Why the switch to big rims?

[Jocko PDX]

I may be in the minority here but I think 20's are optimal on these rigs.

Its all a matter of opinion. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I would bet more folks like than dislike larger wheels.

 

[RoadTrip]

Its all a matter of opinion. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I would bet more folks like than dislike larger wheels.

I think it depends on which generation you ask. Smaller rims/larger sidewalls were the norm until recently. Then Chip Foose went crazy.

Many of the trucks with large rims and “rim protector” tires just make me laugh.
Heavier wheel weight, little shock protection from potholes, and rough ride and higher tire replacement cost after fewer miles. None of that appeals to me whatsoever.

 

[Geotrash]

Its all a matter of opinion. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I would bet more folks like than dislike larger wheels.

Of course. Just expressing mine. I love the look of larger wheels, but have stayed with 20's because I like the ride and practicality - especially because I tow a lot. We're fortunate to live in a time where we have such wonderful options.

 

[jforb]

I do autocross with it so I need a low sidewall for the cornering aspects. I also prefer to have the "corvette-esq" handling characteristics for daily driving.

My tahoe only has 18s, but they're still lower profile tires than I have on my Corvette! (it's a 1962 with 15" wheels)

 

[Novasmithjohn]

I think the low profiles are ugly on a truck ,car or suv especially if they are 4 spoke and 22’s that’s just my
opinion.

 

[EvergreenZ71]

I think it depends on which generation you ask. Smaller rims/larger sidewalls were the norm until recently. Then Chip Foose went crazy.

Many of the trucks with large rims and “rim protector” tires just make me laugh.
Heavier wheel weight, little shock protection from potholes, and rough ride and higher tire replacement cost after fewer miles. None of that appeals to me whatsoever.

I’m happy in pothole-prone Washington with 17” rims on both my 09 Tahoe 6.2L and my 10 Suburban 2500. I would like better brakes, but between potholes and having one daughter on the other side of Snoqualmie Pass keeps me in chain-ready rims.

 

[Joseph Garcia]

Well...............................................

I trust that we've answered @bryan8252 's original question quite completely.

NOTE: MANY members have expressed their opinions on this topic, with many opinions directly opposed to each other. BUT, everyone acted maturely, and did not diss and/or snipe at and/or insult each other, when expressing their opinions. This is rare these days!

This is what separates this Forum AND its Members from other forums in the Internet world, and why this Forum ROCKS!!

 

[Jocko PDX]

Well...............................................

I trust that we've answered @bryan8252 's original question quite completely.

NOTE: MANY members have expressed their opinions on this topic, with many opinions directly opposed to each other. BUT, everyone acted maturely, and did not diss and/or snipe at and/or insult each other, when expressing their opinions. This is rare these days!

This is what separates this Forum AND its Members from other forums in the Internet world, and why this Forum ROCKS!!

I agree I am on a NW fishing forum and it frequently get ugly..

 

[tagexpcom]

Couple of non-technical possibilities come to mind for me....
1) You have to distinguish new vehicles (bigger price) somehow, regardless of the facts. Maybe larger wheels play into this?
2) I've worked at many companies that have internal groups that WAR over trivial things. Maybe there are 18" vs 20" vs 22" 'groups' at GMC and right now, the 22"'ers are winning

 

[NELLY1947]

Mainly for looks is my guess. We have 18s on our suburban and they look a little small compared to the rest of the vehicle. I do like the 18s though for more sidewall since we live on a gravel road and the country roads are pretty bad in our area.

If buying from a dealer you could see if they would swap out the 20s or 22s for 18s if they have another vehicle on the lot with on. Or some dealers by me have factory take offs for sale that might be able to be worked into your deal for little or no cost.

On a new unit they can't swap the wheels or tires if its not sold for safety reasons and the way it was built.
The reason they put 20 & 22s is for looks and side roll. Your truck will hold the road better with less side wall.
But on a straight hiway 20s are better than 22s for softness. And 18s even more. But if you get rid if the bridgestones and put Michelins you can't beat them. Also if you swap out the Beidgestones and put Michelins you will get a 50k warranty cause you paid something for them. Even if they only charge you 100$ per tire. Cause They were not supplied by the manufacturer. I know cause I've used the Michelin warranty.
I had a2016, 2019 and now a 2023 Denali xl and at 300 miles I swapped them out.