Need new 20” wheels (and tire questions)

[HangmanNY]

Hey fellas,

I put a lot of mileage on my 2015 ram 1500 big horn with numerous strips back-and-forth from Florida to New York State. Approaching 131,000 miles right now and we are almost in Georgia now for the final move.

About 2 1/2 years ago, I had a local mechanic put a set of Continental tires on my truck. Initially, I felt shimmy while driving it. I brought it back to the mechanic because I thought a tire was out of balance . After he checked, he told me one of my wheels was “no longer “true”. We have lived with this slight shimmy since then. I’m sure one of the tires has gone bad.

I want to order a new set 20 inch wheels. Are there any good options for under $1,000 for a set of four? Also which types of tires have worked best on these vehicles? I’m not impressed with the current tires or the original tires. I had an ‘08 years ago and I believe I replaced the original tires with Michelin’s.

Thanks for any helpful advice.

 

[StateOfMind]

What are to looking for in a wheel? Stock offset

 

[HangmanNY]

What are to looking for in a wheel? Stock offset

As of right now, I’m looking for something close to the factory wheels.
I just ordered a complete set of Power Stop Z36 brakes, rotors and calipers. I did reach out to “nick@gotexhaust” for front struts & rear shocks. I may want to lift the truck a couple of inches. We plan on getting a travel trailer next year. Either 24 foot or possibly 26 foot. And that will be on a ball hitch below the back bumper. I don’t know much about this, but if the truck is lifted a couple of inches, how does that affect the wheel or tire size?

 

[rzr6-4]

I don’t know much about this, but if the truck is lifted a couple of inches, how does that affect the wheel or tire size?

Nothing directly, but if you lift it there is now more room underneath for a larger tire should you so desire.

I don't like 20s, I like the look of lots of sidewall so last time I got new tires I went with an 18" wheel. I think you can go down to 17", below that you start having issues with the wheel fitting over the brakes. If you want to go with something similar to OEM, then the 4 things to look for a bolt pattern, diameter (20), width, and offset/backspacing. All of this info should be easy to find for your current set up, then just find something that matches, unless of course you want to play with width and stance.

Tires..... will you be doing any off roading or will it be a pavement princess? I think most of us go with some sort of all terrain, typically a more aggressive one, but if you know that you won't see any real off roading then a good all season road tire will likely give you the best economy and ride. In other words, we don't know what you should get.

 

[HangmanNY]

Nothing directly, but if you lift it there is now more room underneath for a larger tire should you so desire.

I don't like 20s, I like the look of lots of sidewall so last time I got new tires I went with an 18" wheel. I think you can go down to 17", below that you start having issues with the wheel fitting over the brakes. If you want to go with something similar to OEM, then the 4 things to look for a bolt pattern, diameter (20), width, and offset/backspacing. All of this info should be easy to find for your current set up, then just find something that matches, unless of course you want to play with width and stance.

Tires..... will you be doing any off roading or will it be a pavement princess? I think most of us go with some sort of all terrain, typically a more aggressive one, but if you know that you won't see any real off roading then a good all season road tire will likely give you the best economy and ride. In other words, we don't know what you should get.

No off roading. Highway use and we plan on buying a travel trailer (@24’). On a ball hitch. I have another thread about the power stop Z36 brakes, rotors & calipers. And another thread for struts and shocks.

I just want to make sure this thing is in good shape for towing. I plan on changing all the spark plugs to the NGK laser iridium. And probably clean the throttle body.

As I mentioned previously, I used a local mechanic for new tires @ 2 years ago. we have put a lot of mileage traveling back-and-forth between Florida and New York State. Initially, I thought there was a tire that was out of balance. I brought it back and he said there was a problem with one of the wheels. so I’ve lived with it since then I’ve noticed more of a shimmy in the front driver side tire. I don’t know if I have a bad tire or the story about the “bad wheel” is true? That’s why I was asking about other wheels. Because I plan on putting another set of different new tires. I don’t know if a tire shop can check the wheels to see if there’s anything wrong with them? that’s why I was asking about possibly replacing with new wheels. And I’m probably going to go for about a 2 inch to 2 1/2 inch lift with the new struts and shocks. That’s why I was asking about wheels and tire size.

 

[HangmanNY]

And what type of road tires have you guys had good success with? I had an 08 ram 1500. I think I went with the Michelin after the first set out. But I don’t know who’s making good tires right now.

