About to buy a 21 Expedition, but…rim size?

[pwbriggs23]

I’m looking for the best ride here…do I stay with the stock 18inch rims or do I get the 20inch rims? Is there a ride difference? Is it noticeable? Any info is appreciated.

 

[dlcorbett]

Guessing you are looking at xlt trim. Haven't driven this gens xlt, but I've driven 2015 xlt on 18s and the 18 ltd I owned had 20s. For softest ride, 18s or ccd(22s). I don't know about xlt on 20s, but limited on 20s are firm, tight and controlled with good bump absorption. Sometimes it can be a bit too firm, but overall, one of the better riding trucks(was back in 2018/19). The 2015 expy with 18s I driven absorbed bumps as well, but it felt more isolating on different textures roads, and was somewhat floaty and bouncy on the hwy.

 

[JasonH]

More sidewall usually means more compliant ride. But handling will suffer. I suggest test driving one with the 18" wheels and one with the 20" wheels.

 

[Gary Waugh]

Usually the ride height doesn’t change, when Ford offer different size wheel rims, they use tyres with different sidewall profiles, the goal being to give the same overall diameter to any wheel rim size. As stated above, the larger the sidewall (the smaller the rim size) the more compliant and comfortable the ride will be, but the steering and handling will feel less direct. The smaller the sidewall (the larger the rim size) the harsher the ride will be, but the steering will feel more direct and taught. Large sidewalls are generally good for off-reading and comfort, low sidewalls are good for sportier driving and towing (the trailer cannot push the vehicle around as much). Low profile/sidewall tyres are usually more expensive than high sidewall tyres.. hope that helps. As stated the vehicle ride height (or roof height) usually doesn’t change when selecting rim sizes offered by the manufacturer (Ford).

 

[GAINMOB]

not noticeable

 

[pwbriggs23]

Yes Expedition XLT trim…no offroading, 100% street driving and wanting best ride possible. Look out the window.
So 18 or 20 or doesn’t matter?

 

[Pawpaw]

My FX4 came with the 18" wheels with 275x65x18 Michelin Primacy all terrain tires. Yes they call these all terrains! Nice smooth ride and P rated so they also give good fuel mileage. Handle good in the rain but if I miss a turn and end up in a muddy cane field I'm sure I'll be stuck. Roads in South Louisiana are bumpy as hell and I'd hate to mess up the ride going with a 10 ply all terrain or hybrid tire. Sold my '17 F350 dually that was my daily driver when not towing our 41' fifth wheel that was totaled during hurricane Ida.

 

[Kenneth Klein]

I’m looking for the best ride here…do I stay with the stock 18inch rims or do I get the 20inch rims? Is there a ride difference? Is it noticeable? Any info is appreciated.

We have 22 inch and the ride is amazing, very smooth

 

[dwmarks]

Had this conundrum when I was going from 18” in my 2014 Limited to a 22” option when ordered my 2018 Limited. Ultimately, went for 22” and wished I wouldn’t have spent so much mental energy on it. Ride and handling has been great for 4 years. Actually can’t even say I notice a difference (& I think the 22” rims look better!)

 

[czego82]

Where do you live? If you live in where rads are a disaster like NJ or NY then go with 18” and save the money for tires if you are down south like FL, you will be very happy with even 22”… very smooth

 

[LG_123]

I have a platinum with 22s for the summer and 18” winter rims. The 22s are pretty stiff and handle nicely. They’re also great for highway driving and towing. The 18s are superior in town because of their compliance (pot holes aren’t so jarring) and lighter weight (acceleration is better). But the 18s are definitely worse on the highway: worse fuel economy and they tend to drift a little from one side to the other of the lane.

 

[3rd Expyowner123]

I own a 2018 Limited with 22” CCD. I test drove an XLT and a Platinum over a railroad crossing and on a level dirt road.
The reduced vibration into the cabin with the CCD sold me on it immediately. I also suspect that the CCD might result in less suspension wear over 100,000 miles.

 

[BrianM]

If you want the best overall ride, from what I've read you want the CCD, which is allegedly "tuned" to the larger rims. I don't have CCD, but I intend to order it when I buy my Expy, likely in 2022.

 

[dlcorbett]

For best overall hwy ride, ccd is the way to go. For better handling and in town driving, smaller wheels are better. If I get another expy, I will def be getting ccd.

 

[aggiegrad05]

CCD isn't an option for the OP as he is looking at the XLT.

Yes Expedition XLT trim…no offroading, 100% street driving and wanting best ride possible. Look out the window.
So 18 or 20 or doesn’t matter?

That being the case, you should get the best ride out of the 18s due to (as most have said) the more generous sidewall. You also get the added benefit of not having to worry about curb rashing your rims...if you rash an 18 you dun effed up...haha.