22” to 20” wheels - better for towing?

[ACJ990]

We just bought a slightly used 20 Limited Max, which came with the oem 22” wheels. I’ve read a lot about others moving to 20” or 18” wheels. I’m no expert at all, hence this question…

I’m not a huge fan of the 22s and have found several 20” take-offs from F-150’s and have thought about buying a set of the black ones. If you’re towing a travel trailer (which we plan on doing, 6500k lbs), is going down to a set of 20s detrimental in any way?

If this has been posted elsewhere, drop a link. Appreciate it.

 

[Deadman]

More sidewall will allow for more sway, but probably not a huge deal.

 

[Zig10]

I wouldn't think the drop from 22" to 20" would be that profound for towing. Definitely can help the ride, though.

Bigger change would be making sure you've got the appropriate tires on to help out. I upgraded my 20" Limited tires to XL rated tires and the rear end is firmly planted when towing now (also did the sway ar update). Tire change out was huge to stability.

 

[Polo08816]

More sidewall will allow for more sway, but probably not a huge deal.

More sidewall would "allow" more sway, but that sidewall flex is spread over a longer distance (taller sidewall). If you get the same amount of sidewall flex over a shorter distance, it translates to heat which is what will eventually cause the tire to fail. That's part of the reason why tires with high load capacities tend to have tall sidewalls. They also tend to have stiffer sidewalls from more plys.

If less sidewall was preferable for towing, then all the tires with high capacities have it all wrong. The guys rolling on 26s and 28s must be the REAL tire engineers.

 

[Left Coast Geek]

note that most F150 wheels will require the rear axle stubs to be trimmed off (with a sawzalll or whatever) or the dust caps won't fit in the rear wheels.

 

[JasonH]

XLT on 20" was a big improvement for towing stability. Also less puncture risk as well.

 

[LG_123]

I have 22” summers and 18” winters. The 22s are superior for highway driving and towing since there’s less sidewall flex, less side-to-side movement. They’re a bit more planted.
The 18s are nice for city driving since they’re noticeable lighter (better acceleration and fuel economy) and much more comfortable over potholes.

 

[duneslider]

I had a 2019 with 18's and now a 2020 with 22's and I can't say I could tell a difference towing between the 18's and 22's. The 18's sure road a lot more comfortable than the 22's though. I am keeping my eyes on the classifieds for some 18's or 20's to replace my 22's.

 

[Left Coast Geek]

My 2019 Limited "Stealth" came with 22's, and I'm wanting all terrain tires for occasional off road adventures, so I swapped them for some new F150 18's takeoffs. Can't say anything that much about the mediocre Goodyear tires on them, but I immediately noticed the difference in the ride smoothness around town, and on the highway. The 22's were 'busy' all the time. The 18's use 35 PSI instead of the 39PSI of the 22's, and seem plenty planted, and my few short tows so far, they've done very well. In 2 weeks I'm leaving on an 8000 mile road trip, so I'll have more to say when I get back.

Before I bought this Expedition I test drove a bunch, many had 22's (one had 24's, EEEK!), and the 22's that didn't have CCDS, the ride was really awful, the CCDS made it not nearly as bad, but still harsh on rough spots, railroad tracks, etc. The 18's are just much smoother. Once I wear these Goodyears down some I'm planning on mounting BF Goodrich All Terrain KO2's in 276/65R18


rando 2020 Expedition with 24's... These things rode unbelievably bad, this Expy was off a business lease, and the tire dates suggested the tires had been mounted when it was brand new... it had all kinda steering shimmy like the front end joints were hammered. Those are $2500 each Lexani wheels when I looked them up, plus I dunno what for the Neoterra 305/35ZR24 XL tires.

 

[ACJ990]

Thanks to everyone on the responses! I really appreciate it. I’ll let you all know what we end up doing and how everything works out.

Left Coast Geek I’ll be interested to hear how the trip went! Drive safe!

 

[Left Coast Geek]

oh, here's my Expy sitting on F150 18" wheels.

 

[ACJ990]

Looks great.

 

[Going_Going_Gone]

There are 22" tires in XL rating. I just put a set of Continentals on our Expedition...not that I do a lot of towing, but they came with that load rating.

 

[rd618]

There are 22" tires in XL rating. I just put a set of Continentals on our Expedition...not that I do a lot of towing, but they came with that load rating.

XL rating makes the ride on the 22's uncomfortable. I have a set of Michellins with the same specs. I've had other 20's and 21's on other SUV's that were lighter but with roughly the same sidewall height and they were not nearly as bad, same tire (Michellin Defender LTX M/S) on all my trucks, only difference was XL rating.

 

[crashkid1982]

note that most F150 wheels will require the rear axle stubs to be trimmed off (with a sawzalll or whatever) or the dust caps won't fit in the rear wheels.

What is this about? Are talking about longer axles and the center caps that plug into the wheel??

Any guidance which wheels will fit/not fit?

Eyeing 18” (possibly even 17” raptor?) take-offs.

Those black XLT base seem to be the same as on the F150.

 

[Left Coast Geek]

XL rating makes the ride on the 22's uncomfortable. I have a set of Michellins with the same specs. I've had other 20's and 21's on other SUV's that were lighter but with roughly the same sidewall height and they were not nearly as bad, same tire (Michellin Defender LTX M/S) on all my trucks, only difference was XL rating.

You need XL (or LT range C) wheels to handle the GWVR of the expedition... It's the 39 PSI plus short sidewalls that makes a harsh ride. 275/65R18 run 35 psi.

 

[Polo08816]

If it were me, I would consider running the 20" wheel setup with 275/60/20 Michelin Defender LTX M/S2 tires. They are slightly taller than the factory tires with a bit more sidewall. I believe they have a slightly higher load rating 113H (2,535 lbs) vs 116H (2,756 lbs) while retaining the H speed rating.

If you're going to be towing a lot, I would even consider moving to an 18" wheel setup and use LT Load Range E 275/65/18 Michelin Defender LTX M/S2 tires.

 

[Left Coast Geek]

um, 113 is a *lower* load rating than 116.

 

[Polo08816]

um, 113 is a *lower* load rating than 116.

I should have made a better distinction. I believe the factory tires have a load rating of 113 so going up to a 116 would be a slight improvement.

 

[Calidad]

I have stock 22’s on my 19plat heavy tow pack. I wasn’t into the 22’s especially the horrible oem tires. 50,000 miles later I’ve decided I like the 22’s with the BFG Trail Terrain tires. The 22’s give it a more car ish sharper handling feel less squishy washy feel especially when towing. The BFG tires were a massive improvement in durability, wet and snow traction. The oem tires were arguably the worst all seasons I’ve ever had on a vehicle period regarding wet and snow traction.

The price point Ford has these at they should just shod them with a basic Michelin tire off the factory floor.