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Old 01-16-2017, 06:21 AM   #1
Slufoot733
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Wheel/tire size

In shopping around for a new vehicle I see tons of trucks equipped with 20" wheels instead of the 18" wheels I am used to. Are there any advantages to the larger wheel size? I know the 20" tires are more expensive to replace but otherwise, ???
I know lots of you out there have the 20's, what's your take on them?
Thanks,

KT
 
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Old 01-16-2017, 07:06 AM   #2
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A very good friend has 20s on his F350 and based on what he has said about cost of replacing one wheel and all the tires I'm glad my F350 has the 18s!
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Old 01-16-2017, 07:32 AM   #3
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For Michelin (don't know about other brands) the 20" tires have a slightly higher load rating than the 18" tires of same model. Otherwise, it is primarily a matter of appearance. I like the looks of the 20" wheels myself. But yes, they do cost more. But it looks like most all of the new trucks with the higher trim packages are now coming standard with the 20" wheels.
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Old 01-16-2017, 08:09 AM   #4
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Thanks guys. I note that the 20" wheels do NOT effect the overall height of the truck bed telling me that there's more wheel but less tire. The thinner tires are prone to a rougher ride. That was a concern for me, in addition to the extra costs. But I'm sure it's not that noticeable.
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Old 01-16-2017, 02:36 PM   #5
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I had a 2006 F250 4x4 Amarillo with 20" chrome wheels. On a 4x4 those wheels fill the wheel wells very nicely. Not the big gap you see with 17's or 18's. Replacement tires, Goodyear Wrangler LT 275/65R20 were around $1300 for 4 mounted, balanced and road hazard in 2015.
Used this truck with airbags to tow my Montana 3791RD before upgrading to a 2016 F350 4x4 dually.
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Old 01-16-2017, 03:23 PM   #6
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Out of curiosity I checked local Discount Tire pricing for Michelin 20" vs 18" for my F350. Out the door price was about $175 out the door more for 4 20" tires, $1,254 vs $1,076.
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Old 01-16-2017, 05:27 PM   #7
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I like the looks of the 20" wheels on our 4x4. I was able to order 4 Michelin LTX AT/2 126R LT275/65R20/E (OEM tire on my 2014 F350) from Amazon, $950 delivered. Install was $48 at my local Ford dealer. Discount Tire had quoted about $1200.

I have also ordered tires online from Simple Tire and received great pricing there as well. The bottom line is the price delta on 18" vs 20" was not a major consideration for us when we purchased our TV.

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Old 01-17-2017, 08:43 AM   #8
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20" versus 18" normally does not affect the outside rolling circumference, since the difference is made up with the tire sidewalls. For example, in order to maintain the circumference and prevent modification of the suspension the tires for a 20" tire will have smaller sidewalls than the 18" tire.

Besides your wheels being more attractive with a 20" rimmed wheel (more decorative, than the typical larger black sidewall of the rubber tire for an 18"), I think the smaller sidewall helps in increasing the weight rating since there's more metal than rubber holding up the load and that smaller sidewall is easier to reinforce. Unfortunately, this might also add to the cost of a tire with trying to strengthen the sidewall. On the other hand, remembering my Economics class, it might cost the same to manufacturer both sidewall sizes, but a perceived higher demand based on its popularity would drive the price up artificially.

In summary, use either size as long as it meets or exceeds the weight rating of your axles and truck. Never get a lesser rated tire/wheel combination!
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Old 01-17-2017, 12:02 PM   #9
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The 18 and 20 inch tires are the same diameter, about 34 inches. The 20s have a load rate of 3750 pounds at 80 psi. I have 20s on my 08 F250. The advantage I see with the 20s is the side wall is an inch shorter which gives it less flex for a more stable ride. The 20s are 9 inches wide. The problem I see with the Michelins and the OEMs they don't list very long. My brother had a 3500 DRW Chevy and we both agreed my SRW truck was as stable as his. I pulled a 14000+ pound DRV with no stability problems. It tracked straight as an arrow at 75.
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Old 02-15-2017, 02:26 PM   #10
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Well, I guess this discussion is now mute. Although I was fully prepared to order a 2017 F350, equipped exactly as I wanted (sparsely to be honest), we found a left over 2016, and it's loaded! And it has 20" wheels. Considering we saved a ton because they wanted rid of it, the 20" wheel issue is forgotten. And even with all the goodies, it was still $6K less that the '17 without all the goodies. Makes me a happy camper . Already got the spray in bed liner and new B&W hitch installed. Now, where's the warm weather?!
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