The Ultimate Toyota Tundra Wheel & Tire Guide
One of the best ways to customize any vehicle is to swap out the wheels for something unique. With the Toyota Tundra, there are quite a few aftermarket options to make your truck either the best off-road machine or the best ride in the parking lot. There are some things that you should know if you plan on changing out your stock wheels, so let’s get into it.
Stock Tundra Wheel Sizes
From 2000 to now, Tundra has come out with a few different sizes of wheels depending on the year and trim level of your Tundra. While different sized tires can fit on stock wheels, it’s best to check your manual to see what size you should have. I’ll get into why that’s important in a second.
Tundra Lug Patters
Your lug pattern is important to know when considering wheels. Thankfully the Tundra is a bit easier to know which you have compared to the smaller Tacoma. If your Tundra is a first-generation (2000 - 2006), then you have a 6 lug 5.5 inch or 139.7mm Medium Offset. If you have a second or third-generation (2007 - present), you have a 5 lug 150mm High Positive Offset.
Lug Torque
While I may be getting ahead of myself, these are some good numbers to know.
PROBLEMS WITH BIGGER TIRES
Let’s face it: bigger tires on a truck just look better. Thankfully, Toyota leaves us some room to expand from the wimpy factory rubber, but just how much is too much?
Speedometer Calibration
The speed and mileage of your vehicle are calculated by the number of rotations your tire makes. All of this is based upon factory specs. If you intend on going larger, your speedometer and odometer will no longer be accurate.
Let’s have an example. Your 2014 Tundra has stock tires that are 255/70R18, but you put 285/60R20s on instead. Your speedometer will read 50 MPH, but you’re actually going 52.2 MPH. While that may not seem like such a big issue, that will add up over time if you drive your truck quite a bit. Let’s not forget that some police officers may be looking for just that little bit over! You can solve all this by getting your Tundra reprogrammed for the new tire size.
Power Loss
A more noticeable issue with larger tires is a loss of power. When you increase the diameter of your wheel, you effectively decrease your rear axle ratio. This will cause a reduction of torque upon acceleration.
Lift Kits and Spacers: How High can you go?
While higher may be better, unfortunately, the sky is not the limit in this case. Everything on our Tundras is made to fit well from the factory. Eventually, you will have to lift, change wheels, or trim away parts of your truck to get things fitting.
If you lift your truck, you can get away with bigger tires. Here is a list that covers the maximum tire size that you can get away with based on your generation of truck, wheel size, and the amount of lift you have.
Legal Note: If your wheels and tires are wide enough to where they extend beyond the body of your truck, you may have to buy fender flares to cover the excess protrusion. Some states in the US require wheels to be covered. Check with your state laws to be on the safe side.
* At this point, you might have to look into trimming your truck in some places to get the best fit.
POPULAR TUNDRA TIRE OPTIONS
There are an insane amount of options to choose from when it comes to wheels and tires. Tires are a bit more “need focused.” Choosing a tire comes down to some factors such as cost, use, and availability. Let’s go over some popular options that Tundra users like.
Nitto Grappler Series
This isn’t one tire exactly, but the family of Nitto Grappler tires is very popular with the Tundra community. They have eight different tread patterns designed to meet any terrain you can think of. Their Terra Grappler and Terra Grappler G2 tires are the popular all-terrain options that they offer. They are around $200 per tire, but they give great results.
While around $220 per tire, these tires are designed tough terrain. Due to that, some have complained that they didn’t last as long as they would have liked on the highway, but keep in mind that tires should be purchased for their intended purpose. That aside, they are still a very popular option.
Toyo Open Country A/T III (AT3)
For around $213, these are some good all-terrain options for your truck. If you want to do some mild off-roading, go to the grocery store, and not break the bank all in one day, then this could be the option for you.
This is sort of a staple for trucks, especially on 16-inch wheels. These are an all-around good tire that can handle almost anything, and they are long-lasting. They are extremely popular options, and you can find them for around $200 per tire.
