20" MSW Wheel w/ Michelin X-ICE Installation Experience

[SlaterGS]

Recently purchased the MSW Type 52 wheel from Tirerack with Michelin X-ICE 275/60/20 tires (same tire size as the 22's).
I wanted to show some pictures of the setup but also share my installation experience as there are quite a few threads on what jack is the right one.

Installation was a bit sketchy but pictures first because those are the most interesting and storytelling after.

Jack:
Powerbuilt 3 ton Bottle Jack with integrated Jack Stand with this jack puck
I knew that I would need to make some modifications to the puck or stand.
Image below shows what comes with the Powerbuilt on the right and the left what I cobbled up from some spare parts.
While it could be cleaned up, it gets the job done and it keeps the jackpuck from sliding or angling on the stand. Bonus I keep the OG stand for other uses.

This may sound obvious but MAKE SURE YOU ARE ON A PERFECTLY FLAT SURFACE especially if using a bottle jack like shown.
I've changed many tires at this spot, but not with this jack and I think the total height needed to lift and the weight of this vehicle caused my issues.
According to the R1S, I was on a 1 degree pitch when I did my first wheel. This was enough to get me into a tricky situation.

It is hard to see in the image below but when trying to lower the vehicle the gray part of the stand caught on the black part because the vehicle weight went to the left side of that picture. The stand itself was perfectly flat on the ground but this little bit of play was what got me. If I jack up half that high it would lower fine.
I ended up releasing all the pressure in the jack and ever so slightly driving forward. Hearing a loud clunk ? I moved around and looked at the vehicle and jack and everything was good.
Now to never do that again!

I moved to a more cramped space but one that I knew was flat and I did not experience the same issue.
I would definitely not use this method/jack if you aren't capable or willing to modify the jackstand or puck. No way it will work otherwise.
I will probably use this same method in the future, but definitely a word of caution.

Wheel and Tire Fit:
Perfect. I think these look almost identical to the 20" AT's and they have identical specs.
Comes with caps, but the Rivian ones fit perfect albeit not the right color (though they do match the lugs) so I may order some from one of the sponsors here.

Ride Quality and efficiency:
Smooooooth, I am absolutely blown away. They were substantially quieter and smoother than my 22's.
Efficiency I don't know if I'll ever have a great comparison. I assume worse than the 22's but I'll keep an eye on it.

Tirerack Experience:
Initially Tirerack would not install the tires as they are only 115, but after talking briefly on chat they had no problem doing it for me. All I said were my 22's from factory were 115's and the same diameter. They said they'd talk to management and got back to me within an hour saying they could do it. Everything arrived in perfect condition and 2 weeks earlier than were predicted!

Extras:
Wheels came with lugs and a 3/4" socket with 3/8" drive. This is not adequate to apply 140 ft/lbs of torque on the wheels so make sure you have a 3/4" socket and 1/2" drive. Lug size for the Rivian lugs are 22mm. I did not check to see if they'd fit the wheels but I would assume so (can verify if someone needs)
I did purchase a Daytona tire dolly for $90 when HF had them on sale. Did I need it? No, but it sure made it nice!

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[zefram47]

That Daytona dolly definitely makes tire swaps / rotation *much* easier. You don't mention or show them, so I'll mention it...but always use wheel chocks! The last time I swapped a full wheelset over I actually used 3 wheel chocks since my garage is probably around 2% and things wanted to move uncomfortably even with a beefy floor jack.

 

[ksujeff99]

Thanks for sharing! Those wheels look great. But as you stated, of course they do since they're basically a copy of the stock 20s.

I bought that same jack after using my floor jack once and having to put it up on cribbing to reach high enough. I've used it for 4 tire rotations so far. I don't love the jack puck on top of the stock stand but after readjusting a few times I've never felt unsafe. I typically have to readjust on the first lift on each side as the R1 likes to move away from you laterally, even after putting on highest/tire change mode.

I have experienced the same issue as you (jack angling slightly and binding up) though never so bad that I had to move the vehicle. I'm seriously considering getting the HF Badlands jack. I'd be giving up the "insurance" of the built-in jack stand but net-net I think it'll still be safer.

 

[SlaterGS]

Thanks for sharing! Those wheels look great. But as you stated, of course they do since they're basically a copy of the stock 20s.

I bought that same jack after using my floor jack once and having to put it up on cribbing to reach high enough. I've used it for 4 tire rotations so far. I don't love the jack puck on top of the stock stand but after readjusting a few times I've never felt unsafe. I typically have to readjust on the first lift on each side as the R1 likes to move away from you laterally, even after putting on highest/tire change mode.

I have experienced the same issue as you (jack angling slightly and binding up) though never so bad that I had to move the vehicle. I'm seriously considering getting the HF Badlands jack. I'd be giving up the "insurance" of the built-in jack stand but net-net I think it'll still be safer.

