18s vs 20s for Max Tow

[rtcage]

We have a Platinum with Max tow that came with 20 inch wheels. Once Fox comes out with updated suspension, I’m going to level the truck and put on some beefier tires. I prefer the look of 18” wheels, however I see Ford limits wheels with Max Tow to 20” or higher. I’ve seen discussion of it having to do with the larger brake rotors, however I see we have an 18” spare so it cant be a fit issue. Can someone explain the reason for the 20” wheels. For example is it a load or brake ventilation issue? We wont be doing any really heavy towing (probably max 6,000lb travel trailer) and I’ll be sure to get the right load rating wheels and tires. Does anyone think 18” wheels would be a bad idea for this type of occasional use?

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[cghall77]

I don't believe the max tow calipers are any different than those on the standard tow packages. Heavier towing with less sidewall should help with the sway. I haven't got the truck yet but already talking to local tire shop to order in summer wheels and keep the factory for winter tires. We are waiting until the truck arrives so he can take a look and go with the same rated wheel, but I am going to stick with the 20s on our max tow.

https://www.f150gen14.com/forum/threads/tow-package-breakdown-for-2021-f-150.698/

 

[mblatz]

Ford limits wheels with Max Tow to 20” or higher.

This isn't true. I have an XLT Sport 5.0L Supercab 302a with Max Tow and 18's.

 

[Capt Obvious]

I too have a Lariat with Max Tow and 18s.

 

[rtcage]

Thanks all. So the Max Tow option states that it’s not available with several 17 and 18 inch wheels. I assumed that was across the board. Perhaps it just excludes certain wheels and not the sizes in general.

 

[NumbersGuy]

Also interested in swapping out the 20” wheels on my KR Max Tow for 18” wheels and beefier tires. I’ve heard 17’s don’t fit but that 18’s will, but I’ve also heard it’s best to stick with the wheel size that came stock.

 

[BLoflin]

It just depends on the wheel (not tire) ratings that Ford is offering from the factory for F-150, not related to what you can purchase aftermarket.

The HDPP (heavy duty payload pkg) is ONLY avail (I believe) with (specific) 18" wheels from Ford. So in fact, that Ford 18" wheel has the highest load factor of all the wheels.

Also for HDPP and Max Tow the rear Rotor size is beefier and the Swept area is bigger, so yes rear brakes are different, but yes 18" wheels fit.

From table below you can see the 18" that are called out for HDPP (at 2400lb rating per wheel).

Also in the 20" you can see they range from 2083lb to 2249lb rating.

 

[rtcage]

It just depends on the wheel (not tire) ratings that Ford is offering from the factory for F-150, not related to what you can purchase aftermarket.

The HDPP (heavy duty payload pkg) is ONLY avail (I believe) with (specific) 18" wheels from Ford. So in fact, that Ford 18" wheel has the highest load factor of all the wheels.

Also for HDPP and Max Tow the rear Rotor size is beefier and the Swept area is bigger, so yes rear brakes are different, but yes 18" wheels fit.

From table below you can see the 18" that are called out for HDPP (at 2400lb rating per wheel).

Also in the 20" you can see they range from 2083lb to 2249lb rating.

Very helpful. Thank you!

 

[85Mustangman]

I don't believe the max tow calipers are any different than those on the standard tow packages. Heavier towing with less sidewall should help with the sway. I haven't got the truck yet but already talking to local tire shop to order in summer wheels and keep the factory for winter tires. We are waiting until the truck arrives so he can take a look and go with the same rated wheel, but I am going to stick with the 20s on our max tow.

https://www.f150gen14.com/forum/threads/tow-package-breakdown-for-2021-f-150.698/

Interesting approach... re keeping the factories for winter use. My tire guy is a former neighbour and we talked about this very topic. He got his 21 Lariat in Feb and immediately changed for beefier tires on his stock 20's. He showed me his old ones which came with and ill tell you, what they are passing off as AT is really lame... basically street treads.

I included the 275/60 R20 OWL AT plus chrome like PVD wheels on my build. When i told him he said look here and showed me his old ones which came with his and ill tell you, what they are passing off as AT is really lame... basically street treads.

I'm Planning on keeping the factories for summer and looking at a second set with a more aggressive tread for winter. (I don't plan on doing any mudding or heavy off-roading though)

Not sure what you ordered with yours for wheels and tires but i would be keen to know your thoughts when you get your truck.

 

[Seavee33]

my lariat has max tow with 18s

 

[cghall77]

Interesting approach... re keeping the factories for winter use. My tire guy is a former neighbour and we talked about this very topic. He got his 21 Lariat in Feb and immediately changed for beefier tires on his stock 20's. He showed me his old ones which came with and ill tell you, what they are passing off as AT is really lame... basically street treads.

I included the 275/60 R20 OWL AT plus chrome like PVD wheels on my build. When i told him he said look here and showed me his old ones which came with his and ill tell you, what they are passing off as AT is really lame... basically street treads.

I'm Planning on keeping the factories for summer and looking at a second set with a more aggressive tread for winter. (I don't plan on doing any mudding or heavy off-roading though)

Not sure what you ordered with yours for wheels and tires but i would be keen to know your thoughts when you get your truck.

Maybe I wrote that wrong. ? Wheels will be used for winters. Tires will be kept for summer and put on new wheels. Wife had RTX black widow on her Atlas, but tire shop does not think they will come with the same rating.

Here is our old summer and winter setup. Blizzak dm-v2 were awesome winter tires on the Atlas.

 

[Calson]

A lot more high load capacity tires are available for 18" wheels which are used more for commercial vehicles. Same applies to 16" wheels.

The only problem may be with changing the calibration of the speedometer as the 18" wheel needs to be an available option for the dealer's shop people to change. This is limited by the truck configurations that Ford submitted to the EPA for fuel economy figures.

On my F-150 the suspension is the load limiting factor and not the tires. With a Super Duty truck this would be different.

 

[Showmodel]

I can absolutely confirm that Fuel 18x9 Sledge wheels with a +19 offset DO NOT fit on a 21 Plat with the max tow package. Even though Fuel's site and Custom Offsets web sites say they do. Interesting that neither of these sites even ask if you have the max tow package. My wheel fits on, but the outside edge of the caliper scrapes badly on the inside of the wheel when driving and worse when braking. Had to remove immediately and go back to stock. Ordered 1/4" spacers, but concerned that with the spacer on, the ring to take up the space between the 87.1 hub and the 106.1mm wheel bore just barely contacts any of the hub that's left exposed. Will be calling both companies when they open today.

 

[GIjoe]

I can absolutely confirm that Fuel 18x9 Sledge wheels with a +19 offset DO NOT fit on a 21 Plat with the max tow package. Even though Fuel's site and Custom Offsets web sites say they do. Interesting that neither of these sites even ask if you have the max tow package. My wheel fits on, but the outside edge of the caliper scrapes badly on the inside of the wheel when driving and worse when braking. Had to remove immediately and go back to stock. Ordered 1/4" spacers, but concerned that with the spacer on, the ring to take up the space between the 87.1 hub and the 106.1mm wheel bore just barely contacts any of the hub that's left exposed. Will be calling both companies when they open today.

The hub does not support load. There are plenty of articles on this topic if you google it, and there are plenty of people who use wheels without hub rings for this reason.

 

[Showmodel]

Thanks for the reply. Just called Custom Offsets and they indeed confirmed this. I will be ordering custom spacers through them with the exact hub bore specs for my truck. He said there are a few wheels out there that they have had clearance issues with the max tow package larger brakes.

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