Aerobuckeye

Does 18" vs 20" wheels make a difference when towing? I like the looks of the 20" wheels better but want to make sure I get the best tow vehical possible.

EricTheOracle

They sure make a difference in ride quality.

20" wheels on Minnesota's frost heaved roads is a lousy experience even on a 157" chassis.

SultanGris

lies, an extra 2" of rubber on properly inflated tires will make no discernible difference at all in ride quality.

Wondertwin1

Tires tend to be cheaper for the smaller rim sizes

EricTheOracle

Sultan,

Lies? It doesn't take a rocket scientist to understand that the 18" wheels handle bumps better than the 20" wheels because of the extra inch of sidewall allows a more forgiving ride. If the 20" are deflated to the degree to match the ride of the 18" wheels, then there is much higher risk of bending the 20" wheel on a square-edge bump, commonly referred to as a pothole.

People can experience the difference between the quality of ride between the 18" and 20" wheels for themselves by driving a 18" and a 20" truck back to back at a dealer.

PawPaw

If you tow any amount of weight it's better to have an LT rated tire on any size wheel 18 or 20 inch. The 18's will give you a better ride then a 20 will with the same type tire. Alway's keep the tires properly inflated too!

Jaws1

+1. Well said.

mrpositraction

All depends on the tire you have on them as well. I had 18's on my 1st FX4 SCrew and now 20" on my FX4 SCrew (identical truck otherwise, same year, engine, gears, blah blah blah). I can't tell a difference, BUT, I had the more aggressive tires on the 18's (wrangle AT/S) and now I have a more highway tire (the Pirelli Scorpions). The Pirellis are WAY WAY WAY quieter, which give the illusion of smoother ride (I don't know, best way to explain it)

2010FX4F150GILROY

I often wonder when a question asked here on this forum if people are simply looking for facts or opinions. This question I think is really about facts, so 2 inch diameter makes a difference. Yes it does, and an extra inch on sidewall can result in the passengers having a slightly more comfortable ride. However the give away in this is sidewall flex while towing. More sidewall will result in more flex and the possibilty of loosing control do to the flex, taking everything else out of the equation.... Ask people what they like, this is an opinion mine is 18 inch wheels provide a more comfortable ride, again opinion.... All other factors being equal, overall width doameter tire style etc... 18 inch wheels provide a more comfortable ride in my experience.....

flynlow

If both sizes were outfitted with the same LT tire the, 18's would probably give the better ride. But I don't think it would be a drastic difference. JMO.