Monster Truck Tires Size Chart: 2.2" to 4.3" Explained

Ever tried buying replacement tires for your RC monster truck and ended up more confused than when you started? One brand lists 2.8" tires, another shows 71mm, and somehow both claim to fit your truck. Then there's hex sizes, wheel offset, and the question of whether that killer deal on 3.8" tires will actually clear your body shell. It's enough to make you stick with worn-out stock rubber just to avoid the headache.

This breakdown cuts through the confusion. You'll get a clear size chart, hex mounting requirements for each tire category, and specific vehicle compatibility so you can order with confidence instead of crossing your fingers at checkout. Let's begin!

Monster Truck Tire Size Chart

Here's a quick-reference chart matching tire size, scale, and hex mounting for RC monster trucks:

For a complete breakdown across all RC scales, check out the full RC tire size chart.

Pro Tip: If you're buying tires and wheels separately, stick with the same manufacturer for both. The glue surfaces will match up properly and you won't end up with tires peeling off mid-run.

Monster Truck Tire Sizes Explained

Monster truck tire sizes are based on wheel diameter, which is the rim size the tire fits onto. The actual outer diameter and width vary between manufacturers, so always check dimensions before ordering. A 2.8" tire from Pro-Line might measure slightly different than a 2.8" from JConcepts, even though they fit the same wheels.

2.2" - 2.4" Monster Truck Tires

These smaller sizes aren't common on modern monster trucks. You'll mostly find them on scale builds and retro-style trucks from vintage series. Aftermarket options are limited, so your safest bet is sticking with OEM replacements unless Pro-Line or JConcepts specifically lists your vehicle as compatible.

If you're running a classic rig and want that period-correct look, these tires deliver. Just don't expect the same variety you'd find in larger sizes.

2.6" - 2.8" Monster Truck Tires

This is the sweet spot for 1/10 scale monster trucks. The Traxxas Stampede, one of the best-selling RC trucks ever made, runs 2.8" tires. Older monsters used 2.6", but newer models have mostly standardized on 2.8".

When shopping for replacements from our monster truck and bashing tires collection, compare the outer diameter, width, and offset. Pro-Line, JConcepts, and Louise RC all list compatibility details in their product descriptions. Most 2.6" and 2.8" tires use either 12mm or 14mm hex mounting.

One thing to watch for: the 2.6" category includes "retro" solid axle tires that are much wider than standard monster tires. These retro tires and wheels only work with each other, so buy them as a matched set.

3.2" - 3.8" Monster Truck Tires

Large-scale 1/10 trucks and most 1/8 scale monsters run tires in this range. The Traxxas Maxx, E-Revo, and Revo all use 3.8" rubber. Outer dimensions vary quite a bit between brands, so double-check rim offset and tire width before ordering replacements.

Pro Tip: Switching to larger diameter tires changes your final drive ratio. Bigger tires increase top speed but also increase motor load. Smaller tires give you better acceleration but lower top speed. Keep an eye on motor temperature during the first few runs after swapping tire sizes. If you're running a brushless setup, the extra torque handles larger tires better than brushed motors.

4.3"+ Monster Truck Tires

These massive tires are built specifically for the Traxxas X-Maxx. They're so large that they won't fit on anything else, and every tire in this size category is clearly marked as X-Maxx compatible only. No guessing required here, which is honestly refreshing after dealing with the sizing chaos in smaller categories.

Monster Truck Wheel Hex Sizes

Now that you know what tire size you need, the next question is how it actually mounts to your truck. That's where hex sizing comes in.

Hex mounting is how RC wheels attach to the axle. The "hex" refers to the hexagonal hub that slots into your wheel. Get this wrong and your wheels won't fit, regardless of what tire size you bought.

To avoid that from happening, know which among the different hex sizes below your RC car has. 

12mm Hex

This is the standard for most 1/10 scale RC cars, including entry-level monster trucks. You'll find 12mm hex on the Traxxas Stampede 2WD, Stampede 4x4, and similar trucks. The axle diameter is larger on monster trucks than on touring cars or buggies, even when they share the same hex size.

