re5513 Posted April 4, 2016 Share Posted April 4, 2016 For a 2016 Lariat 4x4 Crew Cab, there are two tire sizes you can get with associated rims: One is 275-65 R18 The second option is: 275-55 R20 My thoughts are the the 20" wheels/tires are probably on the order of 6-9 lbs heavier per tire and they have a lower sidewall height compared to the 18" tires/wheels which could make the 20" tire/wheel more at risk for being dented in off road applications. That's the theory anyway. What I want to ask the forum is real-world experience. Has anyone actually used a 20" rim/tire in off road trails and decided that they were less optimal compared to the factory 18" wheels? I'm probably leaning toward the 18" rims/tires at this point but wanted to see what kinds of comments based on experience I might receive before I make a final decision. Thanks much! re5513 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spotdog14 Posted April 4, 2016 Share Posted April 4, 2016 20's look nice, 18's ride better. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
re5513 Posted April 4, 2016 Author Share Posted April 4, 2016 >20's look nice, 18's ride better. Agreed. One idea I had this AM is to use up the 20" tires and then when it's time to replace them, get new off-road rims along with new tires and scale down to 18"s. Do you know if there would be any reprogramming required? The circumference of both setups (stock 20" with 275-55R20 tires versus stock 18" rims with 275-65R18 tires) is virtually identical so I'm guessing then that no re-programming would be required to accommodate the different tire/wheel sizes. Would you agree? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
akirby Posted April 4, 2016 Share Posted April 4, 2016 No reprogramming as long as the circumference is close to the same diameter. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
re5513 Posted April 5, 2016 Author Share Posted April 5, 2016 Thanks. I appreciate the information. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neddot Posted April 14, 2016 Share Posted April 14, 2016 Last time I priced out tires, the 18s were slightly cheaper and I found there was more options for the 18s as well. That may just be something unique to my area however. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twintornados Posted April 14, 2016 Share Posted April 14, 2016 I have 20" on my MKX and switch out to 17" snows that are the same diameter....no problems with programming. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Haonan Zhang Posted April 16, 2016 Share Posted April 16, 2016 I would say go for the 20s simply because it looks better. As f150s have a really tall tire despite the size of the wheel, you will be okay with either. 18 inch wheels do provide a really soft ride tho Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Butchy Posted May 11, 2016 Share Posted May 11, 2016 I like 18's myself. I like the softer ride. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
R and S in MT Posted November 8, 2019 Share Posted November 8, 2019 Does anyone know if the wheel size changes the tow capacity ratings on the newer F-150s? In our previous 06 Ford, we had a lower towing capacity due to the larger wheel size that came stock with the truck. I am looking to upgrade to a 2013 or newer and want to keep a higher tow capacity for hauling our camper. Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mk150 Posted December 13, 2019 Share Posted December 13, 2019 Around me I’m able to find 18” takeoff tires for pennies on the dollar, if your cheap like me go with the 18s Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
caliber1 Posted December 15, 2019 Share Posted December 15, 2019 I have the 20's with Nitto Ridge Grapplers and like them so far. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jdki009 Posted January 24, 2020 Share Posted January 24, 2020 From what I have seen, 20s are for show trucks that just want to look good and 17s/18s are for ones that really go offroad. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LSchicago Posted January 24, 2020 Share Posted January 24, 2020 20's handle a lot better on the street, but give up a bit of ride. 18's give better fuel economy, but 20's look better. I was very happy after swapping my 18's for 20's. (also lowered it 2/4) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
akirby Posted January 24, 2020 Share Posted January 24, 2020 I had the choice of 20s or 18s with the Sport package and I thought the 18s looked a lot better and had more tire choices. But there is very little ride difference due to the way Ford tunes the suspension to compensate. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
parker92 Posted September 7, 2020 Share Posted September 7, 2020 I like the 20's but there are fewer tire options for that size. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RickZ Posted March 12, 2021 Share Posted March 12, 2021 Following Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gbsharon Posted March 29, 2021 Share Posted March 29, 2021 I like 18s, the additional sidewall provides much more cushion. Unfortunately I could not get the ‘21 in the config I wanted without getting the 20s Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Evolrider Posted June 30, 2021 Share Posted June 30, 2021 I have 20's, but wished they were 18's as they ride better and look better specially with a lift Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rethorn Posted August 12, 2021 Share Posted August 12, 2021 It depends. If you have a street truck, 20's will look good. If you are planning to go off-roading, choose 18's to have more rubbers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
speedingtones Posted August 17, 2021 Share Posted August 17, 2021 (edited) On 6/30/2021 at 7:47 PM, Evolrider said: I have 20's, but wished they were 18's as they ride better and look better specially with a lift Yup, it's way better with a suspension lift kit. Edited August 17, 2021 by speedingtones Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kobl0019 Posted November 11, 2021 Share Posted November 11, 2021 Good insight! I’m glad I went with 18’s I’d prefer the smoother ride over the fancy look! ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
javashot1 Posted December 12, 2021 Share Posted December 12, 2021 On the '21 chrome package Lariat - I just didn't like the 20's wheel nearly as well as the 18's wheel. So just from a style / taste standpoint no way I wanted to upgrade $1,300 for 20's. Plus the benefits of the 18 inch sidewall choice was easy for me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wasookese Posted July 21, 2022 Share Posted July 21, 2022 (edited) On 4/4/2016 at 5:01 AM, re5513 said: Based on my experience, I would definitely recommend the 18" rims/tires. The 20" rims/tires are just too heavy and difficult to handle on off road trails. They can easily get dented and damaged, which is something you definitely want to avoid. Stick with the 18" rims/tires for the best results. Edited July 26, 2022 by Wasookese Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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