 

[rzr6-4]

As I mentioned previously, I used a local mechanic for new tires @ 2 years ago. we have put a lot of mileage traveling back-and-forth between Florida and New York State. Initially, I thought there was a tire that was out of balance. I brought it back and he said there was a problem with one of the wheels. so I’ve lived with it since then I’ve noticed more of a shimmy in the front driver side tire. I don’t know if I have a bad tire or the story about the “bad wheel” is true? That’s why I was asking about other wheels. Because I plan on putting another set of different new tires. I don’t know if a tire shop can check the wheels to see if there’s anything wrong with them? that’s why I was asking about possibly replacing with new wheels. And I’m probably going to go for about a 2 inch to 2 1/2 inch lift with the new struts and shocks. That’s why I was asking about wheels and tire size.

I'm not saying it's not possible, but a bad wheel sounds very odd to me. Without a well worded explanation as to what is physically wrong, I wouldn't be willing to go spend $1k on a new set of wheels, at least not yet. If you like your current wheels then I would just try new tires first. Lots of reports here of people with relatively new tires having out-of-round or balancing issues, so your new-ish tires could still be the problem. And if new tires doesn't fix it, it's not that expensive to have the new tires moved over to a new set of wheels.

I'm very curious as to what they think is wrong with your wheels. A bent rim/bead can be fixed. Will an in-and-out tire changer shop do it, idk, but a legit shop can. And balancing, well getting things balanced is half of their job so I don't think that would be an issue earlier. A shop saying that your wheels are trash is...weird.

And what type of road tires have you guys had good success with? I had an 08 ram 1500. I think I went with the Michelin after the first set out. But I don’t know who’s making good tires right now.

On my pick ups I've only used mud and all terrain tires. I have some new kendas on the wifes car but they don't have enough miles yet for me to say one way or the other. If I were you, just type "tires" into the search bar, many discussions have been had on the topic. Most of us are discussing A/T tires, but I'm sure you will find something along what you are looking for.

 

[diymirage]

If you want "close to OEMs" I would look for OEM take offs

 

[09SilverRam]

Get a second opinion on that rim. Take it somewhere with a Hunter Road Force balancer and have the tire road force balanced.

On the rims if you like the stock 20” rims I see take offs on Facebook marketplace for $500 for four all the time.

 

[GTyankee]

Myself i would have the wheels checked
explain that you were told a Wheel was out of balance
that way they pay more attention to the wheel, not the tire

I don't know anything about the East Coast, but out here, there are used Tire & Wheel shops every few blocks

 

[huntergreen]

As of right now, I’m looking for something close to the factory wheels.
I just ordered a complete set of Power Stop Z36 brakes, rotors and calipers. I did reach out to “nick@gotexhaust” for front struts & rear shocks. I may want to lift the truck a couple of inches. We plan on getting a travel trailer next year. Either 24 foot or possibly 26 foot. And that will be on a ball hitch below the back bumper. I don’t know much about this, but if the truck is lifted a couple of inches, how does that affect the wheel or tire size?

I don’t know much about towing campers. What I do know is that I wouldn’t make any changes to my truck until I knew more. I would know exactly what what trailer I was going to purchase, the loaded weight and all other particulars that make for a nice comfortable drive as opposed to a white knuckle harrowing experience. There is a towing and hauling section with folks that have quite a bit of experience and are more than happy to share. I do know that the last place I would get advice from is the guy trying to sell me a trailer.

 

[kayjo]

I doubt you have a bad wheel ( rim ) if you just do a lot of highway driving , and didnt hit anything. Id say there is little to zero chance anything wrong with the wheels. Id get a second opinion, 131k , more likely something else warn in suspension, and always the possibility of a bad tire. I know guys dont want to replace the tires but id go there long before re-riming a truck,

 

[brad byron]

absolutely agree with 09Silver RAM...........HUNTER ROAD FORCE balancer is the ultimate way to go. Problem is finding a shop that has one. They are v
ery expensive and many shops have no clue what ROAD FORCE balancing even is.

Road Force® Elite Wheel Balancer | Hunter Engineering Company®

Hunter’s Road Force® Elite wheel balancer is the world's fastest diagnostic wheel balancer that quickly solves vibration issues. Learn how you can get more benefits in less time with a Hunter Road Force® Elite.

www.hunter.com

 

[Schotzy]

I would not worry about towing a camper. I tow a 32ft TT with my power wagon. The truck came with a factory 2" lift and im running 35x12.5 on it now. If needed you can always buy a drop hitch to level the camper out, if your lift is to much.

