What is the attraction to 20"+ rims?

[NoSnow]

Looking at the inventory of the new trucks (stock orders) arriving at dealers I see almost all the new Lariats have 20" rims. I believe in the Lariat the default is 18" rims in the Chrome and in the Sport. To get the 20"rim you have to select it as an option. Obviously for the dealers to build trucks with 20" rims the demand must be high but I just don't get it. For me, I see no advantage to the larger rims and in fact I see it a huge negative. The negatives for me are, less sidewall that can scuff the rim (it is a truck and meant to go over a few bumps), not a fan of the look (this is obviously a personal thing), rougher ride, more expensive tires, my experience is the tires seem to handle terrible at about 50% wear so they need to be replace far sooner than a tire with a higher aspect ratio. I have had two cars that have had tires with less than a 50% aspect ratio and in both vehicles I was taking the vehicle in for balancing and alignment but it ended up that the tires were only 50% worn and needed to be replaced. Anyway, I'm obviously a minority with this option as the dealers can't seem to order anything but and 20" or higher.

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[rucus0101]

Looking at the inventory of the new trucks (stock orders) arriving at dealers I see almost all the new Lariats have 20" rims. I believe in the Lariat the default is 18" rims in the Chrome and in the Sport. To get the 20"rim you have to select it as an option. Obviously for the dealers to build trucks with 20" rims the demand must be high but I just don't get it. For me, I see no advantage to the larger rims and in fact I see it a huge negative. The negatives for me are, less sidewall that can scuff the rim (it is a truck and meant to go over a few bumps), not a fan of the look (this is obviously a personal thing), rougher ride, more expensive tires, my experience is the tires seem to handle terrible at about 50% wear so they need to be replace far sooner than a tire with a higher aspect ratio. I have had two cars that have had tires with less than a 50% aspect ratio and in both vehicles I was taking the vehicle in for balancing and alignment but it ended up that the tires were only 50% worn and needed to be replaced. Anyway, I'm obviously a minority with this option as the dealers can't seem to order anything but and 20" or higher.

The 20" rims look better At least in some peoples minds. The lower profile tires also have less sidewall stretch and can give a bit more road feel in addition to controlling a large trailer better. And yes they do weigh more, scuff easier, and sacrifice some ride quality.

 

[ZWARRIOR]

I ordered my lariat with 20" wheels because I feel like 18s look a little small on the rear , the wheel well just makes it look way too small. I am very happy how "filled" the 20s make them see, I would like 22"s but probably not more than that.

 

[Acob720]

IMO. Tires should increase in size. Not the wheel! Order the smallest wheel possible, add bigger, better tires.

 

[ZWARRIOR]

IMO. Tires should increase in size. Not the wheel! Order the smallest wheel possible, add bigger, better tires.

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[KBKEITH]

I ordered my lariat with 20" wheels because I feel like 18s look a little small on the rear , the wheel well just makes it look way too small. I am very happy how "filled" the 20s make them see, I would like 22"s but probably not more than that.

I agree. My 2016 and 2018 trucks had 18s. This time I have the 20s on my 2021. I like the look. ??

 

[Acob720]

The Raptor would like to know your location

Hahaha. My checking account is running away!

 

[RawFord]

Looking at the inventory of the new trucks (stock orders) arriving at dealers I see almost all the new Lariats have 20" rims. I believe in the Lariat the default is 18" rims in the Chrome and in the Sport. To get the 20"rim you have to select it as an option. Obviously for the dealers to build trucks with 20" rims the demand must be high but I just don't get it. For me, I see no advantage to the larger rims and in fact I see it a huge negative. The negatives for me are, less sidewall that can scuff the rim (it is a truck and meant to go over a few bumps), not a fan of the look (this is obviously a personal thing), rougher ride, more expensive tires, my experience is the tires seem to handle terrible at about 50% wear so they need to be replace far sooner than a tire with a higher aspect ratio. I have had two cars that have had tires with less than a 50% aspect ratio and in both vehicles I was taking the vehicle in for balancing and alignment but it ended up that the tires were only 50% worn and needed to be replaced. Anyway, I'm obviously a minority with this option as the dealers can't seem to order anything but and 20" or higher.

I ordered my KR with 18s. Honestly the 20s just look a hell of a lot better. 18s look to small in the wheel well.

 

[dog_tired]

20's are a better ride.
18's are better off-road.

If you're going to be driving in the desert or rough roads on a regular basis, you probably want the 18's. If you're towing and mainly highway/city, you're going with the 20's. (I think the Limited comes with 22's for this reason - more comfort).

 

[Ford4Life]

Looking at the inventory of the new trucks (stock orders) arriving at dealers I see almost all the new Lariats have 20" rims. I believe in the Lariat the default is 18" rims in the Chrome and in the Sport. To get the 20"rim you have to select it as an option. Obviously for the dealers to build trucks with 20" rims the demand must be high but I just don't get it. For me, I see no advantage to the larger rims and in fact I see it a huge negative. The negatives for me are, less sidewall that can scuff the rim (it is a truck and meant to go over a few bumps), not a fan of the look (this is obviously a personal thing), rougher ride, more expensive tires, my experience is the tires seem to handle terrible at about 50% wear so they need to be replace far sooner than a tire with a higher aspect ratio. I have had two cars that have had tires with less than a 50% aspect ratio and in both vehicles I was taking the vehicle in for balancing and alignment but it ended up that the tires were only 50% worn and needed to be replaced. Anyway, I'm obviously a minority with this option as the dealers can't seem to order anything but and 20" or higher.

It's all about looks. You order a new truck you want that thing to look good. I wish the Platinum I ordered could be optioned up to 22's. I use my truck for my daily commute, the occasional Home Depot trip, and towing my boat once in a while. Other than that it's a truck to cruise around in and I want it to look good.

 

[Caferd]

I ordered the stx 18s. I think they look way better and I plan to get bigger tires to fill the gap. All my local dealers are mostly getting 20s. I’m sure lopro tires handle better but if I want good handling I would buy a corvette

 

[TNKIRK]

I ordered the stx 18s. I think they look way better and I plan to get bigger tires to fill the gap. All my local dealers are mostly getting 20s. I’m sure lopro tires handle better but if I want good handling I would buy a corvette

 

[TNKIRK]

My order just looks mean!!!!!!

 

[NoSnow]

20's are a better ride.
18's are better off-road.

I would disagree that the 20's ride better. in fact, very much the opposite. I can understand some prefer the looks but you do sacrifice ride with a lower profile tire. If the 20's have the same aspect ration as the 18" then there would be no difference in ride. You see sports cars with low profile tires and an expert driver might be able to corner a little better but I doubt that the normal driver could notice the handling difference. I have a fair amount of experience in switching wheels on our car with the winter rims/tires. The winter wheels are on smaller diameter rims and the ride is very noticeably better/smoother but they are louder due to the tread pattern.

 

[adrian90210]

So what offset are you choosing for your aftermarket wheels?

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