18 inch wheels vs 20 inch wheels

[swathdiver]

Consider also that 17" and 20" wheels are more common so the tires for them will generally cost less than those for 18 inch wheels.

 

Consider also that the BFG KO2 LT265-70-17 tire costs about $100 less than the LT275-65-20 tire.  Both have sidewall heights between 7 and 7-1/2 inches while the former is about 31.6 inches tall and the latter is mathematically 34 inches tall.

[-David-]

Also keep in mind the load ratings of the tires.  The larger rim sizes in all terrain tire style typically have higher load ranges than the 17" with all season tire.  I have noticed too in the trims that I am looking at, going from a 17" all season tire to an 18" all terrain tire actually raises the GVWR sticker rating by 200 lbs. 

[Dunn]

yes chevy does have that one wheel that is pretty small.....245 on 17" and the truck absolutely dwarfs the meats its on.....

 

i would think 20" rim tires would be the most expensive.....and 18" would be most common, but maybe no?

[MORSNO]

Almost every 17" tire has been de-rated to around 3,100 lbs, 16's, 18's, and 20's go much higher...if carrying a heavy load matters to you.

[ClipperSkipper]

As the experts have said, the outer diameter is pretty the same across the board. The OEM rims on my '01 Sierra were 16 inch, and the Michelin LTX 265/75R16 were 31.6 inches, the 18 inch rims are off a 2020 Sierra, running Wrangler Invicta 265/65R18, 31.5 inches. I looked up the individual specs on Tire rack. Engine is a 5.3 T, 3.73 gear set.  

[Dunn]

my 18'' rim comes with 275/70....the first truck I almost bought had the 17'' with 245s.....noticeable difference between the 2, not even close to same size overall....so they calibrate the speedometer with whatever stock tires it comes with I assume so if one went with 17'' wheel and got a more standard wheel the calibration would be pretty far off I assume.....I probably will end up with 295 at some point (after I burn thru stock Michelins which aren't bad tires)…..my 1500 came with Michelins and they tore thru rain like nothing, I was really impressed with primacy series.....

[ShotgunZ71]

The tire diameters for OE tires are close to the same, regardless of rim size. More rim, less sidewall or more sidewall, less rim.

[greatmizzou]

I like the smallest rim possible to be honest.   Work trucks are going to encounter potential rim damage more then like a honda accord would.   I like the look of having more sidewall vs less, but I also understand its more cushion and protection from the road surface to your suspension.  i suppose there is quite a weight difference too but probably negligible.

 

Now for a highway truck, its not like 20" is a death sentence for rims.  There may be positives for it, but look at the Ford Raptor. They sell it with 17" rims specifically.  Rims just big enough to give your rotors and calipers real estate to operate and then max out the rest with tire sidewall.