How does everybody feel about 22” rims Versus 20” rims?

[‘22Powerboost]

I’ve always had 20” rims on my trucks since 03, and have loved the way they ride. Test drove a truck back in 2015 with 22’s, and did not like the way it rode with the 22” rims. The smaller sidewall/aspect ratio of the 22” tires seemed to not provide as smooth and cushioned of a ride imo, compared to the bigger sidewalls/aspect ratio of the 20” tire. Has anybody else found this to be the case? Or have things/tires improved since my experience from 9 years ago.

Any input would be appreciated. Thank you.

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[‘22Powerboost]

So nobody has had any experience with this idea?

 

[HammaMan]

I went with 20s due to the tire selection. 22s just don't have that many tires available in the size I wanted.

 

[‘22Powerboost]

I went with 20s due to the tire selection. 22s just don't have that many tires available in the size I wanted.

Thanks for the reply.

The time I test drove the truck with the 22’s…I could feel the imperfections in the road a lot more, due to the sleeker/smaller sidewall it seemed. Just wondering if others have noticed that? Or perhaps the tires now(being that was 9 yrs ago) are improved/better than they used to be?

 

[Abraham5G]

I had 22" wheels with 45 profile tires on my 2014 F-150. You just feel the road more compared to my 2023 on 20" wheels.

 

[24STX5.0]

I drive on ocean beaches with deep powder sand for surf fishing locally. To do so, I air down to 17 PSI and want as much aspect ratio as possible to lengthen the contact patch. 18 inch wheels work well for this. Bigger wheels with lower profile tires mean less traction off road, a harsher ride on the road, and more expensive tires to me.

 

[Jerome10]

I would always go as small a rim as you can get.

I can appreciate the style of bigger rims but in basically every other way they’re a negative to me. Maybe they have a bit more grip due to lower profile.

Otherwise you pay a ride penalty 100% of the time you’re in the car. Often the tires get more expensive the bigger they get. More prone to punctures.

I specifically sought out the 18’s when I got mine for all these reasons.

So if between 20 and 22… 20.

 

[‘22Powerboost]

I would always go as small a rim as you can get.

I can appreciate the style of bigger rims but in basically every other way they’re a negative to me. Maybe they have a bit more grip due to lower profile.

Otherwise you pay a ride penalty 100% of the time you’re in the car. Often the tires get more expensive the bigger they get. More prone to punctures.

I specifically sought out the 18’s when I got mine for all these reasons.

So if between 20 and 22… 20.

Yup…just what I figured. Thanks for the responses all.

 

[Graygoose2021]

Ive always done 22's and 20's, went down to 18's and more sidewall, rides better IMHO

less sidewall, you'll feel more badspots in the road, etc

 

[‘22Powerboost]

Ive always done 22's and 20's, went down to 18's and more sidewall, rides better IMHO

less sidewall, you'll feel more badspots in the road, etc

Yup that’s what I found. I love the look of the 20’s…And for me the ride is very good, so I won’t be going down to 18’s, but I can certainly see how the 18’s ride even better.

Thanks for the reply Goose.?

 

[INADAZE]

The short answer is it depends on how you use your truck and what you want it to look like. On-road or off-road. You should poll how often the folks with lifted big +35" tire trucks actually hit the dirt. Rarely will be the answer. They're pavement queens.

I test drove an XLT with the 18" wheels. It felt like I was driving around on balloons. Not a fan. To be fair I was coming from a 10 year old Jeep Grand Cherokee with 20" wheels and I've owned 45 side wall tires in the past. I think this is what gave me the impression of the 18". I'm used to feeling more of the road and the bumps. I drove the XLT BAP+ and immediately fell in love with the feel of the 20" wheels. My ultimate goal down the road is more of a sport truck, not an off-road rig. Thinking 3/5 Ride Tech kit. You really need 22" or 24" to complete the look, but I'm not sure I want to sacrifice the ride quality nor the increased price associated with 24s. 20" is the best compromise for the time being.

 

[MJG44]

The short answer is it depends on how you use your truck and what you want it to look like. On-road or off-road. You should poll how often the folks with lifted big +35" tire trucks actually hit the dirt. Rarely will be the answer. They're pavement queens.

I test drove an XLT with the 18" wheels. It felt like I was driving around on balloons. Not a fan. To be fair I was coming from a 10 year old Jeep Grand Cherokee with 20" wheels and I've owned 45 side wall tires in the past. I think this is what gave me the impression of the 18". I'm used to feeling more of the road and the bumps. I drove the XLT BAP+ and immediately fell in love with the feel of the 20" wheels. My ultimate goal down the road is more of a sport truck, not an off-road rig. Thinking 3/5 Ride Tech kit. You really need 22" or 24" to complete the look, but I'm not sure I want to sacrifice the ride quality nor the increased price associated with 24s. 20" is the best compromise for the time being.

I've lowered many trucks over the years. I'm working on restoring an '09 RCSB.

In my opinion, if street truck is your look, 22s are too small for a crew cab but perfect for RCSB.

I run 24s on my SC and plan to put 22s on my RCSB.

To the original poster, I'd likely stick to 20s but I get the vibe you like the look of 20s. I've done SO many wheel swaps over the years....it's easier to justify and sleep better getting the look vs the ride as it's negligible IMO.

 

[Antimatter22]

I have 22's and drove an Explorer with 18's as a loaner and the bumps in the road felt the same to me ?‍

 

[24STX5.0]

I have 22's and drove an Explorer with 18's as a loaner and the bumps in the road felt the same to me ?‍

E load 18's pumped to 50 psi will def be harsh. C load at 41 will feel plush in comparison.

 

[Samson16]

22’s don’t belong unless it’s a lowered street rod.

The tire sidewall is too small for proper truck use, but street racing isn’t proper truck use ?

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