Kumho Crugen HT51
If you’re looking for a more budget friendly, yet dependable tire, the Crugen HT51 by Kumho is a best selling all-season tire on Tire Rack. They are made for pickups and SUVs that tend to be driven around town, and some moderate use off road. With a six year/70,000 mile warranty, you can be sure that Kumho has your back.
Reviews say that they handle well in snow and rain. While specialty tire might be able to tackle the worst of the winters are hurricanes only, these can handle a bit of everything. Noise levels are low, as you should expect with most all-season tires.
Cooper Evolution H/T
Another popular, lower cost option is the Evolution H/T by Cooper Tires. Designed with budget and performance in mind, these tires will treat you well on pavement, dirt, grass, and light snow. The compound is designed to not only keep noise down when the tire is new, but to continue the that low noise as the tire ages.
Reviewers love the low noise and handling. Even though Cooper says they are capable in “light snow,” one owner said he had no issue in 20 inches. At $159 each, backed by a 50,000 mile/unlimited time warranty, they are a great budget mined option for all-terrain and all-season needs.
Goodyear Wrangler All-Terrain Adventure with Kevlar
While kevlar is normally found in bulletproof vests, Goodyear has then in their Wrangler tires at a price that is hard to beat: about $150. The aggressive tread pattern will do well for off-road use and poor conditions on the streets. The trade off is a higher amount of noise. However, the durability with kevlar can lead to some unmatched performance compared to other tires.
With a 6 year/60,000 mile warranty, you are protected. While these are very popular tires, they are not the most recommended tires. Keep in mind that the lower you go in cost per tires, generally the more noise and less performance you will get. While these are all-terrain tires, they are designed to to be a bit more aggressive.
Pirelli Scorpion All Terrain Plus
While more expensive for an all-terrain tire, Pirelli knows what they are doing when it comes to tires. The Scorpion All Terrain Plus can be found for around $215 each. The aggressive and durable, yet comfortable tread pattern and compound make light off-road duty a piece of cake, while giving you a gentle ride on the highway home.
Reviewers are impressed with the traction in mud and grass, as well as the grip and low noise on the highway. Pirelli backs them with a 50,000 mile warranty.
Michelin LTX A/T2
If you have a higher budget, the Michelin LTX A/T2 tires are one of more expensive on the list at just over $300 each. With tires, you do tend to get what you pay for. Six year/60,000 mile warranty aside, you get some impressive research and development wrapped around you wheels. The advanced rubber compound is designed not only to give you some of the best grip that an all-terrain tire can, but it delivers it with low noise, better fuel mileage, and even wear.
Tundra owners rave about the long lasting tread. For that reason, many use these for hauling their gear, boats, trailers, and more on the highway for long trips. Reviewers are saying that even on 100,000 miles, they still have plenty more tread left to go.
There are tons of options. It all depends on budget and taste. If you can lift your truck, you have more options. If you can get new wheels, you have more options. As long as you keep in mind the speedometer and odometer changes, as well as potential rubbing issues if you go too big, then you'll be fine.
Wheel Offset
This has been mentioned a couple of times, and it has probably come up in your research. So, what is it? Wheel offset is the distance from the wheels hub mounting surface to the centerline of the wheel. There are three types, and they are measured in millimeters.
- Zero Offset: The mounting surface is even with the centerline of the wheel
- Positive Offset: The mounting surface is located in the front half of the wheel closer to the wheel face.
- Negative Offset: The mounting surface is located in the back half of the wheel closer to the back lip flange.
POPULAR TUNDRA WHEEL OPTIONS
Now that we have all the boring terminology out of the way, let’s talk about wheel options! This is definitely going to come down to personal taste. What looks good to you, might look terrible to the next person. However, here are some popular options that many Tundra owners like.
