17", 18", or 20" Wheels
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 303
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From: SE Wisconsin
On the other hand, I've also got a 1990 Miata and run taller than stock rims with minimal sidewall tires which is more appropriate to the way I drive that car. I also have to avoid certain roads in the area that I probably wouldn't be able to travel without damage.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 6,521
Likes: 11
From: Greenwood, SC
I am looking hard at a 2011 F250 but it has 20" wheels and I am kinda hesitant to buy it. I have 18's on my '08 and my experience so far has been that you have much more variety in tire choices at Load Range E in an 18" vs. a 20". Maybe it will change but right now I kinda lean towards 18 just for the options in a hefty tire.
Freshman User
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 45
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From: Plant City Fl
I ordered the 18 $300.00 sold them for 800.00, bought new 18 & rims for litttle over 2000.00 The 20 cost 1200.00 when you order the truck, they have e & d in all sizes for 18. I only pull a 30 camper & airboat so the I can handle 3100 tire load in the d range. Ran them on my other trucks no problem. So i figure got 325/65/18 Toya & 18/9 Moto for almost the same money as stock 20. JMO 
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 106
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I had stock 20's on my prior F250 and never came close to damaging them. I bought my 2011 with 20's which came with Michellin's E rated tires(3700lb WR). I upgraded the tires to Nitto Trail Grapplers 295/65/20 E rated with (4080lb WR). I tow a heavy 5th wheel Trailer and wanted enough WR Capaciy. It's matter of personal choice but the 20's are available in E ratings just make sure you look closely at the WR's. Not all have high WR's. Good luck.
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2007
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17" are a much better size for offroad or just all around use in the dirt. The smaller wheel size allows for more sidewall which performs better.
Correct me if I'm wrong but I also think you have more payload with the 17" over the 20" wheels and by a good margin.
Personally I like the performance and look of more tire than rim.
Correct me if I'm wrong but I also think you have more payload with the 17" over the 20" wheels and by a good margin.
Personally I like the performance and look of more tire than rim.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2010
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I have the stock 18 inch wheels on my 250.
I'm not a fan of the 20's.
Although when I ordered my XLT I couldn't get the FX package with 18's.
My recommendation is to find trucks with the different size wheels and see what you like after you gather the weight ratings here.
I'm not a fan of the 20's.
Although when I ordered my XLT I couldn't get the FX package with 18's.
My recommendation is to find trucks with the different size wheels and see what you like after you gather the weight ratings here.
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Senior User
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 106
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Thanks for the replies. So if I am understanding this correctly, even though the wheel size is different, the outside diameter of the tires are the same. The main difference being appearance, and perhaps load carrying capacity?
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2010
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I know on my 4x4 with 20's i still have a TON of sidewall to eat up bumps. If you crash a rim with a 65series sidewall of this size. I think you might end up with some suspension issues as well. Not just worrying about cost to fix the rim.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,320
Likes: 13
From: Mid Atlantic
I have OEM 20's on my truck and like them alot because they do turn a little sharper (I know it is a big truck...) and I like the way they look as well. They also have a higher payload capacity (3760#'s) than the 17 or 18" E series tires (Michelin LTX AT2's)
They do have some draw backs though:
- They weight alot more (and so do the wheels)
- They cost more
- There are fewer choices out there
If I was going to get a new truck and it came with the 20's on them I wouldn't worry about it but I'm not sure I would pay more for them...
Not much help hu??
They do have some draw backs though:
- They weight alot more (and so do the wheels)
- They cost more
- There are fewer choices out there
If I was going to get a new truck and it came with the 20's on them I wouldn't worry about it but I'm not sure I would pay more for them...
Not much help hu??
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