Forum Discussion

Roadtech's avatar
Roadtech
Explorer
Dec 18, 2014

18" vs 20" Wheels

I am looking to buy a 2015 Chevy 2500 HD 4x4 truck. I am wondering about ordering the optional 20" wheels. Are there any advantages to the larger wheels other than looks? Is the ride quality better or worse with the larger wheels? It is a pricey adder.

40 Replies

  • The stock 265/60/20 Goodyear SRAs are crap. Pulled mine off at 8k mi.
  • According to Tire Rack the OEM tires are 265/70/18 rated @3525lbs
    The optional 265/60/20 are rated @3195lbs. If that matters.
    Price wise the 18's are $208 and the 20's are actually cheaper at $171. Both E rated of course.
    The 18's are 31.7H and the 20's are 32.5H
    http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Goodyear&tireModel=Wrangler+SR-A&sidewall=Blackwall&autoMake=Chevrolet&autoYear=2015&autoModel=Silverado 2500 HD 4wd&autoModClar=Crew Cab&partnum=66SR0WSRA&tab=Specs
    Not sure what the OEM brand is as sometimes they change.

    Interesting that the tread depth for the 20's is 16/32 and the 18's are 13/32
  • I have factory 20s on my 2012 simply because I like the looks. 18s will give a bit softer ride, are lighter and tires are cheaper. If your not concerned about looks stick to the 18s.
  • ib516 wrote:
    Before you decide, check out the prices for identical 18 and 20 inch tires.
    The 18s are generally cheaper, and give you a better ride. Overall tire height is almost the same with each because the 18s have more sidewall.


    Sidewall height was going to be my comment.

    And this favors the 20 inch tires. Less sidewall, less squirm, which I would think would make a better heavy carrying tire.
  • Had 17" wheels where the over all diameter of the tire was 29.5" tall...(after going to bigger wheels/tires also installed Kore race suspension... wash board was like a paved highway after that) went to 20" wheel and a 33.4" tall tire on my 05 3500 Ram, ride difference? never noticed... what I gained was longer rotor and caliper life as the snow and mud didn't pack in any where near how it did with the 17" wheels, where the mud would pack in and not allow the caliper the release when the brake pedal was released. the larger wheels have larger "spokes" easier to expel mud/snow and not to mention easier to clean at the truck wash!



    Be fashionable... go with the 20s... :B
  • Another thing to think about is the difference in price of the wheels. Not many people have to replace wheel(s). I had to last summer and found that a new OEM 20" aluminum wheel for an '06 F250 cost a little over $1500. Luckily I found a used wheel on Ebay for $199.
  • Before you decide, check out the prices for identical 18 and 20 inch tires.
    The 18s are generally cheaper, and give you a better ride. Overall tire height is almost the same with each because the 18s have more sidewall.
  • I have the optional 20" on mine and there are NO downfalls as far as GM is concerned. I like the appearance much better and there is no harsh ride from them. The one pitfall I see is the width in snow and it does push more in snow, but living in the snow belt, I have not had any problem.
  • Personally, I think the ride would be worse...The bigger the wheel size, the shorter the sidewall seems to be, resulting in a stiffer ride. That said, it would probably corner better, but a pickup truck is not a sports car.

    As for looks, not my style