22” to 20” wheels - better for towing?

[Left Coast Geek]

Currently deep in Mexico with my camp trailer. SO happy we got the 18s on all the rough roads and topes (speed bumps).


(Costa Esmeralda)

 

[Pawpaw]

275x70x18 BFG KO2's on stock FX4 wheels. Air them up to 65 psi when towing. Made a nice difference from the stock Michelin Primacy P rated stock tires. Almost 20K miles on them and still look new. Cougar 25RDS at 8K pounds loaded.

 

[ACJ990]

View attachment 79997


275x70x18 BFG KO2's on stock FX4 wheels. Air them up to 65 psi when towing. Made a nice difference from the stock Michelin Primacy P rated stock tires. Almost 20K miles on them and still look new. Cougar 25RDS at 8K pounds loaded.

Those look great! I'm still shopping for either a set of 20" or 18" for my 2020 Limited Max. The 22" with OEM Hankook tires made it through the winter so far, and we've most definitely had our fair share of snow in the Midwest.

 

[ACJ990]

We ended up reserving a 2024 Ember 221MSL, 26' long travel trailer. 5885 lbs dry and 7550 lbs GVWR, which I don't ever think we'll come close to. It'll arrive in mid March, but we're in Iowa, so I'm not certain we'll be grabbing it right away or waiting a few weeks. Order WDH with sway bars for it through the dealer.

221MSL | Ember RV

www.emberrv.com

Now just trying to decide on the wheels/tires combo.

 

[Pawpaw]

We ended up reserving a 2024 Ember 221MSL, 26' long travel trailer. 5885 lbs dry and 7550 lbs GVWR, which I don't ever think we'll come close to. It'll arrive in mid March, but we're in Iowa, so I'm not certain we'll be grabbing it right away or waiting a few weeks. Order WDH with sway bars for it through the dealer.

221MSL | Ember RV

www.emberrv.com

Now just trying to decide on the wheels/tires combo.

Our camper is 29'-10" from rear bumper to coupler. 25' living length. 8800 lbs gross wt. but we load at under 8K pounds. Dealer threw in a 12K pound 4 point Equalizer hitch that seems to work pretty good. Weak point is the hitch weight of 1,100 lbs due to two 30lb propane tanks...front windshield and a 2nd AC unit in the front. The Cougar is a heavy and well made unit but right at the max my Expedition can handle. Mirrors for towing on the Expedition are a joke...even with some cheap extensions. As long as I keep speeds down in the 60-62 mph range towing it does OK. Best of luck with the new camper!!

 

[ACJ990]

Thanks PawPaw! Appreciate it.

 

[lesterjl]

So, what's the consensus with 20s in terms of tire pressure if the recommended 39psi (from the sticker) is too rough/bouncy?

 

[JasonH]

So, what's the consensus with 20s in terms of tire pressure if the recommended 39psi (from the sticker) is too rough/bouncy?

I don't think there is one because that's very subjective. No one knows what you perceive as a harsh ride or how much weight you carry. Plus, not all 20s are created equal. Check the load index for the tire and figure out how much weight it needs to carry, then adjust to your normal load, but do leave a buffer so you're not underinflated. The vehicle weighs approximately 6000 lbs.

 

[wk99]

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I think the most important thing when it comes to tires and towing is the load index. The higher load index tires typically have a higher weight carrying capacity and higher tire pressure threshold. My 2012 Expy came with 275/55r20 tires with a 111 load index. I upgraded to a Nitto 305/55r20 with a 116 load index and 50 PSI. The 111 were rated for 2403 lbs per tire and the 116 is rated for 2756 per tire, well over the OEM tire. Granted the OEM rated tire should be sufficient for what the vehicle is rated to tow. I would ensure the tires are aired up closed to max when towing to make the sidewalls stiffer. Something that I've learned over time. I always like have wiggle room. My next set of tires will most likely be a 125/126 load index tire lol.