Switching from 21 inch to 20 inch wheels

[West Ridge]

My oem 21 inch tires have about 21k miles on them and it is nearing time to replace them. I am strongly considering switching to 20 inch wheels as I want all terrain tires. However, I am concerned with the reduction in range since it is not unusual for us to take long road trips in the Western US. Also concerned about the reportedly increased road noise. I would probably just opt for the Pirelli’s provided by rivian, unless there is compelling reason to go with a different tire brand. Any advise or real world examples would be greatly appreciated.

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[COdogman]

Now that there are options beyond the Pirellis I would probably choose something else if I were you. Depending on where (and when) you road trip you could get something that performs better and lasts longer than the OEM tires. Mine are at 14k miles and I’m starting to notice more noise now.

If you can get by with an all season check out the Michelin Defender LTX Platinum. If you want an AT tire check out the Toyo Open Country AT3 EV.

 

[Riviot]

Lots of threads on here about 275/60R20 tires. With AS tires, it's a wash. AW tires, less loss, AT tires, more noticeable loss... Going all the way to 275/65R20 AT? You'll really feel it.

 

[johnmcgrann]

I'm in the same boat as you, I just replaced my 21's at about 25,000 miles with another set of Pirellis. Sometime before they are due to be replaced again I might switch to 20's, but will probably keep the 21's around for longer road trips. The big deterrent for me before about this was that changing wheels also required a service center visit to tell the software about the change to get accurate range and speed. But in the news about upcoming updates, we're supposed to be able to change that on our own in the future.

As long as that comes true, I kinda' like the idea of having one set for road trips/summer/maximum range, even if it's an expensive tire with limited availability, and then one set that would be on most of the year, especially over winter for snowy conditions and ski trips.

 

[ndmiller]

Ny plan is to get the 275/50-21 Michelin unless another 21 comes out.

https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tire...ireModel=Defender+LTX+M/S&partnum=75HR1DLTXXL

 

[md2023]

Will likely do the same switch the next time I am due for tires. I've been rading the other threads and here is a good resource:


My question is, what are the pros/cons of the MICHELIN DEFENDER LTX M/S compared to the MICHELIN DEFENDER LTX M/S2?


https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tire...3519&cjevent=78a9eeaa323e11ef821c01dd0a82b82d

 

[iansriv]

Now that there are options beyond the Pirellis I would probably choose something else if I were you. Depending on where (and when) you road trip you could get something that performs better and lasts longer than the OEM tires. Mine are at 14k miles and I’m starting to notice more noise now.

If you can get by with an all season check out the Michelin Defender LTX Platinum. If you want an AT tire check out the Toyo Open Country AT3 EV.

What if we want both? I want the road miles & quiet of the AS and I want the macho look of the AT. Most of my driving is on regular roads but I have been doing a lot of "off-roading" since the city decided to re-do the neighbourhood alleys.

 

[Mathme]

If you go with the 20s, you can go 275/60/20 and that'll be the same 33" size as the 21" OEM tires.

I have the 20" OEM Pirelli's and will not be replacing them. over 15k miles, in the west, I've averaged about 2 miles/kWh.

 

[COdogman]

What if we want both? I want the road miles & quiet of the AS and I want the macho look of the AT. Most of my driving is on regular roads but I have been doing a lot of "off-roading" since the city decided to re-do the neighbourhood alleys.

In that case I recommend gluing some blocks to your sidewalls so they look cool from the sides ?‍

 

[HyperionMark]

Are there special 20 inch wheels I need to get to fit the 275/60/20? As in, are there width differences in wheels?

 

[ksurfier]

Will likely do the same switch the next time I am due for tires. I've been rading the other threads and here is a good resource:


My question is, what are the pros/cons of the MICHELIN DEFENDER LTX M/S compared to the MICHELIN DEFENDER LTX M/S2?


https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Michelin&tireModel=Defender+LTX+M/S2&partnum=755TR0DLTX2XL&AID=11554884&PID=101103519&cjevent=78a9eeaa323e11ef821c01dd0a82b82d

Pro - M/S2 is available for many tire sizes
Con - M/S was discontinued ~1 year ago, so unlikely to find any...

 

[LL75]

Are there special 20 inch wheels I need to get to fit the 275/60/20? As in, are there width differences in wheels?

Atomic Wheels have plenty of them. Tirerack also have a few.

 

[Hillbilly]

Stick with the 21's. They are best for your intended use and are still capable off road. Don't go chasing the look of aggressive tires if you're already concerned about the trade-offs. I have a lifted diesel truck with 37's and I like the roaring of the tires and the exhaust, but only because that vehicle is what it's supposed to be. I'd be pissed if my R1T was a tenth as loud. Anywho, my 2¢.

 

[bhendron]

If you go with the 20s, you can go 275/60/20 and that'll be the same 33" size as the 21" OEM tires.

I have the 20" OEM Pirelli's and will not be replacing them. over 15k miles, in the west, I've averaged about 2 miles/kWh.

I think this point gets missed often. Stock 21” wheels and tires are 33” equivalent, not 34”. So 20’s with 275/60r20 are same size.

 

[bhendron]

I just put new 20” wheels and the new Goodyear Wrangler Territory AT - RIV compound on my Quad - 275/60R20. They’re stamped with RIV and “Electric Ready”. After a few days of city driving, I’m quite happy. Taking 500 mile road trip this week and plan full report.

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