20” Tire Question: 275/65 R20 vs 275/60 R20

[elatrickWheels]

Hi, I currently have 21” road wheels on my R1S Quad, and am considering getting a set of 20” rims for snow tires.
I understand that 275/60 r20 tires would be very nearly the same diameter as my 21” road wheels.
However, 275/65 r20 tires seem to be more favored. (I’m leaning towards getting a set of Blizzaks.) They have slightly more sidewall, and therefore a bigger wheel diameter. Are there any significant issues with running these bigger tires?

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[Osyras]

The only thing I would be concerned about is that they are larger and could potentially rub:

 

[tps5352]

It was recently pointed out to me (here) that Rivian appears to have switched from 275/65R20 (34") tires to the smaller 275/60R20 (33") tires in the optional All-Terrain (20" wheel) Package offered for "Dual" and "Tri" models. (As you may know, the "Dual Standard" models do not have an All-Terrain Package option, but they can receive 275/60R20 all-season tires.) Until and unless we learn otherwise, I have added that information to my article about Rivian wheels/tires and range.

This (presumed) change is intriguing. It suggests that Rivian decided (for some reason) that a switch to all-33 tires (on both 20" and 22" wheels) is advantageous. Possible reasons include:

• No need to re-program speedometer software when replacing 22s with 20s, and vice versa. (Like with the annual switch from summertime performance to wintertime snow tires in many parts of the Country.)
• To reduce possibility of rubbing (by 34s) in Rivian wheel-wells? (I have no evidence that that ever happens.)
• For improved ride and performance? (Again, no evidence that that is actually a thing.)
• A business-related reason (e.g., between Rivian and tire companies)?

But it surprises me because I would otherwise assume that:

• Ride comfort, wear, and/or range might be incrementally better with 34s?
• There appear to be way more 275/65R20 (34") tire products that meet Rivian load/safety requirements.
• There are (I assume) already many Gen 1 and Gen 2 Rivian vehicles outfitted with 34" (275/65R20) tires.
• It would not be too much of a challenge to program a convenient OEM wheel/tire selection-option (allowing owners to easily switch between 33" and 34" tires) into Rivian software. (As Tesla has done, for example.)

Anyone have any new information about this interesting topic?

 

[usulio]

Yes, until recently, all Rivians with the 20" wheel All-Terrain setup came with 275/65R20 tires. No rubbing issues in any mode.

I'm not sure if Gen 2 ever shipped with 34" tires, but it sounds like they have from the above post. Maybe it's possible that there's less clearance in the Gen 2 wheel wells, but it seems unlikely.

Expect a small hit to efficiency (this is why I specifically searched for 33" snow tires), but otherwise I'd go for it.

 

[UhOh]

Hi - I'm following up on this thread to ask whether anyone has compared directly all season tires on 275 60r20 as compared to 275 65r20. I have the 20" wheels, and am buying tires. I want the softest smoothest ride possible, and of course I care about efficiency too. Will the extra sidewall of 65r20 give me more cushion? Will it destroy my range? help!

 

[elatrickWheels]

I have the Goodyear 60’s and I think they’re great. I moved from the stock 21” road wheels (which required buying some 20” Atomic Wheels), and they’ve been great. I think their ride is more comfortable and I haven’t really noticed any significant drop in efficiency. That said, I stopped worrying about efficiency some time ago, and life is much the better for it. (Where I live and drive, there are plenty of charging options, so range anxiety is no longer a factor.)

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

However, 275/65 r20 tires seem to be more favored.

By whom and to what end? If you want better efficiency, for sure 275/60. And from there, do one better with the Goodyear Territory AT RIV. Better because:

• It's 3PMSF rated
• Developed specifically for the R1
• Factory-tested and data collected. Resulting in a software profile that which you can select from vehicle settings menu—to ensure accurate instrument displays and range estimations.
• While not as durable or off-pavement capable as a true AT, nor as efficient as a true AS, it is just a good all-around, all-season, all-weather tire. It's also only $270 each from Tire Rack.

A 275/60 All Season might or might not be more efficient than the Goodyears. Without testing and a software profile to provide accurate data... who knows?

275/65 would be favored only if:

• If AT, you do go off-road often enough and don't mind sacrificing on-pavement manners, efficiency and cost of replacement
• Or, either AT or AS, you simply prefer the appearance of the slightly larger tire

Getting to the bottom of your needs/criteria, that's what determines which is best for you. Hence, by whom and to what end?

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