As I'm almost done shoping and looking at getting an fx2, it has an 18 or 20" tire option.

My 2003 HD had 20s and I of course paid extra for those tires.

Anyone have any ideas of what the cost differential for maintenance going forward is for 18s vs 20s? I'd suspect at least $40 - $60 per tire at Discount Tire.

Thoughts?

 

Any plans on modding your FX2 suspension? If you are perhaps levelling, and going for the 4x4 look, then I'd go 18. If you are going to lower it and hit the "ricer" look, 20's is a better choice.

If you are staying stock........ it really depends on personal preference. I personally prefer the "more rubber vs rim" look. The most important thing you should do though is to look at the TIRE OPTIONS offered in your order. Some of the stock rubber is crappy, and the few extra bucks you pay for good tires off the dealer lot is a far better option than replacing sub par tires after only 5k miles because you hate them.

 

X2.

yes 20's will cost a bit more than 18's when you change the rubber but from my experience the less thick the rubber is, the rougher the ride. but its not like its a HUGE difference. personal preference. it just depends on what your plans are for your truck.

 

At Tire Rack:

Michelin LTX A/S Highway All-Season
• size: P265/60R18
Sidewall Style: Outlined White Letters
Serv. Desc: 109T
UTQG: 420 A B
• Price: $194.00 (each) Special
Estimated Availability: In Stock
Estimated Arrival: Get Estimate
• Add Road Hazard: $74.72
Set of 4: $776.00
After mail-in rebate: $706.00


Pirelli Scorpion STR Highway All-Season
• Size: P275/55R20
Sidewall Style: Outlined White Letters
Sidewall Shown: Blackwall
Serv. Desc: 111T
UTQG: 520 A A
• Price: $207.00 (each)
Estimated Availability: In Stock
Estimated Arrival: Get Estimate
• Add Road Hazard: $78.36
Set of 4: $828.00

 

You didn't say if you're looking for a 2WD or 4x4 so I just used the 4x4 to get an idea. The 20" tire will handle better because there is less tire to flex. But the 18" will ride a little bit better because of the more sidewall area to squish. That said all new F-150s ride pretty good unless you mess with the suspension and add super stiff tires.

As for replacement tires, you will have more choices in the 20" and the prices are equal or lower. Checking the Tire Rack using these criteria:
Size: P275/55R20
Size: P275/65R18
Highway All-Season
On-/Off-Road All-Terrain
Load Range C and down
In all brands there are 19 options in the 18" and 17 options in the 20"
Prices for non-closeout 18" range from $169/ea to $235/ea
Prices for non-closeout 20" range from $154/ea to $241/ea

When I looked at the same tire the prices were normally within $10-15/tire of each other. Sometime the 18" was higher sometime the 20" was. Pretty much the replacement tires will be equally expensive for either tire size. Get the wheels that look the best to you unless you plan on changing them out.

 

Thanks for the details. Great info. I didn't get a chance to call Discount Tire or look on their website this weekend.

Much appreciated!

I'll be getting the 2 wheel drive FX2

 

Realistically the more 20's they sell, the cost should go down. So help me out a little, and get those 20's. The 20" rims are sharp on the FX trucks.