Increased road hazard with larger tires?

wintersun wrote:
I can see the change for a profile perspective. With my Mercedes and its low profile tires I twice had blowouts after driving over 2x4's on the highway. There was not enough sidewall to flex and absorb the impact so the bead separated from the rim.

20" (not 19.5) tires I have seen have had a much lower payload rating than 16/17/18 inch tires as well and if you have a complete tire failure on the road and want to buy another tire it is less likely to be in stock.

Most Walmarts and Sams Club carries 275/55/20.

Ford uses the LT E 20" at around 3700-3800 lbs per tire on their F350 SRW 20" optional wheel.

I can see the change for a profile perspective. With my Mercedes and its low profile tires I twice had blowouts after driving over 2x4's on the highway. There was not enough sidewall to flex and absorb the impact so the bead separated from the rim.

20" (not 19.5) tires I have seen have had a much lower payload rating than 16/17/18 inch tires as well and if you have a complete tire failure on the road and want to buy another tire it is less likely to be in stock.

Americamper wrote:
I just read a manufacturers statement that said road hazard would be increased if I go to a 20" tire from a 16". Why would this be? Just because there is more tire on the road?

Some 16" tires can have the same amount of rubber on the road as some 20" tires depending on actual tire dia/tires pressure and tread width.

A manufacturers statement may have come from a tire/camper/truck/trailer/bus/etc. Which manufacturer are you quoting ??

Probably since most setups decrease sidewall height (and thus cushioning from impacts) as the wheel size increases.

Load or ply rating? Sidewall height?

Chevrolet rates the Silverado 1500 to tow 9,100 pounds (properly equipped) and that includes the optional 275/55/20 tires.

They are lower profile than other tires used with other option packages.

Tires cost more? For a car the sidewalls are generally a lot shorter.