Previous owner went to 20" tires on my 2009 Ram 2500 Cummins Why?

[Hoakieman]

I bought my '09 2500 as a package with a Crusader-Lite fifth wheel. It only has 85000 miles on the truck. For some reason the previous owner replaced the tires with 20" ones. I'm about ready to get new tires, but the 20" ones are way more expensive. It a quad cab, 4 wheel drive and is already very tall and the 20"ers raise it even higher. Anyone know a good reason why I shouldn't go back to the 17" stock rims?

I want to know the pros and cons of changing tire sizes. Thanks, Hoakieman

2009 2500 6.7. no DEF, no DEQ

 

[zogg]

I went from 20” tires to 17” on my last f150. It did ride a little softer as the tire sidewall was taller….more flex. I would imagine it rides rough with 20s.
Tires are drastically cheaper. If it were mine I’d switch as soon as I found some nice 17” rims. Good luck

 

[crash68]

It a quad cab, 4 wheel drive and is already very tall and the 20"ers raise it even higher. Anyone know a good reason why I shouldn't go back to the 17" stock rims?

The previous owner probably changed to 20"s for looks or got a screaming deal on them. No reason not to change back, replacement tires will be less expensive. You can get tire for both 17" & 20" rims that are the same outside diameter.

 

[Oliver Closehauf]

Can you post a picture?

It was probably for looks. I did go up to a factory 18 inch rim from a 17 because I found a brand new set of take offs for 400 bucks and wanted to save my 17's for later. I do feel that there is a lot less body roll in the sweepers, but the two tires are drastically different designs, so it's hard to say how much difference just rim size made.

Factory 18's from Gen 4 have the same width and offset as the 17's (at least mine do).

 

[bcbouy]

you answered your own question. you bought it as a package with a 5'er.most guys go 20's with lower profile tires when towing heavy rv's. less sidewall flex for long trips.go to any rv forum and they all run 20's with michelins/continentals.i ran them when i still had my truck camper and swapped back to 17's in the fall.they were way more comfortable when the truck was unloaded.

 

[Hoakieman]

Hi Everyone, Thanks, for the helpful replies. I didn't know that 5'ers usually tow with 20"ers. also the softer ride (when not towing) would be appreciated by the wife. Recently towed a smaller trailer about 800 miles and did notice the 20's towed really well. Most of my driving is local, so I will go with the 17"s I bought used and keep the 20's for towing, which isn't often. Getting Old and its a pain to get everything ready to go. Attaching a photo of the rig. I really like the idea of No DEF in '09 and no DEQ either. As you can see Momma with short legs has to ahve a step to get in. I have been thinking about an electric side rail, but they only drop about 7".