P/U Truck tires - 20" vs 18"?

[JHbowhunter]

Thinking about trading in my truck for a new F-150.  Trade in values are insane right now.  One I like has 275/60/R20 tires, and I tend to prefer more rubber/less rim and another I like is the less sporty 275/65/R18 size. 

I am NOT a tire expert, would love someone smarter than me to advise, like @Woodsman416

 

Thanks

[hammer4reel]

My last three trucks have had 20” .

Over half million miles with zero issue running them .

and as you know I have no issue taking my truck into the fields and snow 

[CJ3a]

Haskell says your a big wig.  So only 20’s will do.  Extra points if you add spinners.  

[Bucksnbows]

I'm in the same truck you are, Jack, but I'm running 20s.  The original pair look great and I still have them with maybe 27K on them so far in case I put them back on in summer.  My Coopers wear nicely.  Should wear longer than a smaller diameter is my guess.  Rides great on 20s.

Edited February 24, 2021 by Bucksnbows

[Woodsman416]

Larger wheel diameter and shorter sidewall means less lateral flex in the assembly and will give you better handling/steering response. Smaller wheel diameter with larger tire sidewall gives you more radial flex giving better rough road/off road forgiveness. In the end, for most people, it's a matter of aesthetics over function.

Edited February 28, 2021 by Woodsman416

[electric10162]

I've had 20s on my last and current F350. No issues with the stock or the upgrade to Nittos.

[Woodsman416]

On the truck I'm building right now I went with larger sidewalls. 35x12.50R17

 

 

[not on the rug]

4 minutes ago, Woodsman416 said:

Larger wheel diameter and shorter sidewall means less lateral flex in the assembly and will give you better handing/steering response. Smaller wheel diameter with larger tire sidewall gives you more radial flex giving better rough road/off road forgiveness. In the end, for most people, it's a matter of aesthetics over function.

This.  

20s will run nicer on the road and the highway too.  Unless you're hitting some nasty spots off road or you spend more than half of your time in the dirt, I'd go with the 20s.  The sidewall height difference between those 2 sizes is only 1/2" anyway

[JHbowhunter]

when I go to OBX, I spend 1-2 weeks driving in loose sand every day.  I feel having more sidewall / less wheel might be an advantage when you need to "float".    Which steers me back to 18"

 

[electric10162]

4 minutes ago, Woodsman416 said:

On the truck I'm building right now I went with larger sidewalls. 35x12.50R17

 

 

Ken. As a combination, does the larger sidewall tire/smaller wheel weigh more?

Edited February 24, 2021 by electric10162

[JHbowhunter]

1 minute ago, not on the rug said:

This.  

20s will run nicer on the road and the highway too.  Unless you're hitting some nasty spots off road or you spend more than half of your time in the dirt, I'd go with the 20s.  The sidewall height difference between those 2 sizes is only 1/2" anyway

sand?

[Roon]

I have twenties on my truck right now, absolutely hate them. If you live in the ghetto and drive on the streets they're perfect if you actually drive your truck like a truck they're going to suck small wheel big tire only way to go

Edited February 24, 2021 by Roon

[Woodsman416]

Yes. With alloy wheels especially. Given the same diameter, tire mass will out weigh wheel mass so the more tire you have verses wheel the heavier the assembly is going to be.

[not on the rug]

1 minute ago, JHbowhunter said:

sand?

I'm not an expert on driving in the sand, but I think airing down and running the 20s shouldn't be a problem. Google it and see what guys are saying on other forums.  Maybe some other guys can weigh in on that.

Personally, the 20s will ride better for the other 50 weeks of the year.  If they suck in sand, buy some inexpensive 17s or 18s and put some Mud Tires on them just for sand use

[not on the rug]

1 minute ago, Roon said:

I have twenties on my truck right now, absolutely hate them. If you live in the ghetto and drive on the streets they're perfect if you actually drive your truck like a truck they're going to suck small wheel big tire only way to go

Most guys don't ever get their trucks dirty these days.