20” Rims on a Big Bend??

[tedweb]

While Ford is completing my Badlands rig (build date was supposed to be 9/14) I typically find myself perusing the local dealer’s lot to catch a glimpse of Broncos that made their way home from the MAP. A couple of nights ago this dealer had 6 Broncos on their lot, none of which were mine. Interestingly enough there was a Bronco there with 20” Fuel Rims with matching Fuel Grippers. Are 20” rims impractical for off roading? I gotta say it looks amazing. Thoughts? Comments? Am I crazy for liking the looks of this?

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[talbot]

that's a Big Bend

not my cup of tea, but to each their own

 

[RagnarKon]

Generally speaking 15-18" wheels are the "sweet spot" for off-roading... especially if you are sticking with a sub-40" tire.

The shorter the sidewall, the more prone the tire will be to coming off the rim and/or suffering from a pinch flat while rolling over rocks. To avoid issues like those, you often have to run higher air pressures on tires with shorter sidewalls... which just makes your traction and ride quality worse overall.

That said... if all you are doing is driving on some dirt roads here and there, you shouldn't have a major issue with a 20" wheel. Really only becomes an issue when you get into the rocks.

Typically when I see a Bronco with 20"+ inch rims I want to puke in my mouth a bit. But... honestly... those rims aren't bad.

 

[Jason]

More sidewall is more better off road. You get more flex, can air down further, and reduce the chance of wheel damage.

Go for whatever makes you happy, but personally I wouldn’t spend money reducing the off-road capability of the Bronco. Similarly, I wouldn’t buy smaller wheels and off road tires for a Corvette.

But, you do you.

 

[tedweb]

Generally speaking 15-18" wheels are the "sweet spot" for off-roading... especially if you are sticking with a sub-40" tire.

The shorter the sidewall, the more prone the tire will be to coming off the rim and/or suffering from a pinch flat while rolling over rocks. To avoid issues like those, you often have to run higher air pressures on tires with shorter sidewalls... which just makes your traction and ride quality worse overall.

That said... if all you are doing is driving on some dirt roads here and there, you shouldn't have a major issue with a 20" wheel. Really only becomes an issue when you get into the rocks.

Typically when I see a Bronco with 20"+ inch rims I want to puke in my mouth a bit. But... honestly... those rims aren't bad.

Thanks for the detailed feedback.

 

[tedweb]

that's a Big Bend

not my cup of tea, but to each their own

Corrected.

 

[FlyingBronco]

My eyes, MY EYES!!! Haha definition of a mall crawler. Reminds me of a G-Wagon. Go for it if you’re on pavement or perfect fire roads.

 

[Roll Sound]

Yes, more sidewall is better for offroad and a more comfortable ride to an extent. You will pinch a lot of tires with short walls.

 

[Chaos_273]

Different strokes for different folks, but I personally dislike 20’s.

 

[Copperhorse73]

Definitely consider your intended purpose. I’ve seen many a “street” wheel damaged off-roading. If you don’t plan on doing anything resembling rock crawling, should be just fine. Aesthetically speaking I’m not usually a fan, but due to circumstances I was forced into running 20s on my Bronco, and I actually really like the look.

 

[Beachin 74]

Now is the time for that meme of the TFL guy wheeling that Land Rover on 20's.

 

[Wanted33]

As far as those wheels I figure it's what somoeone wants on their Bronco. But just out of curiosity, are those wheels capable of taking the stress of off roading?Just a question for my own knowledge.

 

[Greens05]

Definitely consider your intended purpose. I’ve seen many a “street” wheel damaged off-roading. If you don’t plan on doing anything resembling rock crawling, should be just fine. Aesthetically speaking I’m not usually a fan, but due to circumstances I was forced into running 20s on my Bronco, and I actually really like the look.

Curious...what forced you to run 20s? I think the all black on yours makes them not stand out as much. Not my preference but doesn't look as crazy as I would have thought .

 

[Seatmandan]

LOL at the CHMSL.

 

[tedweb]

As far as those wheels I figure it's what somoeone wants on their Bronco. But just out of curiosity, are those wheels capable of taking the stress of off roading?Just a question for my own knowledge.

I have the same question. Here’s a link to the manufacturer’s page for that wheel:
http://www.fueloffroad.com/wheel/13689/fuel-1-piece-wheels-siege-d704/?finishID=4466&lugs=8

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