fitment of tire can be found on a sticker on the driver’s door. It presents the type of tire, rim size, and recommended inflation of 35 psi (240kPa). The figure is measured cold, accounting for the change in tire pressure due to temperature change.

Rim and Tire Combination

The performance of your pickup truck will depend upon the rim-tire combination which you choose. For heavy duty purposes and off-road driving, it may be better to go for large tires that have smaller rims. The increased area of the sidewalls of the tires, along with the smaller rims, is perfect for handling rugged and poor terrains.

Large rims, combined with smaller tires, are great for street driving and a crisp handling. The heavy rim and narrow sidewall decreases the tire’s flexibility, as well as offers a stiffer ride experience.

Longevity of Tires

Tires generally have a shelf life of approximately 7 years, whether the tire is used, or just kept stored away somewhere. But the tires wear out long before 7 years. A good way to get an idea of the longevity of the tires is by checking the guaranteed miles offered by the manufacturer of the tires.

How long your tires will last will depend on many factors, which include the driving conditions and the load carried. However, you can make use of them optimally by ensuring the tires get the proper maintenance.

Tire Maintenance Tips

Here are some tips that you you should be aware of, and take into consideration to ensure yourself a slightly longer run with your tires.

Tire Rotation

Tires don’t wear evenly, and it is usually the front tires that bear most of the brunt. Unfortunately, uneven tires will increase the burden on the suspension and this will make for a bumpy ride.

To avoid this, make sure that you rotate your tires at certain intervals to ensure an even wear, and better ride quality. You can time them with your oil changes for convenience. The information on your owner’s manual will help you out with the details.

Tire Balance

Uneven terrain and poor road conditions compromises the balance of the tires over time, which damages the suspension, the tires and leading to vibrations. Balance the tires of your truck every now and then to ensure that the tire’s weight is distributed equally around the axle.

Furthermore, always ensure that you inflate your tires properly, according to suggested air pressure to get best fuel economy and longevity. As well as this, check the tire pressure once every 2 weeks.

Another thing to look out for is the proper alignment of the wheels. Together, all of these tips will help to contribute towards the performance of your truck and the tires, and each aspect is very important and requires attention.

Eric White is part of 51st State Autos, the UK’s largest importer of American Pickup Trucks.

Eric White

Ford F-150: A detailed guide on tires and maintenance