"Anything Over a 33" Tire Is a Compromise," My Advice To My Son Who Is Looking For a G13 Ford F-150 And Is Wheel Shopping Simultaneously

This morning, I came across an insightful post on the 2015-2020 Ford F150 13th Gen Facebook group in which Levon Maselli, a father and truck enthusiast, shared some practical advice with his son, who is currently in the market for a 13th-generation Ford F-150 while also shopping for wheels. What caught my attention was not just the advice itself but the thoughtfulness behind it—advice from a father who clearly wants his son to enjoy his truck without sacrificing its longevity. Let’s dive into Levon’s advice and additional thoughts from other enthusiasts who chimed in.

Levon Maselli’s Advice to His Son

Here’s the full advice Levon gave to his son, slightly edited for clarity and grammar:
"Anything over a 33” tire is a compromise in function and longevity for aesthetics. Larger tires will put more wear, tear, and strain on the suspension and overall drivetrain, including the transmission and gears. The truck will accelerate and decelerate slower and won’t handle as well. You’ll also experience increased road noise and decreased gas mileage. That said, there’s no denying that 35”+ tires look awesome.

"With all the issues I see posted around cam phasers and other engine problems, could larger tires be a contributing factor to those major engine issues? Finally, rim size should be kept to 20” max (to allow for more tire and better ride quality), and the offset should be as close to stock as possible for the same reasons."

This advice is grounded in years of experience and highlights the delicate balance between aesthetics and practicality when modifying a truck.

Mason Richey’s Input

Mason Richey replied to Levon’s post with a practical take of his own:
"If he wants 35s and offset, then just tell him that it’s going to wear things out faster unless he drives like a normal person and maintains his truck well. Cam phasers are bad in most newer models, but the 5.0 engines are more reliable. The 10-speed transmissions from those years seem to have issues, so it may be better to get a 2017 model with the 5.0 V8 and 6-speed transmission combo if he’s planning on running bigger tires."

Mason’s advice adds a layer of practicality—bigger tires are manageable if you drive carefully and stay on top of maintenance. His point about the 5.0 V8 and 6-speed combo being more reliable is something to consider, especially for those prioritizing longevity over flashy mods.

Buying the right Gen 13 F-150 is just the start, but understanding the potential pitfalls is equally crucial—like the shocking story of this F-150 owner dealing with $20K in negative equity.

Jacob Wyatt’s Perspective

Jacob Wyatt shared a slightly different viewpoint, focusing on letting young enthusiasts make their own decisions:
"My thoughts are, let your son spend his money as he pleases and just offer your advice. If it’s not his money, then you have the say. I bought my 2016 F-150 stock at 17 years old and did what I wanted with it. He’ll also be better off with a 5.0 V8 than the EcoBoost engine for longevity and reliability."

Jacob’s comment reflects a broader life lesson—sometimes, experience is the best teacher. While advice is essential, allowing younger drivers to explore their own preferences can be equally valuable.

But before committing to a Gen 13 F-150, it’s important to weigh all your options carefully. One truck buyer went for a cheaper competitor due to low F-150 inventory—and deeply regretted it.

Ken Martinson’s Insight

Ken Martinson approached the topic with a more technical and tailored perspective:

"So much depends on intentions and use. Larger tires can be lightweight and improve handling and braking, or they can be heavy and better suited for carrying heavy loads. I added nearly 4 inches to the track width with 0-offset wheels and increased my tire size by 40mm, but I used lightweight C-rated tires (114-110). After seven years, my ball joints are still tight, alignment is fine, and the handling and braking are better than stock.

"However, I don’t load my truck to the max. I built it as a sport highway/off-road truck, something closer to a pre-runner build. As for the engine, the 3.5 EcoBoost phaser problem is more related to poor maintenance and driving habits than to tire or wheel modifications. The 3.5 EB is the main engine with phaser issues, while the naturally aspirated V6, 5.0 V8, and 2.7 EcoBoost don’t have nearly as many problems."

Ken’s experience demonstrates that careful planning and understanding of how modifications affect performance can lead to a better overall driving experience.

Mike Gutshall’s Final Thoughts

Mike Gutshall also added a practical take on the situation:
"You’re absolutely right that larger tires can cause more stress on the transmission and other drivetrain components. The best way to combat these issues would be to install different gears to accommodate the bigger tires. But even with that, you’ll still have more stress on the steering and wheel bearings. With that being said, I think you’re on the right path. Anything bigger than 33” tires is a compromise, but good luck to you and your son as you shop!"

Mike’s advice reinforces the importance of considering the strain modifications put on various components and offers a solution for those committed to bigger tires.

A Few Additional Tips for Gen 13 F-150 Buyers

If you’re shopping for a 13th-generation Ford F-150, keep the following tips in mind:

1. Choose the Right Engine: The 5.0 V8 is generally regarded as more reliable than the EcoBoost engines for long-term ownership. When considering a Gen 13 F-150, it’s worth knowing that the F-150 remains one of the best CPO half-ton pickups on the market, according to Vincentric—even as Ford grapples with slower sales of its Lightning EV.
2. Consider Transmission Options: The 6-speed transmission (available in 2017 models) may be a better choice if you’re concerned about reliability compared to the 10-speed.
3. Be Realistic About Modifications: Larger tires look great but can impact performance, handling, and maintenance costs. Stick with a size that balances aesthetics with practicality.
4. Prioritize Maintenance: Regular oil changes, proper warm-ups, and staying on top of routine service are essential for keeping any F-150 running smoothly, especially if it’s modified.

What’s your take on Levon’s advice and the input from other truck enthusiasts? Have you dealt with similar decisions when buying or modifying your truck? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Armen Hareyan is the founder and the Editor in Chief of Torque News. He founded TorqueNews.com in 2010, which since then has been publishing expert news and analysis about the automotive industry. He can be reached at Torque News Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin, and Youtube. He has more than a decade of expertise in the automotive industry with a special interest in Tesla and electric vehicles.