 

[SANDRA WILLSON]

Hey fellas,

I put a lot of mileage on my 2015 ram 1500 big horn with numerous strips back-and-forth from Florida to New York State. Approaching 131,000 miles right now and we are almost in Georgia now for the final move.

About 2 1/2 years ago, I had a local mechanic put a set of Continental tires on my truck. Initially, I felt shimmy while driving it. I brought it back to the mechanic because I thought a tire was out of balance . After he checked, he told me one of my wheels was “no longer “true”. We have lived with this slight shimmy since then. I’m sure one of the tires has gone bad.

I want to order a new set 20 inch wheels. Are there any good options for under $1,000 for a set of four? Also which types of tires have worked best on these vehicles? I’m not impressed with the current tires or the original tires. I had an ‘08 years ago and I believe I replaced the original tires with Michelin’s.

Thanks for any helpful advice.

I have always been a fan of purchasing tires through Walmart. For $10 per tire you get a warranty that survives even sidewall damage. Walmart will replace the tire if it can't be repaired and the warranty is based on the thread remaining and will be in place until 1/4 left. All for $10 and you get free installation. You can buy all brands from there, just know if you have to special order tires originally you will have to once again to have them replaced then be reimbursed. I have always purchased my tires there, at least check out the prices.

 

[SANDRA WILLSON]

I have always been a fan of purchasing tires through Walmart. For $10 per tire you get a warranty that survives even sidewall damage. Walmart will replace the tire if it can't be repaired and the warranty is based on the thread remaining and will be in place until 1/4 left. All for $10 and you get free installation. You can buy all brands from there, just know if you have to special order tires originally you will have to once again to have them replaced then be reimbursed. I have always purchased my tires there, at least check out the prices.

 

[CaptCurt]

Hey fellas,

I put a lot of mileage on my 2015 ram 1500 big horn with numerous strips back-and-forth from Florida to New York State. Approaching 131,000 miles right now and we are almost in Georgia now for the final move.

About 2 1/2 years ago, I had a local mechanic put a set of Continental tires on my truck. Initially, I felt shimmy while driving it. I brought it back to the mechanic because I thought a tire was out of balance . After he checked, he told me one of my wheels was “no longer “true”. We have lived with this slight shimmy since then. I’m sure one of the tires has gone bad.

I want to order a new set 20 inch wheels. Are there any good options for under $1,000 for a set of four? Also which types of tires have worked best on these vehicles? I’m not impressed with the current tires or the original tires. I had an ‘08 years ago and I believe I replaced the original tires with Michelin’s.

Thanks for any helpful advice.

The 2nd best tires I had on my 09 Gen4 Ram were Cooper AT3s, I got 38,000 miles out of those and changed them out 3/32nds. Price was a little over $1,000. The best tires I had were around $1,300, they were Coopers also, can't remember the name though, but did get 48,000 miles out of them. Which doesn't matter anyways because they quit making them in 20".

 

[jmc921]

And what type of road tires have you guys had good success with? I had an 08 ram 1500. I think I went with the Michelin after the first set out. But I don’t know who’s making good tires right now.

For a highway tread tire (what typically comes standard on most of the Rams), I had a really good experience with Kuhmo Crugen HT51’s. They have good traction, have the 3PMS (snow) rating and are very smooth and quiet at up to very high highway speeds. I replaced the original Goodyears (pretty horrible tire) with these and drove them about 40,000 miles. I ended up replacing them with AT’s since I planned to do a bit more very mild off roading, gravel road driving. I also have the 20” “chrome clad” rims which have held up way better than I expected. With the stock 275/60R20 tires, there is enough sidewall that curb scuffs don’t reach the rims. I recommend them very highly if you’re mainly driving on road, highways.

 

[Marshall]

Truck is OK , but on the car, 16" one balanced fine, but you could feel a little shake that was not there before the new tires, the shop checked, weights where minor, so he turned the tire on the wheel about 180deg, and it was perfect, that was 8 yrs ago and its still good, old age will be the next issue.

BTW on the truck, it was due for summer tires, I run Nockia?( spelling) winter tires on 17 in rims with hi profile tires.
Factory is 20" and I went with chinese summer ones that the dealer as been handling for a while and has had good feedback. I don't put many miles on anymore.

 

[12LLLimited]

I would recommend getting a weight distribution hitch with sway control for the camper.
(Amazon.com?)