Is it worth downsizing the wheels and tires?

[StodgyBarley]

Hi Folks! I was told last night that the 22 inch tires on the Expedition will last for around 50000 KMs... so 31000 miles about. I was surprised to hear that. Does anyone know of the benefits switching to 20 inch or 18 inch wheels?
Do they last longer?
Better mileage?

I love the the look of the 22 inch wheel/tires (Firestone) but not loving the idea of replacing them so frequently. Thanks in advance!

 

[IIGood]

Just try looking at other tires. How long a tire lasts is pretty subjective, TBH. Look up how to read the treadwear rating on a tire and go from there...

 

[JExpedition07]

Yep just look for better rubber, the upside to 18” rims is a better ride. 22s are like riding an old horse drawn buggy, but they look nice doing it.

 

[762mm]

Those skinny soccer mom asphalt tires will wreck the suspension over time as well, as their shock absorption properties are far inferior. Plus they cost an arm and a leg to replace. So do suspension components and rims, which will often get damaged from potholes too.

I bought used 18" F150 mags & tires for my Expy recently. Got them for $200 cash off a guy. Can't beat the price and replacement rubbers are a dime a dozen out there, plus these wheels look more "truck" and less "wannabe downtown gangsta"...

My advice: sell them to some airhead with too much disposable income while they are still new and get used truck mags / tires for your Expy. You will actually make money on the deal and will have a far better and more dependable ride.

 

[Flexpedition]

You mention Firestone specifically. They have two different 285/45/22 tires: One is rated for 55K miles and the other is rated at 60K miles. That is their treadlife warranty.

https://www.firestonetire.com/catalog?vehicleKey=2017-Ford-Expedition-EL Limited-1&country=US

If somebody at a tire shop is telling you they last for 31,000 miles, they are either OLD or an idiot, or probably both. #OKTireBoomer

 

[oldpaddy]

Those skinny soccer mom asphalt tires will wreck the suspension over time as well, as their shock absorption properties are far inferior. Plus they cost an arm and a leg to replace. So do suspension components and rims, which will often get damaged from potholes too.

Can you elaborate? I have wimpy tires on my '14 that came with it when I bought it last year. I have 18" stock rims. I now need a shitload of suspension work done. Plus new tires.

 

[Icemanjones]

Oldpaddy I dont think there is necesarily a link between the two in your case. Lots of factors involved. 17-18" wheels are generally regarded as the best all around size when you consider cost of tires, available options, rolling resistance(aka weight of wheel + tire), ride comfort, effect on suspension and brakes, and looks. You will want quality tires to do the job you need, but stay with your wheels unless you dont like the way they look on your truck or cause rubbing etc.

 

[762mm]

Can you elaborate? I have wimpy tires on my '14 that came with it when I bought it last year. I have 18" stock rims. I now need a shitload of suspension work done. Plus new tires.

It's pretty simple, really... and has been discussed at length on the Explorer forums I used to belong to. The air in the tire is a very good shock absorber, which takes a lot of stress off your suspension components. The bigger the sidewall, the better the shock absorbing effect (and vice-versa).

Low profile tires also ruins rims very often, should you hit a pothole. Low profile tires on a big heavy vehicle are an extremely retarded idea overall... they are made to impress kids who wear their baseball hats sideways, lol.


Check out the video below. It also answers the OP's tire wear issue :

 

[JExpedition07]

I enjoy the look of low profiles and 20” rims. I think it’s Flexpedition but not sure someone on here has posted an FMF with 22” F-150 Harley rims and it’s a nice look. I contemplated ordering the optional Eddie Bauer 20s for my 2007 then said why waste the $$ for me. I live near Buffalo NY where we have lots of potholes and snow.....I’d be asking for trouble. Ended up mounting new Michelin’s to the stock Eddie Bauer 18”s and called it a day.

 

[762mm]

I enjoy the look of low profiles and 20” rims. I think it’s Flexpedition but not sure someone on here has posted an FMF with 22” F-150 Harley rims and it’s a nice look..

Yeah, well... you know what they say about "looks"... they are only skin-deep!




A truck with low profile tires totally defies the purpose (utility + capability) of such a vehicle. You can't make a Ferrari out of an F-150, lol. Two different animals!

 

[B-McD]

To the OP - I have the 22" rims and got 50K out of the stock Pirellis. Could have gone another 10K but winter was coming. Replaced those with Michelins and the ride got even better. I also have the CCD suspension. Had a "regular" Expy as a loaner and it rode like mine when I switch to comfort. A bit too spongy/wallowy for my taste. The 22's and suspension set to Normal is just right. And yes, I tow a 6500 lb trailer. All works great. I think you'll be fine looking for a better quality tire. The Michelins ride very quiet and soak up the expansion joints and normal road crap way better than the Pirellis.

If you are doing any light off-roading or live on a gravel road, then you have to make different decisions. Good luck!!

 

[TobyU]

Only if you sell yours for good money.
18s are a great way to go as plenty of long lasting tires available and cheaper.

 

[Flexpedition]

A Rolls-Royce Cullinan only offers 22s. The Bentley Bentayga has multiple wheel options, the smallest being 21x10. They must ride like complete shit, right? I'm certain no owners have ever installed some 14's, let alone used 14's from Craigslist, to get a better ride...

My 2008 came with 20's, I've had 21's, another set of 20's, and 22's on it since. I'm the original owner & ZERO suspension components are worn or have needed to be replaced. Its 100% stock suspension wise and absolutely rides like new. Towed our boat for the last time this season a few weeks ago without any issue, thankfully the rear air suspension breathed in fresh air to level it up. The old men here would be happy to know the boat trailer rocks 15's, albeit in a Chevy bolt pattern...

My chromed Harley Davidson / Lariat Limited F150 wheels with 305-40-22 tires that @JExpedition07 referred to.

You can see plenty of sidewall even without the bifocals you refuse to wear:

 

[JExpedition07]

Can confirm Bentley’s big *ss rims ride good, like a cloud in fact.

 

[TobyU]

I don't guess there is too much difference from 18s but 22s can get really thin.

 

[Icemanjones]

I guess I never liked the fact that the less tire you get the more it costs. A 22" wheel costs more for a tire than an 18" wheel. You already pay more for the wheel but at least its REALLY more wheel. Smaller wheels are also protected a little better against damage with more sidewall bulge. But hey, free country. If you want more wheel to clean have at it.

 

[JExpedition07]

I guess I never liked the fact that the less tire you get the more it costs. A 22" wheel costs more for a tire than an 18" wheel. You already pay more for the wheel but at least its REALLY more wheel. Smaller wheels are also protected a little better against damage with more sidewall bulge. But hey, free country. If you want more wheel to clean have at it.

My 18” Eddie Bauer fork rims are the hardest rims I’ve ever owned to clean with all the crevices. I like them overall though. The only Expedition rim that’s worse to clean is the 2010-14 Limited wine bottle 20s. Although they look great. I guarantee his 22s are faster to clean than my 18s lol.

 

[Icemanjones]

i clean mine by rubbing my sole on them. Otherwise theyd have to find a soap puddle lol

 

[762mm]

"Dem rimmz iz respekt, yo!" - anonymous L.A. gangsta

 

[StodgyBarley]

Wow! Great feedback everyone! Thank you so much! I already love the comfort of my Expedition but am really curious now how much more comfortable it would be with 20s or 18s on it instead of the current 22s. I've been looking online and lots of people selling their F150 18 inch rims and tires which might be my long term plan. Great point about the extra pressure put on the suspension too with the 22s.