Range efficiency results: lighter aftermarket wheels + stock tires = more mi/kwh

[merek]

I'd caution that you have no idea of the actual impact since you haven't done a controlled test. Clearly, reducing 52 pounds doesn't result in your efficiency going from 2.8 to 3.8, a 36% increase. Temp changes could account for the differences, and the highway shows you that it's not different, possibly. I'm not expert on sprung vs. unsprung weight, or rotational impact, but nobody is getting a 36% increase in efficiency by using lighter wheels.

If it were that easy, I am sure Ford would have done it and advertised a 400 mile range. Or given us a 36% smaller battery.

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[sr3jan]

Thanks for this. I've been strongly considering those steps. If not Amp then who? I like the look of these and their reviews for the ICE version seem solid.

As for the amp steps. They are the dual motor ones. I had to relocate the ABS module by drilling a new hole in the frame and also grind away a useless metal tab as well as push and zip tie the large HV line up about 1/4” to clear. Everything else was plug and play.

I will say Amp sucks in re to customer service. If I had it to do again, I would not buy thier product.

After seeing what can be done, I pulled the trigger and bought the steps. At the wire box, I tapped the incorrect wire, green with a blue stripe was a difficult find and I mistook it for green with purple. I called Amp to get some help and the self proclaimed “Lead Tech” said “It does NOT work, we have a Lightning in the shop right now and it ABSOLUTELY DOES NOT WORK” and he was kind of a prick when he said it.

Well that’s a lie. Another forum member here pointed me to my folly and lo and behold! Viola! I was sure to post a video on thier FB page calling them out. Anyway. Amp sucks. But…..if you do want them, get ahold of Realtruck and they will give you a nice discount.

 

[jasonator]

7000 lbs. Let us know if you bust one.

Just reporting back after 18 months of riding on the wheels. I just traded the truck and removed the wheels. I’m happy to report that after 36,000 miles there were no cracks, bends or broken wheels. I drove it like one does a truck. I’ve jumped a few curbs, gone down dirt roads, pulled heavy dump trailers full of broken concrete. They have held up as expected.

 

[VAF84]

Just reporting back after 18 months of riding on the wheels. I just traded the truck and removed the wheels. I’m happy to report that after 36,000 miles there were no cracks, bends or broken wheels. I drove it like one does a truck. I’ve jumped a few curbs, gone down dirt roads, pulled heavy dump trailers full of broken concrete. They have held up as expected.

Thanks for the follow up. Shame they didn’t improve highway range as that’s where I would really need the improvement. I’m consistently at 1.7, or 1.6 when on the toll doing 80 in the summer.

What did you move on to?

 

[jasonator]

Thanks for the follow up. Shame they didn’t improve highway range as that’s where I would really need the improvement. I’m consistently at 1.7, or 1.6 when on the toll doing 80 in the summer.

What did you move on to?

Gotta a helluva deal on a 23 Platinum. Had to drive 3 hours to get it but MSRP was $94 and then aftermarket spray in bed liner and tint.

Picked it up for $80k and they gave me $3k more on my trade the rest of the city/kbb. So roughly $17k off. 72 months 0% and no payments for 90 days. I did get hosed on GAP…$1100 but after the deal I was hard pressed to beat them up anymore.

Someone special ordered it and then never took delivery. It has been on their lot for about 9 months.

 

[dustintinsley]

See you no long have these wheels but do you remember what offset you went with? 0mm or +12mm?

 

[Too_Par_Gone]

See you no long have these wheels but do you remember what offset you went with? 0mm or +12mm?

I'd like to know as well! On the fence between lifting/lowering

 

[ramonoodle]

I was curious how lighter wheels would affect range. I purchased the VenomRex 601 wheels and they weigh in at 28lbs each.

Breakdown:
Lariat wheels 41 lbs
Stock tires 33lbs
Stock combo 74 lbs

new wheels 28lbs
Stock tires 33lbs
New combo 61lbs

That’s a 13lb difference per corner.

Here is where it gets interesting. Around town I was seeing 2.3-2.8 mi/kwh on the factory wheels/tires and with the lighter aftermarket wheels set up I’m seeing 2.5-3.8 mi/kwh my driving habits have not changed. Steering is sharper and the return of the wheel to center is faster, snappier.

On the hwy I didn’t see much of a difference. I usually drive between 67-70 and I’m still seeing 2.2-2.3 mi/kwh.

Weight doesn’t seem to affect higher speed range, rather that’s where aero comes back into play. They also poke about an inch more than factory so that is a consideration as well.

Since new I pumped them up to 44lbs psi as well. Ride hasn’t suffered and I’m hoping wear is similar, but that’s another discussion.

TPMS does swap over. I’ve read people thinking they new ones, mine swapped over fine.

You’ll need new lugs though.

Mods include:
Bed cover
Amp steps
Tint
Wheels

I want to do the same thing you did, especially because my stocks are 41lbs instead of your 33.
I made a calculator for zero-to-sixty improvements.
You'll be 1%(.04 seconds) faster with new the new wheels/same tire.
It's not much in the scheme of things, but still fun seeing improvements.

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