What's the Fascination?
#1
What's the Fascination?
I don't get it. Help me to understand the fascination I see around here with mounting ultra-low-profile tires on 20-inch rims on these trucks of ours? I saw one yesterday with 255/45R20 tires and:
a) I thought it looked sorta silly on a truck (as opposed to, say, a Porsche)
and
b) there's BARELY any rubber/air cushion between those expensive wheels and the road. (And most roads these days are like the lunar surface, hopelessly pothole-ridden.)
I just gifted a 1999 Chrysler LHS to my daughter, and it sported 225/55R17 rubber. My wife was *constantly* bending the alloy wheels on potholes, such that the tires refused to hold air. At least once a week, one or more of the tires was dangerously low.
I just spent $100 per wheel getting 3 of the 5 alloy wheels professionally straightened (including a full-size spare that we'd bought) so that they FINALLY will hold air reliably once again.
I understand the alleged performance and economy benefits, but geez. And on a TRUCK that one expects to see at least a small amount of severe, off-road service, I can't see the rationale behind wanting anything less than a 65-85 series tire on there. Gotta be able to air them down as necessary from time to time without cutting them to pieces.
'Splain it to me.
a) I thought it looked sorta silly on a truck (as opposed to, say, a Porsche)
and
b) there's BARELY any rubber/air cushion between those expensive wheels and the road. (And most roads these days are like the lunar surface, hopelessly pothole-ridden.)
I just gifted a 1999 Chrysler LHS to my daughter, and it sported 225/55R17 rubber. My wife was *constantly* bending the alloy wheels on potholes, such that the tires refused to hold air. At least once a week, one or more of the tires was dangerously low.
I just spent $100 per wheel getting 3 of the 5 alloy wheels professionally straightened (including a full-size spare that we'd bought) so that they FINALLY will hold air reliably once again.
I understand the alleged performance and economy benefits, but geez. And on a TRUCK that one expects to see at least a small amount of severe, off-road service, I can't see the rationale behind wanting anything less than a 65-85 series tire on there. Gotta be able to air them down as necessary from time to time without cutting them to pieces.
'Splain it to me.
#2
I can agree with you, but there are reasons why some choose to do these setups. The biggest factor is the "cool" thing. If you do it right, 20's can look pretty sweet on these trucks, but most trucks that I think look good are running 285s which slow you down and require alot of trimming. Thats the other thing ..... most guys dont use their truck as a truck. I personally like having some rubber between my wheels and the road. That extra cushion does alot for the ride, and when I take the truck over a curb, or I go to abuse the drivetrain a little, I dont have to worry about messing up the wheels. Would I put wheels on my truck though? Absolutely! Ive been thinking hard about doing a 20" setup, but I am looking at $1900 for what I would put on, so maybe with my tax return. People should do what they want with their trucks. If you know the limits of your vehical, you should never have a problem.
#3
#4
Guest
Posts: n/a
I am running 245s. The benefit of the smaller diameter is a shorter gear, and less rolling resistance. both are good things for a street truck.
I get 20-22 mpg.
If I am going to do anything requiring off road work... I have my stock wheels and all seasons. A good impact and jack. 5 minutes and your swapped over.
I get 20-22 mpg.
If I am going to do anything requiring off road work... I have my stock wheels and all seasons. A good impact and jack. 5 minutes and your swapped over.
#7
Some people prefer the offroad look and functionality:
2007-mitsubishi-baja-raid-3_460x0w.jpg
And some rather take the street/performance approach:
mitsubishi-street-raider-concept-20051213042725444-1.jpg
Its a matter of what you use the truck for and basically your own taste.
In my case, I lean more towards the offroad path...
2007-mitsubishi-baja-raid-3_460x0w.jpg
And some rather take the street/performance approach:
mitsubishi-street-raider-concept-20051213042725444-1.jpg
Its a matter of what you use the truck for and basically your own taste.
In my case, I lean more towards the offroad path...
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