22” Platinum wheels to 20s

[Robert1380]

Morning guys.
Read a couple posts where members wanted information on going up to 22” wheels on their trucks. I want to inquire about going down to a 20 or 18” wheel. Firstly the 22s that came on my truck are butt ass ugly and in doing a bit of research it seems the 22s are quite a bit more expensive. Not sure why Ford went with a 22” wheel on the Platinum. Doesn’t seem necessary but I’m no engineer. Would it make sense to drop down a wheel size or two if replacing the OEM wheels? A salesman at Method told me to just stick with the factory size but I’m not sure what to do here. I almost think that a smaller wheel would get better range but WTH do I know.

Thanks.

Sponsored

 

[RLXXI]

Morning guys.
Read a couple posts where members wanted information on going up to 22” wheels on their trucks. I want to inquire about going down to a 20 or 18” wheel. Firstly the 22s that came on my truck are butt ass ugly and in doing a bit of research it seems the 22s are quite a bit more expensive. Not sure why Ford went with a 22” wheel on the Platinum. Doesn’t seem necessary but I’m no engineer. Would it make sense to drop down a wheel size or two if replacing the OEM wheels? A salesman at Method told me to just stick with the factory size but I’m not sure what to do here. I almost think that a smaller wheel would get better range but WTH do I know.

Thanks.

So long as the outer circumference is the same, IIRC 32", someone correct me if that's wrong, any size wheel will fit provided there's enough clearance for the brake caliper and proper offset +40 is stock iirc, and no programming needed for the size change.

I have 18" on my 2013 XLT and 20" on my 2025 Flash, same bolt pattern but what about those calipers? I haven't taken time to get under there and do some measuring to give an accurate answer, perhaps someone else will come along that knows for certain, bump for the post. I'm not thrilled with the wheels mine came with either so eventually I'll be replacing them with something. Also depends on tire price as to what wheel size I end up with,

 

[Robert1380]

So long as the outer circumference is the same, IIRC 32", someone correct me if that's wrong, any size wheel will fit provided there's enough clearance for the brake caliper and proper offset +40 is stock iirc, and no programming needed for the size change.

I have 18" on my 2013 XLT and 20" on my 2025 Flash, same bolt pattern but what about those calipers? I haven't taken time to get under there and do some measuring to give an accurate answer, perhaps someone else will come along that knows for certain, bump for the post. I'm not thrilled with the wheels mine came with either so eventually I'll be replacing them with something. Also depends on tire price as to what wheel size I end up with,

Crap. I didn’t consider the brake calipers.

 

[COrocket]

The larger 22" wheels are one of the main components responsible for the Platinums 300 mile range vs the Lariats 320 mile range. There also might be a very slight difference due to the Platinums higher curb weight, but should have a much smaller effect.

Besides looks, people also go smaller on the wheels due to cheaper tire replacement costs and a softer ride due to the increase in rubber sidewall thickness. I'm pretty sure the Platinum has larger wheels strictly for aesthetics. Besides the smaller Lightning wheel options, the truck has the same bolt pattern as the gas F-150, so there are some more options if you find a set of wheels that are more your style.

 

[RLXXI]

The larger 22" wheels are one of the main components responsible for the Platinums 300 mile range vs the Lariats 320 mile range. There also might be a very slight difference due to the Platinums higher curb weight, but should have a much smaller effect.

Besides looks, people also go smaller on the wheels due to cheaper tire replacement costs and a softer ride due to the increase in rubber sidewall thickness. I'm pretty sure the Platinum has larger wheels strictly for aesthetics. Besides the smaller Lightning wheel options, the truck has the same bolt pattern as the gas F-150, so there are some more options if you find a set of wheels that are more your style.

I think you may be confused, I have a Flash with 20" wheels and 300 mile range, difference being the battery pack size not wheel size.

There's 3 different battery sizes, 96kWh, 123kWh, and 131kWh usable.

