anybody have an opinion? 18" wheels vs. 20"

I only prefer 18" wheels because for tires of similar size between 18 and 20" rims, they tend to be a good bit cheaper on 18" wheels. However, I do prefer the look of a 20" rim, especially on tires in the 33 to 35" range.

I tow with 18's. I can see 20's having less sidewall to flex but I pull on the sand and many 20's running lo pros don't flex enough to air down effectively. ...and yes...I regered

mcsandman wrote:
Which, in your opinion, is a better size for tow vehicles and why?

Depends on what the truck was geared for. IF the stock axle, and stock tires make it a 3.73 ratio, and you go bigger with the tire, you lower the ratio to a higher gear, and lose tow cap. IF the tires, and axle make it a 3.73, and you go to a smaller tire you raise the rear gear to a lower gear and gain tow cap.

As far as I've seen, the larger tire size always decreases the tow rating on a truck - although that comparison is not always available from the factory. From a personal perspective, I think the over size wheels are ugly as sin. But, this is JUST my opinion.

I've had both and I prefer the smaller tire. Now I will have to say the 20's were on a 1500 and the 18's are on a 2500. My issues with the 20's were replacement cost, sloppy handling under load and poor snow traction which you don't have to worry about. Now as far as the looks go I'd take the 20's all day long.

I prefer 18 wheels on my F-150. Greater tire selection, a little lower in price, more air cushion/less bent rims from hitting pot holes and better for off-road travel. My selection is based on use, not looks, although I don't think the 18" look bad at all. I consider 20" wheels to be for show and street use. The heavy duty F-150 comes standard with 17" wheels. That should tell you something about wheel/tire size based on use. To each, their own.

Depends on the size of the tow vehicle and the class of the tire.

18" and 20" LT E tires are better suited for HD 3/4 and one ton trucks with a diesel. IMO a poor choice for a half ton and a small gas engine.

A 20" LT E can weigh as much as 60 lbs with a 9" plus wide tread depending on size. Same with the 18". This tire has a lot of parasitic drag from tire weight and tread width which can make it a power killer on small engines. The diesel will barely notice it.

A 18"-20" P tire may weigh 30+ lbs and a better choice for a small block gas engine.

Leave the big tire for the trucks with big engines. JMO

IMHO...my 16" by 10" wide wheels fills the wheel wells....really the tires do that...NOT the wheels

Silly to me...are the larger dia wheels showing tiny brakes...poking through the spokes....

No expert here,but a real impact on overall trailer towing capacity. 20 inch wheels as i understand it will reduce overall max towing ratings. Then again 8 speed automatics can do wonders??

PSI, E's, etc without their our yay robustness is out of context

In these larger dia wheels, in order to keep the rev's per mile (tire OD) requires lower as spect ratio tires

Meaning that high PSI creates a ballooning issue on the very flat tread area

So 80 PSI is out of context

Another issue with over sized (dia) wheels is that they have a higher centrifugal force issue....both getting it going and stopping....rubber weighs less than aluminum...and since a half ton....unstrung weight....ride quality degrades

If more than looks...the larger dia will have lower aspect ratio tires ov the smaller dia wheels

Lower aspect ratio has a higher POTENTIAL performance levels...but that is mostly boy racer stuff (track) on cars...TV's not so much boy racer....but... Those lower aspect ratio sidewalls does help or makes for better towing heavy in the twisties

IMHO...