TRD Pro Wheels
Wheels are not cheap, and these definitely are not. However, they will give your truck a beefier look without the big price difference of the TRD trim. You can get these Tundra TRD Pro Wheels on Amazon for about $650 per wheel, and these will fit the 2007 and up models. These are the 2019+ style. You can find the previous generation wheels for about $280 each.
While Fuel makes a few popular Tundra wheels, the Anza seems to be liked a lot by many. It is a sleek, five-spoke design that has an aggressively subtle look. They can be found for around $250 each, and you can select different color options. Let’s be real: black looks great.
Ballistic Jester
If you want something a bit more flashy, but also something that won’t break the bank, the Ballistic Jester wheels might be the best for you. You have a few different color options with these, and you can find them for around $150 each.
Moto Metal
Like the Jesters, if you want flash for not a lot of cash, the Moto Metal is a good pick. With different styles, you can find something that gives your truck the look you want. At around $150-$180 each, it’s also a good buy.
In closing, there are a ton of options out there for you and your truck. Now that you have the knowledge, get out there and find what works for you and your budget!
FN BFD
For a sleek and modern look, the BFD wheels by FN Wheels might be just what you are looking for. A classic looking six spoke wheel with a modern shape and three color options allow this wheel to dress up your truck just the way you want. Gunmetallic and matte black can give you that aggressive look that can work with almost any color Tundra, while the matte bronze will give you a sporty look. At $300 per wheel, you’re not going to break the bank either compared to some other options.
Enkei ST6
If you’re looking for a sporty look that shows your Tundra means business and is ready to show off, the ST6 by Enkei is a good route to go. While they are designed to be tough, they also come with a bit of flair that can set you apart from the pack. You have the option between gunmetal or silver machined for that extra kick. This modern style utilizes composite alloy technology in its manufacture to assure durable construction and smooth appearance.
Fuel Maverick D538
While the Fuel Anza wheel is a popular option, the Maverick D538 by Fuel is no different. This one piece wheel is a perfect combination of aggressive, rugged, and sporty styling. The multi spoke design is flanked on each spoke with a silver outline to help make them pop, while the chrome simulated beadlock bolts give a touch of off-road look that any Tundra deserves.
XD Rockstar II
If you really want to show off with something aggressive and stylish, the XD Rockstar II will help you stand out from the crowd. With lots of simulated bolts, tons of angles, and a sleek finish, these wheels show that you mean business. The accents on the wheels lend themselves well to custom painting to match or accent your Tundra. While these wheels may not be the most popular options on the market, that will lead to a unique style that you may not see any many other Tundras.
Method NV
While a classic racing wheel may be hard to beat, a modern take on a classic design might just beat it. Made from solid aluminum, these race inspired wheels by Method come with a lifetime warranty and replaceable gold zinc lip bold. With seven different color options, you’ll be sure to find the one that you want to compliment you style and your Tundra’s looks.
Image Credits:
Nitto Grappler - Courtesy of Tundras user chphilo
Cooper Discoverer - Courtesy of Tundras user tat2ude39
Toyo AT2 - Courtesy of Tundras user vierra4
BFG KO2 - Courtesy of Tundras user chuggy35
TRD Pro - Coutresy of SaltWire
Fuel Anza - Courtesy of Tundras user FunkinTundra
Ballistic Jester - Courtesy of Tundras.com
Moto Metal - Courtesy of Caliwheels
Kumho Crugen - Courtesy of Amazon
Cooper Evolution - Courtesy of Amazon
Goodyear Wrangler - Courtesy of Amazon
Pirelli Scorpion - Courtesy of Amazon
Michelin LTX - Courtesy of Amazon
FN BFD - Courtesy of Tundras.com user throttlejock
Enkei ST6 - Courtesy of Tundras.com user JGDarcy
Fuel Maverick - Courtesy of Tundras.com user edstundra333
XD Rockstar II - Courtesy of Tundras.com user watsonc3
Method NV - Courtesy of Tundras.com user CultusRider
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