16 to 18 rims: any improvement in HWY MPG?

[Denisk]

Cheers to all! I am contemplating an upgrade to 18 hurricanes, as my 95% hwy MPG still sucks at around 16 mpg (a refill is needed at around 350 miles) on mostly highway driving.

I mostly do highways nowadays, and the only offroading I still do is cruising on the sand on beaches in NC, and battling an occasional winter snow storm in MD, now as often as every winter. Thanks much for replies from those who have experienced both the 16 and the 18 hurricanes in terms of MPG on hwy driving (I know its a bit rare).

 

[mbrummal]

Be happy you get 16 mpg on a regular basis.

 

[jasonmk12]

Be happy you get 16 mpg on a regular basis.

I have never gotten above 14 EVER! Highway or city I get shity mileage and it didn't change at all for me going from 18 to 16 with the same tire size. I imagine going up would be the same as going down in size. Just my experience though.

 

[helievacpilot]

Wheel size has NOTHING to do with mileage. Tire diameter does. 16 mpg is almost at the top of the range for these trucks, so I'd be happy with that.
- Bill

 

[Dangeruss]

I went the other way, my '04 came with 18's and I swapped to 16's with 245/75 BFG AT's. The truck rides, drives and looks better like this, plus tires are way cheaper. I can't say I noticed a change in mileage either way after the swap, if it did change at all it's still crappy.

 

[msggunny]

I went the other way, my '04 came with 18's and I swapped to 16's with 245/75 BFG AT's. The truck rides, drives and looks better like this, plus tires are way cheaper. I can't say I noticed a change in mileage either way after the swap, if it did change at all it's still crappy.

It most likely rides better because there is more rubber between the rim and road.

Rim size means nothing.

 

[Roving Beetle]

Actually it CAN make a difference.... noticeable on our heavy beasts of trucks - probably not. Typically the larger the wheel the heavier the rim/tire package overall when keeping the same overall diameter. (UNless you "upgrade" to an expensive light weight forged wheel or something silly like that)

I know it does make a noticeable difference on my Audi - the stock 16" wheels with 225-50-16's VS the aftermarket 18" wheels with 235-40-18 - the car is obviously a hair slower in 0-60 times and gets about 1-2 MPG worse.

That said I also wouldn't do it on the Rover, the 18's ride like crap overall. I mean, they are fine, maybe "crap" is too harsh - but I am not a huge fan. The turn-in response and overall feeling of "good handling" is better...... ha ha ha ha "handling in a Disco! However the ride is choppy, rough and harsh. I swapped to 16's on my stocker D2 mall crawler and am MUCH happier.

I tend to get 16-17 around town with my foot in it every once in a while but gentle most of the time and may push 18 on a longer run. The *TYPE* of tire and weight of the tire (4-6-10 ply makes a huge difference) will be the biggest factor. Get any of the new "low rolling resistance" tires like a General Grabber HTS and you see an improvement in MPG if there is one to be had.

Cheers,
Doug

 

[Agent]

Be happy you get 16 mpg on a regular basis.

Big +1 to that!