18" vs 20" wheels
10-18-2011, 09:29 PM
#43
Senior Member
10-18-2011, 11:20 PM
#44
Senior Member
I would think that a 20" would build up heat quicker since it has less tire area. For towing and load rating I would rather have a 18" wheel and tire combo. Heat is a killer.
10-19-2011, 12:18 AM
#45
That little difference of tire siz shouldn't be a factory.. The load rating for the tires does not change what the truck will tow.. If you are into physics and dynamics then you may be able to find a difference but to the naked eye and driving you can never tell the difference..
10-19-2011, 01:34 AM
#46
Senior Member
Exactly what, Barney?
You're the one who started this by calling Eric's ride quality comment a "lie."
Bottom line, a tire's load index will determine if it's better for towing over another tire, and the size may vary. One brand's 18 may rate higher than another brand's 20, and vice versa. Same for temperature rating.
The other factors discussed in this thread are equally legit points for choosing a tire, IMO, so it's all proverbially good.
You're the one who started this by calling Eric's ride quality comment a "lie."
Bottom line, a tire's load index will determine if it's better for towing over another tire, and the size may vary. One brand's 18 may rate higher than another brand's 20, and vice versa. Same for temperature rating.
The other factors discussed in this thread are equally legit points for choosing a tire, IMO, so it's all proverbially good.
10-19-2011, 07:04 AM
#47
Senior Member
Lies - i'm running my winters now and they are LT275/65R18E1 tires inflated @ 50psi and they ride much much smoother than the LT285/55R20E1's/50PSI that i had installed on the 20's last month. I should have gone for the factory 18's as they ride much much better even with LT/E rated tires. As for towing, the LT/E tires make all the difference on both 20's and 18's. whatever you choose, make sure you get some proper tires.
10-19-2011, 11:24 AM
#48
Originally Posted by rocco
Lies - i'm running my winters now and they are LT275/65R18E1 tires inflated @ 50psi and they ride much much smoother than the LT285/55R20E1's/50PSI that i had installed on the 20's last month. I should have gone for the factory 18's as they ride much much better even with LT/E rated tires. As for towing, the LT/E tires make all the difference on both 20's and 18's. whatever you choose, make sure you get some proper tires.
Size may play a part but not that i've noticed... Tires are the issue with ride quality
10-19-2011, 11:45 AM
#49
Senior Member
Originally Posted by FX4ord
Exactly what, Barney?
You're the one who started this by calling Eric's ride quality comment a "lie."
Bottom line, a tire's load index will determine if it's better for towing over another tire, and the size may vary. One brand's 18 may rate higher than another brand's 20, and vice versa. Same for temperature rating.
The other factors discussed in this thread are equally legit points for choosing a tire, IMO, so it's all proverbially good.
10-19-2011, 12:11 PM
#50
Senior Member
I've got 20" with P rated tires as they came with the truck off the lot and look pretty good.
But I would prefer 18" with LT rated tries because the of the extra sidewall and strength/stiffness of LT when under load.
A lot are saying that 18" is better off-road but 20" is OK on pavement. Well, there are some wicked pot-holes on pavement, and when you hit them at 70mph with a heavy load you would be safer with an 18" wheel and LT tire.
If you already have 20" rims, you could put on an over-size LT's to get more sidewall. If switch to 33.5" dia tire (4.9% diff), like the Goodyear Wrangler Silent Armour LT285/60R20 125R 10/E (10 ply, E load rating). That has 6.7" of sidewall versus the 6.0" of the original 20" Pirellis. An 18" tire like the 275/65R18 has 7.0" of sidewall.
I have a 3.73 differential. That bigger tire would be equivalent to a 3.56 differential with the original tires but would work for me anyway.
But I would prefer 18" with LT rated tries because the of the extra sidewall and strength/stiffness of LT when under load.
A lot are saying that 18" is better off-road but 20" is OK on pavement. Well, there are some wicked pot-holes on pavement, and when you hit them at 70mph with a heavy load you would be safer with an 18" wheel and LT tire.
If you already have 20" rims, you could put on an over-size LT's to get more sidewall. If switch to 33.5" dia tire (4.9% diff), like the Goodyear Wrangler Silent Armour LT285/60R20 125R 10/E (10 ply, E load rating). That has 6.7" of sidewall versus the 6.0" of the original 20" Pirellis. An 18" tire like the 275/65R18 has 7.0" of sidewall.
I have a 3.73 differential. That bigger tire would be equivalent to a 3.56 differential with the original tires but would work for me anyway.