Wheel size

[rockbender]

My BFG MT's are getting to the point where the sidewall checking/aging is starting to make me a bit paranoid and it is time to look for some new shoes, and I'm entertaining the thought of rims too.

16" and 17" seem to be the norm for rim sizes, with a few folks running 18's. I believe Ujoint is running 20's on Vanaconda (any feedback Chris?). I know many people like to have maximum sidewall area for airing down; however I assume that the reverse is true too: a shorter sidewall will be stiffer and firmer for on road driving (ie, less flex and wallowing?)? Dare I even guess that they would be more efficient (better mpg) driving down the road?

Currently running a 35"-ish tire (315/75R16) but not opposed to an inch or two one way or the other and have appreciated everyone's input on the other tire thread.

Anyone swearing by bigger or smaller rim sizes for a heavy van, or am I overthinking this?

 

[ujoint]

For 35's, I think a 17" wheel is ideal. There are soooo many factors, like wheel style, availability, tire choice, and load rating. You may find a nice wheel in 17" and then discover they're not in stock.... or the same situation for the tires. Wheels & tires are often the hardest part of a build!!!!!!

I am running 20" wheels, but only because of the F550 brakes. It's also why my van is taller than I originally planned. Couldn't see myself running a 37 on a 20" wheel, so I went up to 38's.

Ride quality will suffer with a thin sidewall.

 

[rockbender]

Thanks Chris. I found a decent deal on some 35" tires on 20" wheels, but sounds like I should probably stick with the 16's and get some good E rated tires.

 

[spencyg]

Remember, eventual brake upgrades could make your wheel inadequate. I know that I'll "need" to update my front axle at some point, and with that will undoubtedly come a brake upgrade. I'm sure my current 16x8 Eagles will have to go when that time comes in favor of something in the 17-18" category. I wish now that I'd done 18" wheels from the start with a 285x65x18 tire. When I air down, its usually only to 15 psi which gives me a bunch of sidewall to work with. I'm not rockcrawling with my van.

 

[r_w]

And wheel upgrades could make your brakes inadequate. Big cool rims can add up to a LOT of rotational mass. A real catch-22.