Anyone have problems with 20" rims???
 

OK so i am brand new here and have been reading posts. I have a 08 Tahoe Hybrid that i love and just put 20" rims on it. Has anyone had problems with doing this? I see that the 2010 has a 20" option so i just had them put on. I did notice the mileage went down, but i expected that. Any other problems known to anyone? How about getting the mileage back, anyone know how to get better milegage? I spent a good amount of money fixing the outside, guess I should have thought about the mileage adn other problems before I get the rims.

Re: Anyone have problems with 20" rims???
 

Did you get a value for revs per mile for your new tires and wheels? You can look up these rev/mile differences on interactive charts from Discount Tire. So plug in your old 265, 65R, 18 and compare to xxx, yyR, 20. The rev/mile may be very close. The chart will also give you an idea as to how much your speedometer is off now.

http://www.discounttire.com/dtcs/infoTireMath.dos

The rev/mile relates to a tire's loaded rolling radius. If all four are the same size the
hybrid probably won't know the difference.

Now about mileage. A wider tire presents a higher wind drag. Different tires have different rolling resistance. Lastly. If the new tire raised the vehicle, more air gets underneath to drag off the suspension.

Re: Anyone have problems with 20" rims???
 

Don't forget rotating mass. The mass times the arm (length the center of mass is from the center of the wheel. The larger the rotating mass, the lower the MPG.

Re: Anyone have problems with 20" rims???
 

Other than looks I do not think you gain anything other than losing milage.:shade:

Re: Anyone have problems with 20" rims???
 

So i just talked to the dealership and they told me that i could have transmission or drivability issues with 20" rims. is this true? has anyone had problems or heard of this?

Re: Anyone have problems with 20" rims???
 

I have heard that Escalade are having some issues in transmission, maybe that could be the reason!!

Re: Anyone have problems with 20" rims???
 

Buck; there is a guy out here with 26" wheels. I can't remember the name. Physics is all that matters.

1) Tire and wheel radius. If equal the hybrid will never know the difference.
What size are the tires? 315, 45R ????? etc? Use that on-line calculator.

2) Offset. Us "old School" guys remember Chome Reversed wheels. If your wheels change the track width the offset may impart extra bending forces into the axle shafts that they were not designed for. Wide offsets can screw up your front alignment too.

3) The "K" factor or springy factor of the specific tire side wall. Taller wheels have stiffer side walls many times. Most modern vehicles have a sophisticated enough powertrain control system to tune out body/chassis resonance and keep the drive train from making frequencies that excite the chassis.

4) The "un sprung" mass. FJ's comment on the mass of your new tires and wheels. Again your suspension bushings, spring rates, and schock absorber damping rates are tuned to the stock configuration.

3 and 4 probably won't hurt the truck. But they may create a "funny" feeling that you may or may not like.

Re: Anyone have problems with 20" rims???
 

that must be the 2006 and earlier escalades. as I am a member of the biggest escalade forum worldwide and there is no mention of any tranny issues. that applies to the regular escalade with fulltime awd as well as the selectable 4wd hybrid. there was a tsb however on the tranny ecu that the dealer just have to flash for updates.

Re: Anyone have problems with 20" rims???
 

old tires were 265, 65R, 18. new tires are 275 55r 20. the calculator doesent show much difference. would I be right to assume the dealership is just giving me a FYI? i just spent 150 bucks installing them and the TPS, I dont want to have to get rid of them.

Re: Anyone have problems with 20" rims???
 

Buck: I wouldn't worry about it. Most dealers are going to be very cautious. It looks like you may have about a 1% slower reading speedometer based on rev/mile difference.

This could change to 0 or 2% based on how hard you run the tire pressure.

And it is nelsontx that has the 26" on his.

Re: Anyone have problems with 20" rims???
 

Man, the dealership gets me worried. Thank to you all for your info. To be honest I really havent noticed that much of a difference in mileage so far. Thanks again to you all, I can sleep easy tonight.

Re: Anyone have problems with 20" rims???
 

Talking about rims .. I quite like the standard hybrid rims. Has anyone got any thoughts of having them powder coated another colour?

My Tahoe is black, and thought black rims might improve its look.

What do you guys think?

Rob

Re: Anyone have problems with 20" rims???
 

Hi Rob,
I have not thought about it but it should be no problem to powder coat as they are aluminum.

Re: Anyone have problems with 20" rims???
 

I have been running 20" for a while. The ride is a bit stiffer and I have lost about 1-2 mpg. But part of that could be my driving.

Re: Anyone have problems with 20" rims???
 

I have been rolling with 20s and 22s and no problem so far..........just wish for the Tech2 guys to unlock the tire radius change, as in the normal trucks. Sure they can set the same power train for the hybrids to use 18s 20s and 22s, but wont let the dealers do so...that sucks!

I just avg 19+mpg so far, but my wife tahoe on 22 with 305-40-22 avg 21-22mpg all the time...and she brags a lot. Got to learn my self to control my lead foot !

Re: Anyone have problems with 20" rims???
 

Gabe for that lead foot of yours you should add the Volant air intake system, Pulstar Plugs and BMG High Performance leads, also have a look at the Volant exhaust.

Re: Anyone have problems with 20" rims???
 

Thanks again, I got your list from the other post !!!
Do you have all this mods? How it works for you?

Re: Anyone have problems with 20" rims???
 

I have all the mods, excellent MPG averaging 31MPG currently.:shade:

Re: Anyone have problems with 20" rims???
 

31mpg on the Hoe....just one word.... impressive !!!!!!

Looking for them right now at Summit, any special place you recommend to look for them?

Re: Anyone have problems with 20" rims???
 

Gabe,
Go to Volant direct and talk with the VP and the fact you have a Hybrid. Also make sure if you order the Air Inlet system That you recieve the Blue Power core Filter, this is important. Also maybe you can get a deal if you order the air inlet system and exhaust pipe at the same time. Pulstar plugs and the high performaance leads you should be able to get at Summit. Remember not to drop a plug when you are completing the installation, I did and it cost me an additional plug. Also on the Tahoe you have to ttake off the inner Left hand fenner well to install the plugs.:shade:

Re: Anyone have problems with 20" rims???
 

Ken,

Great Info, thanks again buddy.

Re: Anyone have problems with 20" rims???
 

Gabe,
No problem glad to see some new additions to the forum we all learn from everyone's experiences.:shade:

Re: Anyone have problems with 20" rims???
 

Ken,
Is your Volant a CAI or Scoop system?

Re: Anyone have problems with 20" rims???
 

Hi Gabe,
Volant CAI System with Blue Power Core Filter.:shade:

Re: Anyone have problems with 20" rims???
 

10-4

Re: Anyone have problems with 20" rims???
 

Hey kklein, :)
What's the cost for these mods? Is the increase in mpg better in city than hwy driving? Is your 31 mpg mostly city driving?

Re: Anyone have problems with 20" rims???
 

Hi Canuck,
I am mostly rural and highway driving not a lot of cities close by. Speed limit is also low 80-90KPH. I am nut sure of the exact cost but here is what I remember:
The Pulstar Plugs were $15 Cad each
The BMG High Performance Plug Leads were $110.00Cad
Volant Air System $275 US
Volant Exjaust Pipe $125 US
These are my best guess for right now, I can look up the exact pricing if you like.
Kind Regards Ken:shade:

Re: Anyone have problems with 20" rims???
 

Dude, I have 26's on mine, besides a lil bit bumpy ride quality on highway and less mileage those are the only issues I have....now the upside is a lot of ladies looking at my sweet *** ride!!!!!