Originally Posted By: hattaresguy
I hate the big tires they put on newer trucks, mine has 17's and I wish they were 16's.
The tires cost to much, wear out fast and you can't get good truck tires in those large sizes. Also if you drive on unimproved roads a lot those big wheels put a lot of stress on the suspension since the tires don't have a lot of sidewall for flex.
But its all what you want.
Let's address each comment here....
1.) You hate the big tires. That's okay, your opinion is welcome here on BITOG and I can respect that. I, personally like the larger wheels because they fill the wheel wells better (looks better to me) and handling is improved. Now I don't like those huge 24+ inchers! I just like the factory 20-22" wheels.
2.) These larger sizes, especially the factory sizes like the 20's are not that expensive anymore. There ARE very good tires available in these larger sizes and tire wear is comparable. I've got a GMC Sierra Denali pickup with the factory chrome 20's. It looks great, the OEM Goodyear Eagle LS tires are a good rated tire, ride and handle well and are quiet. They lasted me 47k miles and those were not easy miles plus the truck is full time AWD...and I only rotated them once. I replace them with the same type and it was under $800. More than fair for the tire life, performance and good looks.
3.) In the case of factory installed large size rims/tires - they are designed and built to handle the SAME terrain/roads as the smaller 16/17/18" sizes. The additional stress, if any, is all factored into the design and validated to the vehicle. Now - with all these people going 24"+ on vehicles that were never designed to have these sizes, yes there are major drawbacks like you say, suspension stress, tire costs and such. I only "approve" of factory sizes in most cases. People going "plus 1" or "plus 2" with tire upgrades are okay..again the guys making Crown Vics look like 4x4's with 30" wheels..well that is a handling nightmare.
4.) Yes, it's all in what you want - good point.
Cheers!
I hate the big tires they put on newer trucks, mine has 17's and I wish they were 16's.
The tires cost to much, wear out fast and you can't get good truck tires in those large sizes. Also if you drive on unimproved roads a lot those big wheels put a lot of stress on the suspension since the tires don't have a lot of sidewall for flex.
But its all what you want.
Let's address each comment here....
1.) You hate the big tires. That's okay, your opinion is welcome here on BITOG and I can respect that. I, personally like the larger wheels because they fill the wheel wells better (looks better to me) and handling is improved. Now I don't like those huge 24+ inchers! I just like the factory 20-22" wheels.
2.) These larger sizes, especially the factory sizes like the 20's are not that expensive anymore. There ARE very good tires available in these larger sizes and tire wear is comparable. I've got a GMC Sierra Denali pickup with the factory chrome 20's. It looks great, the OEM Goodyear Eagle LS tires are a good rated tire, ride and handle well and are quiet. They lasted me 47k miles and those were not easy miles plus the truck is full time AWD...and I only rotated them once. I replace them with the same type and it was under $800. More than fair for the tire life, performance and good looks.
3.) In the case of factory installed large size rims/tires - they are designed and built to handle the SAME terrain/roads as the smaller 16/17/18" sizes. The additional stress, if any, is all factored into the design and validated to the vehicle. Now - with all these people going 24"+ on vehicles that were never designed to have these sizes, yes there are major drawbacks like you say, suspension stress, tire costs and such. I only "approve" of factory sizes in most cases. People going "plus 1" or "plus 2" with tire upgrades are okay..again the guys making Crown Vics look like 4x4's with 30" wheels..well that is a handling nightmare.
4.) Yes, it's all in what you want - good point.
Cheers!