 

[mr.Magoo]

I think you may be confused, I have a Flash with 20" wheels and 300 mile range, difference being the battery pack size not wheel size.

There's 3 different battery sizes, 96kWh, 123kWh, and 131kWh usable.

He is not confused, the Platinum has the same 131kWh pack as Lariat, but shorter range due to higher weight and 32" wheels.

It's well documented that you lose range when going from 20" to 22" wheels.

 

[Henry Ford]

He is not confused, the Platinum has the same 131kWh pack as Lariat, but shorter range due to higher weight and 32" wheels.

It's well documented that you lose range when going from 20" to 22" wheels.

I go back and forth between 20" Lariat wheels and 22" Platinum wheels. There might be a slight ride and economy difference but it's so slight as to not matter. In other words, don't change wheels because you think you'll get a range boost or a nice cushy ride; you'll be disappointed.

All Lightnings share the same brakes so all stock Lightning wheels will fit. Most stock F150 wheels will also fit, however the Lightning is heavier and not all F150 wheels are rated for the heavier truck. You can check the Ford Accessories website for information on what wheels they are willing to warranty on a Lightning.

I've never purchased aftermarket wheels. I'd want to know that they have a weight rating that fit my needs since I occasionally put heavy stuff in my truck.

The Platinum has higher spring rates than other Lightning trims. I haven't spent enough time in other trims to say how this affects ride. I've seen the Lightning ride described as "bouncy." I don't perceive that at all so maybe there's a difference.

 

[Divo]

I downsized from 22 to aftermarket 20 (lighter weight) with Michelin Defender tires. My ride quality and road noise improved, and range improved from 3.2 to 3.5km/kwh.

The 22s are very very heavy.

 

[hammer thumb]

Interesting wheel & tire size conversation. I have the 2024 Flash with the 20" factory wheels. I'd like to consider putting on 18 inch wheels and tires on my Flash to drop the truck, reduce tire cost and increase range. Has anyone gone down that road? I guess the speedometer would be off?

 

[Robert1380]

The larger 22" wheels are one of the main components responsible for the Platinums 300 mile range vs the Lariats 320 mile range. There also might be a very slight difference due to the Platinums higher curb weight, but should have a much smaller effect.

Besides looks, people also go smaller on the wheels due to cheaper tire replacement costs and a softer ride due to the increase in rubber sidewall thickness. I'm pretty sure the Platinum has larger wheels strictly for aesthetics. Besides the smaller Lightning wheel options, the truck has the same bolt pattern as the gas F-150, so there are some more options if you find a set of wheels that are more your style.

Appreciate the reply. Thank you!

 

[SmoothJ]

I go back and forth between 20" Lariat wheels and 22" Platinum wheels. There might be a slight ride and economy difference but it's so slight as to not matter. In other words, don't change wheels because you think you'll get a range boost or a nice cushy ride; you'll be disappointed.

All Lightnings share the same brakes so all stock Lightning wheels will fit. Most stock F150 wheels will also fit, however the Lightning is heavier and not all F150 wheels are rated for the heavier truck. You can check the Ford Accessories website for information on what wheels they are willing to warranty on a Lightning.

I've never purchased aftermarket wheels. I'd want to know that they have a weight rating that fit my needs since I occasionally put heavy stuff in my truck.

The Platinum has higher spring rates than other Lightning trims. I haven't spent enough time in other trims to say how this affects ride. I've seen the Lightning ride described as "bouncy." I don't perceive that at all so maybe there's a difference.

I also am debating on going to 20s as well since I will be needing tires in the next 10K or so.

In regards to the spring rates, I brought this up initially along time ago and I always wondered the same. I am posting it here again (cause I always seem to have a hard time finding it). Besides it being thicker, it has a higher rate which means a stiffer ride. I find it hard to believe that the Platinum has that much more stuff in it than a fully loaded Lariat.

Sponsored