Should I do it - Nokian Outpost NAT LT275/60 R 20

I only have 8000 miles on my current 18" but I want a more agresive look and after much research I kind of like the Nokian brand, although not a lot of reviews on tundra side. I got a really good discount from Discount tire, from $325 a piece to $275 and also going to move to a 20"

What do you guys think? Should I pull the trigger?

 

If you are wanting a more aggressive look, going from an 18” wheel to a 20” and loosing 2” of sidewall certainly is not the way to do it.

Stick with 18s and get yourself some 275/70/18s
The Nokian is a good choice but a really aggressive look with great road manners in all weather and great off road performance take a look at the Mickey Thompson Baja Boss A/Ts

 

Why the desire for 20" wheels? Less ride quality?

 

You’re asking the real-cool-truck-owner crowd about 20 inch wheels, expect a proverbial shitstorm.

I’m one of the rare few that prefer 20s over 18s on the highway for an improved handling feel, but only in P metric.

We have a few company F150s on LR-E LT275/60r20 and good lord they ride rough. But they turn on rails and never get flats.

 

The great thing about internet shit storms. I can ignore them.

 

LOL excuse my ignorance and I love me some shitstorm, kidding. I am really ignorant. on my 2013 Tundra I have 20" with KO2's and I actually love the look, the feel and handling. No idea why 18 will be any different than 20's. I have 18' on my 2021 and I also love how it handles, these Michelines are really butter smooth. So moving to 20" I thought was no brainer and better looking?

 

The principle is that 18” wheels are superior off-road and real-cool-truck-owners are superior off-roaders.

 

Replacing 2” of pliable rubber with 2” of aluminum wheel makes for a stiffer ride.

As @Tbrandt pointed out - E rated tires with a 20” wheel will feel somewhere between a one-ton and a dump truck hitting bumps.

 

we get it - you have a complex about “real-cool-truck-owners”

 

Don't hurt me please, my insecurities are showing.

 

2” of sidewall usually makes a large difference.
Lots more flex so it will tend to have a mushy less responsive steering feel.
But will have a bit more cushioning for a softer ride.

granted there are a number of variables that come into play.

For many the 2” of sidewall especially when wanting to look more aggressive is far more ascetically pleasing but it’s actually more aggressive in its usage too if you actually plan on off-roading.

That being said a 20” off-road tire will handle most off-roading needs that people will actually be doing in these trucks.

 

How'd you get that deal from Discount Tire? I've been waiting for a Nokian deal to buy a set of 285/75/18s. I called my local store and they're still $397.

I went from 20" factory rims with KO2s to 18" with KO2s. Stick with the 18s.

 

His only choice is E.

 

I've heard good things about those outposts. I think @blenton has experience with them and can chime in. (Excuse me if I tagged the wrong guy lol).

I can chime in on E rated tires on 20s though. I went from stock P series 20" tires to bigger, taller E rated tires and the ride got noticeably rougher. I don't like it. Since I love the look of 20s and value comfort over heavy duty tires, I'll be going back to P series tires.

If you require heavy duty tires or prefer a more offroad look, I'd recommend staying 18". If you prefer the look of 20s and don't need a heavy duty tire, then I'd get P series tires in 20". Just my two cents.

 

A shorter sidewall will be more rigid, which is better for cornering performance, and other situations where tire deformation isnt a desired attribute. This is why your performance car comes with a smaller aspect ratio tire than on most trucks.

A taller sidewall will allow more flex in the tire allowing the tire to absorb some of the road irregularities before the suspension has to come into play to do that job. This is why trucks tend to come with a typically higher aspect ratio compared to sports cars.

Aspect ratio is the divider after the / in the tire size so 275 /60 r20 is a 60 aspect ratio while the 275 /70 r18 is a 70. This is derived from the first number, which is the width, 275 in our case both times. Then you get a ratio of that width for sidewall height, and the R is rim size.

 

I thought this for a long time as well but have learned the R actually is to indicate a radial style tire.

 

You are correct. I keep forgetting bias ply tires are still made and used in situations. Thanks for the reminder.

 

Search the internet for cheaper prices and Discount Tire will match it and throw another 10% on top of it.

 

This is an interesting combo, you get an extra 1" in height and retain the 18" rims. Does this combo 275/70/18 works well on standard truck, no lift or modification?

 

I have 275/70r18 KO2s. Stock and they will rub at full lock. You can remove the mud guards, pin them back, or use a heat gun.

 

O man, I was going to like this combo but I would hate the rub

 

This is what I have. 275/70/r18 K02

Stock height, stock wheels, no spacers (until tomorrow), then ill update.

No rubbing or touching anywhere lock to lock.

 

Sounds like stock rims and you'll be fine. I have Method 701s +25. Must be the offset.

 

Looks safe from this thread:

https://www.tundras.com/threads/can-i-see-your-275-70r18-please.16553/

 

If you have the non-TRD splash guard it may need trimmed on the outside edges.

 

I have no idea what that is LOL. This is a 2021 TRD Off Road model with the upgraded suspension I believe, no lift.

 

Big aluminum skid or thin sheet metal black one under the engine?

 

I don't think I have that, nothing custom on this truck. Thanks partner.

 

Well I did a complete 180 on the size thanks to @Black and this forum for opening my eyes and educating me as I keep an open mind. I decided to go the 275/70/18s route which gives me the aggressive look and off-roading purist capabilities I also decided to go with the KO3's which are more aggressive in look and Discount Tire matched my local Costco with $1376 out of the door price. Just left my truck to have them installed as we speak.

 

Well, it has been done. No brainer and the new look is awesome. Gotta test them on the freeway and I hope they ride ok. And enough with spending $$$