Question on Wheels...17, 18 or 20s???

[SilverSport]

hello...new here to the Forum but I've had a couple similar GM trucks in the past...

My 2005 Yukon Denali has the OE 17" wheels and tires...the tires are brand new but are slightly lower profile than OE and appear to exaggerate the look in the wheel wells...plus my wheels are damaged from corrosion...

if I decide to go with something else what are the experiences you have or recommend with going with something different?...here are some thoughts I've had on this...

keep the current wheels and tires for Winter and...

go with a craigslist purchase of OE Yukon Denali wheels and better tires in the OE size
buy 18" wheels and new tires
buy 20" wheels and new tires

I just bought the truck and I doubt I'll do much more off roading then driving through construction zones or some gravel driveways and such...I don't plan on any off roading...

thoughts and experiences you'd care to share will be appreciated...

Thanks

Bill

 

[swathdiver]

If you check tire prices, I think you'll find 20" tires less expensive than 18s. 18s with their taller sidewall usually delivers a softer ride.

 

[SilverSport]

thanks...appreciated...

Bill

 

[Scott in AZ]

I replaced my OEM 265/70/16’s with 275/60/18’s years ago and it’s been a great upgrade proven over tens of thousands of miles. I got the wheels off eBay for a few hundred bucks, in mint condition. Seller swapped his Denali to 20” rims (maybe 2008?, anyone recognize these?).

The speedometer reads accurately because wheel diameter is maintained. I’ve checked this with math (online calculators) and also w GPS reporting speed actual vs eyeballing the speedometer. On brand new tires actual speed is about +1 mph speedometer, but after the rubber wears down a few tenths, the speedometer is right on. Even more important is the smooth ride, and better traction and aluminum rim road rash protection from the extra 10mm of width. Finally, the appearance is good - OEM vibe but better.

For GMT800 on a standard stock lift, this is the right setup. Is what I think.

 

[B-train]

I like those wheels. One of my favs. Plus you can always find jeep wranglers take-offs really cheap - 270/55/18 I believe. Slightly narrower, but ride nice ans for $400 you usually get a set of 5

 

[Joseph Garcia]

I strongly recommend Michelin Defender tires for your truck, given your stated driving surface profile. They handle very well wet or dry or snow, they are quiet, and they will last up to 70,000 miles.

 

[adventurenali92]

I strongly recommend Michelin Defender tires for your truck, given your stated driving surface profile. They handle very well wet or dry or snow, they are quiet, and they will last up to 70,000 miles.

Perfect advice. I run 20 inch 2021 Yukon take offs on my 2006 XL Denali. Though this is my 3rd set of 20s as I’ve made a few change ups. Anyways I followed this advice and went with Michelin defenders on my current wheels in February of 2022 when it was time for tires and I couldn’t be happier. I live in the mountains, I drive in snow 4-5 months out of the year and this year we had record storms of 10 feet of snow in 10 days. And I never once got stuck. Defenders run amazingly on dirt pavement as well as the mild dirt roads occasionally have to roll on up here in the mountains. It never fails the one customer that wants an old beat up truck to get a detail and I show up to a mile long dirt road and driveway where the customers beat up truck is….. dammit…. Lol.

Anyways @SilverSport you wouldn’t be disappointed with Michelin defenders on a 20inch wheel. I will admit though I run a 275/60 size tire and it’s much preferred over the OEM recommended 275/55 size, for my situation.

 

[SilverSport]

great advice everyone...I thank you for sharing it

Bill

 

[adventurenali92]

great advice everyone...I thank you for sharing it

Bill

From your avatar pic looks lien you have the same color truck I do lol.

 

[SilverSport]

if yours is Silver Birch Metallic, I do...

Bill