14mm Hex

Used on heavier 1/10 scale monsters that need a beefier axle connection like the Traxxas E-Maxx. This size is common on wheels in the 3.2" to 3.6" range, where the extra axle strength helps withstand the load from larger tires and more powerful motors.

17mm Hex

The standard for 1/8 scale monster trucks and buggies. The mounting nut and axle hole are both significantly larger than 12mm or 14mm setups. If your truck came with smaller hex and you want to upgrade to 17mm wheels, check whether hex adapters are available for your model. Many manufacturers make them, so you're not necessarily locked into your stock hex size forever.

Monster Truck Wheel Offset

Offset determines where the wheel sits in relation to the hub. Most wheel manufacturers don't publish offset specs, which makes swapping between brands tricky. Here's the simple breakdown:

• 0 offset: The mounting surface is on the outer edge of the wheel. This pushes the tire outward, increasing your truck's overall width.
• 1/2 offset: The mounting surface is closer to the center line. The tire sits tighter to the body.

Why does this matter? Wrong offset causes the front tires to rub against the body when turning. Nothing kills a good bashing session faster than that awful scraping sound every time you steer.

If you're upgrading to wider tires and hitting clearance problems, you have two options: try 1/2 offset wheels to tuck the tires in closer, or install hex hub extenders to push the wheels outward. Either approach works, it just depends on whether you want a wider stance or need to stay within stock dimensions.

How to Choose the Right Monster Truck Tires

Not sure which tires fit your RC truck? Run through this checklist:

• Check your current tire size printed on the sidewall or listed in your truck's manual
• Measure your hex size (12mm, 14mm, or 17mm) before ordering wheels
• Compare outer diameter and width when switching between brands
• Look for vehicle compatibility in product descriptions from Pro-Line, JConcepts, and Louise RC
• Consider your driving surface when picking tread pattern and compound (chevron for loose dirt, block tread for mixed surfaces, pin spike for hard-packed tracks)

Go with pre-glued tire and wheel sets if you want to skip the compatibility research entirely. They come with tires already mounted on wheels and clearly state which vehicles they fit. If you're comfortable gluing your own, check out the tutorial on how to glue your tires.

One more thing worth mentioning: RC tires use foam inserts instead of air pressure. Pre-glued sets include the foam, but if you're buying tires separately, make sure inserts are included or grab them from our foam inserts category. Running tires without foam causes the sidewalls to collapse, and that makes the truck handle like a shopping cart with a broken wheel.

Monster Truck Tires Size FAQs

Will Pro-Line tires fit my Traxxas Stampede?

Most Pro-Line 2.8" tires fit the Stampede's 12mm hex wheels. Check the product listing for "Stampede" in the compatibility section to confirm. JConcepts and Louise RC also make Stampede-compatible tires and list fitment details on each product page.

Can I mix different tire sizes front and rear?

Technically yes, but it's not recommended for monster trucks. Unlike buggies where different front/rear sizes improve handling, monster trucks are designed for matching tires all around. Mismatched sizes throw off the balance and make the truck harder to control, especially during jumps and landings.

How do I know when my monster truck tires need replacing?

Look for bald spots on the tread, chunks missing from the lugs, or visible foam showing through the rubber. If your truck slides more than usual on surfaces where it used to grip, that's another sign the compound has worn out. Soft compound tires wear faster than hard compound, especially on pavement.

I bought the wrong size tires. Can I return them?

EuroRC accepts returns on unused items. Contact info@eurorc.com before ordering if you're unsure about fitment, and we'll help you find the right size before you buy.

Find Your Monster Truck Tires at EuroRC

Start by checking your current tire size and hex mounting, then match them against the size chart above. If you're upgrading or switching brands, compare outer diameter and width to make sure everything clears your body shell. When in doubt, pre-glued sets take the guesswork out of fitment.

Ready to shop? Browse the monster truck and bashing tires collection or check out monster truck wheels if you need new rims too. Questions about fitment? Contact info@eurorc.com and we'll point you to the right size.