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20" wheels and Max Tow

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Old Oct 17, 2019 | 05:03 PM
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Default 20" wheels and Max Tow

So my 2018 FX4 max tow came with the standard 20" factory wheels. I'd like to get 18" wheels when I go for new tires in a few months. Seems to be more choices in 18" . Do I need to stay with the 20" tires for towing reasons? I'm guessing it has something to do with the towing capabilities.

I currently tow a 2019 Lance 2375 which is fairly heavy at 6775 lbs, and a tongue weight of 985 lbs.

thanks
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Old Oct 17, 2019 | 08:43 PM
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I have a 2019 screw 6.5’ bed with max tow and the trucks stock wheels are 17” so I would think 18” would be ok as long as the wheels and tires are rated for at least the same weight or more.

Last edited by Coldfinger; Oct 17, 2019 at 08:46 PM.
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Old Oct 17, 2019 | 11:08 PM
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Technically, for 2018+ trucks, you had to get the 20” wheels to get the highest tow rating on the F150. Trucks that came with 17’s and 18’s have a lower rating even if they have the max tow package.

so yeah, i think having a 20” wheel probably helps with stability or braking or something that allows it to be rated higher.

you will be fine with 18’s but may want to consider a stouter tire since the sidewall will be taller and softer than a 20.
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Old Oct 18, 2019 | 02:38 AM
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Originally Posted by mass-hole
Technically, for 2018+ trucks, you had to get the 20” wheels to get the highest tow rating on the F150. Trucks that came with 17’s and 18’s have a lower rating even if they have the max tow package.

so yeah, i think having a 20” wheel probably helps with stability or braking or something that allows it to be rated higher.

you will be fine with 18’s but may want to consider a stouter tire since the sidewall will be taller and softer than a 20.
Very good info and very true IMO!!
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Old Oct 21, 2019 | 12:47 PM
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Thanks guys. I don't tow anywhere near the max numbers so I should be ok with 18s. I'll look at sturdier tires for sure
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Old Oct 21, 2019 | 01:48 PM
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You will need LT to get the most out of Max Tow when downsizing the wheel size to make up for sidewall stiffness.
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Old Oct 21, 2019 | 09:20 PM
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There are a lot more options out there for 18" wheels and tires, and I think they ride a lot better and usually cost less. Go LT and you'll be happy.
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Old Oct 21, 2019 | 09:45 PM
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Yeah, I'm looking for an aggressive looking tire !
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Old Oct 22, 2019 | 12:55 PM
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Ride is subjective. I had both 18" LT and 20" P-Metric and the 20" rode better and had the same weight rating. The LT had the same harshness over bumps but also had more bounce. The 20" handle better due to the firmer sidewalls, less roll on curves.
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Old Feb 14, 2021 | 10:47 PM
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I have a 2016 f150 with max tow and it came factory equiped with 275/65 R18 P rated tires. I switched them out for LT 6ply rated tires of the same size and it to tows much better so yes you can tow with 18’ tires.
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