Wheel Offset...is there an acceptable range for the 2017-2020 F250?!!!

[Dread Pirate Sushi]

Hi everyone,

I have a bone stock 2019 Ford F250 XL 4X4 with 245/75R17s that I want to put bigger wheels/tires on to improve both on & off road performance. Having spent the previous two decades in front of a computer screen I have zero auto-mechanic beyond tire and oil changes. The specific area I can't get info on is if there is a 'range' of offset for the current config F250? I have searched this site for F250 wheel/tire upgrades and drummed a bit of content with offset info on what other rims members put on their trucks and how long their hubs lasted, etc. In conversation with the internet I noted on a couple of wheel/tire websites that appear to show that F250 offset is a range from -10mm to 40mm (for example: https://www.canadawheels.ca/2019-ford-f-250-super-duty-wheels/v-183720).

As mentioned above, I am looking to improve on/off road handling and the majority of the time with a camper in the back - COVID or not. My driving will be majority hardball or gravel/dirt road but I do want the ability to get onto beaches, learn and use entry level off-road trails in Canada and the USA and have a truck that can with the capability to expand my off-road knowledge and driving skills.

So, as the title says: does the 2017-2020 F250 have a range of "acceptable" offset? If it does, what are the "safe" measurements? As I see it, I might get a 275/70R17 or 275/65R17 on the stock 17x7.5, 40mm offset rims. What I don't know if this wheel/tire combo will get me what I am looking for from a handling/capability perspective?...or if that size tire would fit...?

I would really appreciate it if the community of experts could weigh in on the following options:

1. Stock rims with larger tires - are there brands/sizes recommended?
2. Aftermarket rims with similar or the same diameter but a lower offset - will my handling take a dive if I push the wheels out with 20mm or even 0mm offset? Can a good tire compensate?
3. Should I just accept wearing out my hub bearings before their best before date and go with a low offset rim?

Thanks in advance.

DPS

 

[Betarocker]

There is no acceptable range for offset. The vehicle you are asking about is a truck, therefor use backspace.

 

[Dread Pirate Sushi]

There is no acceptable range for offset. The vehicle you are asking about is a truck, therefor use backspace.

Ahhh, OK...there are many posts on backspacing...so more research.

 

[Buliwyf]

+18mm or +20mm offset, with a 9" wide wheel. About 5.75" backspacing. Not sure what Beta meant?

Any negative offset will look like a brodozer.

The Method 701HD is available now. 4500# capacity, and no more stupid fake rusty bolts.

A bit pricey, but worth it. Make sure to torque with the wheels in the air. Bike, sports car style.

 

[Regcabguy]

I call the brodozer wheels firepits. Lots of them in Florida.

 

[Betarocker]

With Backspace, the distance from the mounting face to the rim lip is always consistent regardless of rim width. Offset was previously used for cars (primarily asian imports) when the rim widths didn't vary much and a wider or narrower track was attained by varying the offset. A decade ago it was rare to speak about offset on fullsize truck wheels; this all changed with the popularity of mallcrawlers and brodozers.
Certainly the offset value can be used, but every change in rim width requires math to figure out what the backspace is so it fits the parameters of the vehicle.
The 2005 and newer 4x4 Superdutys went to 5" for XL rims and 5.5" - 6" for the higher trim rims' backspace. The ideal backspace is 5" +/- depending on the tire width compared to the rim width. Wider tire on a narrower rim will bulge out more, so a lesser backspace should be used to avoid rub on the radius arms. This also results in the outer tire lip edge being further out and risks rubbing the fender or bumper.
I run 38x13.5LT18 on 18x9 w/ 4.5" BS. Required trimming the bumper edge, but I also have 7" lift and moved the axle forward with OUO ALAs so there is no contact to the posterior edge of the front fender lip and fender liner.

 

[Grassland]

You can fit LT275/70R17 easily as it's basically a 32. Not sure why the XL trucks came with 245/75R17, but guessing to maximize fuel economy and keep load height as low as possible. (Most tires that size list around 31.5) You should be able to fit LT285/75R17 which is near 35" diameter but narrower than the typical 35x12.5 tire.

 

[vintageracer]

A 285/75-17 tire has a diameter of 33.8-33.9 inches from most any manufacturer.

A 285/70/17 tire has a diameter of 32.8 inches from most any manufacturer.

 

[Buliwyf]

Pretty sure that I put 295/70r17 Cooper STT pros on my '08 XL wheels. No issues. Rotate every 10k. Not tires I would use for hauling a camper in the bed. Go with a 9" wide wheel for that. But perfect for rtt's and such.

35x12.5r18 fit easy, on a box stock Super Duty. There's not much point in debating tires smaller than that. 37's can fit, with the right combo.

 

[Dread Pirate Sushi]

Hey everyone,

Thanks for the great info and recco's. I totally see the benefits of using backspacing as a standard measurement to meet regardless of offset. I'm off to a wheel/tire shop today to get some prices. MTF.

DPS

 

[mog]

A handy website that will give you lots (3,469 to be exact) of data/photos from 'consumers' with various wheels offset/backspacing.
Custom Offset - Fitment Galley

 

[glock7018]

Since you want to run a sub 35" tire I wouldnt bother with aftermarket rims. Ford OEM wheels are built strong, and are hub centric.

 

[Dread Pirate Sushi]

While waylaid by decision paralysis I had a thought...skinny & tall tires (255/80R17) on OEM 17x7.5 rims. After reading posts/info on the topic here and the internet I think it will work as the rim/tire diameter is the same as the stock 18x8 and 275/70s. However, the question I have is how would a tall, skinny tire effect handling with a 2200lb wet weight camper in the back? Am I crazy?

 

[Grassland]

Does the LT255/80R17 meet or exceed the load rating of the OEM tire?
Factoring in that I'm pretty sure LT245/75R17 was a factory size tire on super duties, you would probably be ok.

 

[Dread Pirate Sushi]

Hi Grassland,

They are E rated but, since I can't keep my mind from dreaming up new ideas, I will use my OEMs until the point that they don't work for where I want to drive. Thanks for the input everyone.