Rookie question here, do I need to change stock wheels?

After I'm done using the stock tires on my 24' Tundra, I want to get some BFG KO2's. But I don't know if I should buy new sets of wheels so the tires have more sidewall and when deflating them they'll lower more. I'll mostly use them on sand on the beach or mud on ranches.

Stock wheels are 20".

 

Up to you.

 

So it doesn't matter? I thought people were using <18" wheels for a reason.

 

I have 20s on mine. I have yet to deflate them to get a bigger contact patch. Years ago I had the quintessential redneck 4 wheel drive that had 35s on 15" rims. Lots of sidewall to work with. Still never deflated them.
But you do you, that's all that matters.

 

Going from a 20” wheel to a 18” or 17” would definitely help in your use case. Deflating or lowering your tire psi is one of the best things you can do for your truck’s traction when on the beach/sand.

 

18s are nice because of the increased sidewall and they usually weigh less than the 20s. Tire options used to be more of a consideration as well, but there are many 20" options these days.

As others echoed, if you like the 20s, keep and run them. Save some money. If not, get 18s.

 

It does matter. Especially on sand. 18" wheels would also feel slightly smoother on pavement for the same reason - more sidewall to absorb vibrations. I have 20's and am just looking for the right excuse to go to 18's, but I don't have much opportunity to drive on sand.

 

Honestly, most just do it due to personal preference. I’ve had 18s and 20s and when comparing comparable size tires, the 1” difference in sidewall is negligible in “feel”. Tire pressure is more critical than wheel size. Usually an 18” wheel is lighter than a 20”, but once again, with the same size tire, an 18” tire weighs more than the 20” due to the 18 having more rubber. So weight is negligible. It’s your truck. Do what you want to do.

 

Great thread. Something I’ve been considering myself lately, but I really like my 20” wheels. Now I’m trying to figure out if I want a spacer lift or lift kit and what that could look like.