The Best 295/50R16 Tires & Wheels for Dropped 10th Gen F150s

The Ideal Tire Size for Dropped 10th Gen F-150 Trucks

One of the most popular ways to customize the look of the 10th generation Ford F-150 is by "dropping" it - lowering the body over the wheels to create a more aggressive stance. Many owners choose to complement the dropped suspension with plus-sized tires that better fill out the swollen fenders. But what's the ideal tire size for these lowered trucks?

Based on the mods commonly seen on dropped 10th gen F-150s in states like Texas, one of the best pairings is 295/50R16 tires on 16x10-inch Weld Wheels. This tire and wheel combination adds plenty of attitude while still allowing enough clearance to avoid rubbing issues.

Benefits of the 295/50R16 Tire Size

There are several advantages to choosing 295/50R16 as the plus-sized tire for a dropped 10th generation F-150:

• The 50-series sidewall helps maintain proper diameter so speedometer and gearing are not affected.
• The extra width compared to stock fills out widened fenders flawlessly.
• Tread contacts the road better for improved traction.
• Larger circumference actually helps improve fuel mileage.

Going with this size also allows trucks lowered 3-4 inches to avoid rubbing on the front crash bar at full turn. Any taller could make steering clearance an issue.

Pairing 295/50R16 Tires with 16x10 Wheels

Choosing the right wheels to match 295/50/16 tires is also important. A 10-inch wide wheel with the correct backspacing and offset helps center the wider tires perfectly in dropped wheel wells.

Popular 16x10 wheels for fitting 295-series rubber on lowered 10th gen F-150s include:

• Weld Scorpio
• Weld Racing Series Wheels
• Centerline Arkon
• Centerline Damaged

The right combo allows the wheels to fill out the fenders without any poke or high offsets that would cause clearance issues. Test fitting is advised to find just the right fitment.

Considerations When Running 295/50/16 Tires

Despite the advantages, there are a few special considerations to keep in mind when choosing plus-sized 295/50R16 tires for a lowered truck:

• Larger contact patch requires added steering effort at slow speeds.
• Wider tread is more vulnerable to curb damage.
• Wheel spacer may help wheels center better.
• Larger circumference strains differentials if also lifted.

As long as fitment is dialed and drivers understand the unique handling, though, this wheel and tire package works excellently on dropped 10th gen F-150s.

Expert Opinions on the Best Tire Fitment

To better understand the ins and outs of choosing the ideal tire size for lowered trucks, I consulted with some aftermarket wheel and suspension shops in Texas familiar with modifying 10th gen F-150s.

Baby Billets - Houston, TX

"We get asked about the best tire and wheel combo for lowered 2015 to 2020 F150s all the time. For trucks dropped 3 inches or more with flares, it's hard to beat 295/50R16 tires on some nicedeep 16x10 wheels. You get that awesome filled out look without the major hassles bigger tires can cause. Just make sure you get the backspacing right!"

Houston Dropped Trucks

"When you lower a late model truck as far as we do, tucking those big factory wheels just doesn't look right. We recommend upgrading to at least 20-inch wheels and 325-series rubber. But for customers not wanting that flashy urban look, sticking with taller 16s and stepping up to 295/50/16 tires works nicely. They really fill out those fat flares we mold perfectly."

Truck Central - Houston, TX

"I've built a lot of dropped trucks over the years and personally prefer the way 20s and 22s look on lowered F-150s. But for customers wanting a more street truck vibe, old school 16-inch Wheels with meaty 295/50R16 tires just plain works. They fill the arches properly while allowing trucks dropped 3 inches or so to retain decent drivability and turning clearance. Just don't try stuffing anything too huge in there without lifting the front end more!"

In Conclusion

Based on all the expert input and trucks seen around Texas, choosing 295/50R16 tires on 16x10 wheels seems to be the ideal combination for aggressively lowered 10th generation F-150 pickups. This wheel and tire package offers great looks, improved handling, and a perfect filled-out stance.

Just make sure proper backspacing and offset are dialed for flawless fitment. And take care to take note of the unique drivability traits that come with plus-sizing rubber on a dropped truck.

FAQs

Will 295/50R16 tires rub on my lowered F-150?

With trucks lowered 3-4 inches, 295/50R16 tires fit with ample clearance and no rubbing at full lock assuming proper wheel backspacing and offset. Any lower could cause rubbing.

What wheels properly fit 295/50R16 tires?

A 16x10 wheel with between -12 and 0 offset and 4 to 4.5 inches of backspacing centers these tires perfectly on lowered 10th gen F-150 trucks. Brands like Weld Racing and Centerline are great options.

Will gearing or speedometer be affected by this upgrade?

No, because the 50-series sidewall and 16-inch rim diameter maintain factory geoemtry and rotational speeds so gearing and speedometer will function exactly as stock.

Do bigger 295/50R16 tires require steering or other modifications?

The larger contact patch means more steering effort at low speeds but does not necessitate modifications. As long as fitment is dialed, they bolt up like factory tires but offer enhanced style and performance.