I've contemplated the Badlands jack as well as their Pittsburgh since it's significantly cheaper and I don't need the "offroad" capability. I kept getting hung up on the no jack stand part or having to have a lot more tools so this was my cheapo method that I felt was also safest and overall I'm happy with it.
You are braver than I using the stock stand!

 

[kopuschen]

Had the exact same combo from TireRack. Just installed to replace my original 21 inch all season. No need to calibrate as the size difference is negligible.
TireRack actually send me a new set of bolts as the previous ones are said to be a bit too short. I end up used original bolts which are a bit tight space but works.
During the replacement, it's the first time I set the R1S to be the highest. It's so high that the pitch may not be exactly vertical (as indicated by this original post), so be careful.

In any case, I also felt the ride becomes much smoother and less bumpy. The efficiency seems about the same (not scientific). I wonder why Rivian didn't include this widely available size from the very beginning. Knowing now that I have so many tire choices going forward is a good thing!

 

[Hull22]

I tried to buy the same combo from Tire Rack last month. They cancelled my order because the had a problem with the 115 load rating on the R1S. Ended buying the wheels and tires separately. Finally had the chance to have them installed at Discount Tire today. They didn’t even mention the load rating but did have to buy longer lug nuts because the tire rack ones were too short.

 

[PNW-Jason]

I just did the same setup! Does anyone know what tire pressure these should be run at? Discount tire told me 45psi cold but want to confirm that's accurate

 

[Indy avocado]

I also just swapped from the factory 21 inch wheel and tire to the MSW Type 52s but with Michelin defender LTX tires. Got it done at discount tire.

These, in my opinion superior, tires are $150 cheaper per versus the 21" pirelli option. The next set of tires I buy will pay for the wheels.

 

[KarTruck]

I also just swapped from the factory 21 inch wheel and tire to the MSW Type 52s but with Michelin defender LTX tires. Got it done at discount tire.

These, in my opinion superior, tires are $150 cheaper per versus the 21" pirelli option. The next set of tires I buy will pay for the wheels.

@Indy avocado what’s your efficiency been with this setup? I just made this exact switch and saw my efficiency drop tremendously. From avg 2.3mi/kWh to 1.8 mi/kWh, roughly.

 

[Indy avocado]

@Indy avocado what’s your efficiency been with this setup? I just made this exact switch and saw my efficiency drop tremendously. From avg 2.3mi/kWh to 1.8 mi/kWh, roughly.

Just went to Utah and back. Saw 1.85 across the whole trip, but I was doing 80-85mph and had a LOT of wind.

I do think there's a bigger efficiency drop than was reported in the other thread, but how much I definitely can't say right now.

 

[ndmiller]

Just went to Utah and back. Saw 1.85 across the whole trip, but I was doing 80-85mph and had a LOT of wind.

1.85 with wind at 80-85 seems pretty efficient. Probably 2++ at 65-70. I saw 2.5 back and forth from the soccer fields yesterday on a sunny 70F day at 65-70 on 21's. I would think a lighter wheel and tire being 20's would be better.

 

[Indy avocado]

1.85 with wind at 80-85 seems pretty efficient. Probably 2++ at 65-70. I saw 2.5 back and forth from the soccer fields yesterday on a sunny 70F day at 65-70 on 21's. I would think a lighter wheel and tire being 20's would be better.

Lighter would be better, but I doubt the rubber compound of the Michelins is as efficient as the Pirellis that are designed for EVs. Also, the face of the MSW is going to have a little more aero drag than the 21s.

I expected a ~5% range loss. It's probably about that.

Maybe I'll do a back-to-back test this week by swapping out the wheels and tires.

 

[foxerson]

I've contemplated the Badlands jack as well as their Pittsburgh since it's significantly cheaper and I don't need the "offroad" capability. I kept getting hung up on the no jack stand part or having to have a lot more tools so this was my cheapo method that I felt was also safest and overall I'm happy with it.
You are braver than I using the stock stand!

I have resolved to buy the badlands floor jack before swapping back to 20” AT from my winter setup of 1EV R1000 with Hakka LT. When installing the winter wheels I stacked three or four concrete pavers as a base for my 4-ton bottle jack. It still had to extend a long way and wobbled way too much when I bumped the truck lifting the wheel into place. ?

 

[KarTruck]

Lighter would be better, but I doubt the rubber compound of the Michelins is as efficient as the Pirellis that are designed for EVs. Also, the face of the MSW is going to have a little more aero drag than the 21s.

I expected a ~5% range loss. It's probably about that.

Maybe I'll do a back-to-back test this week by swapping out the wheels and tires.

Thanks for the response. The efficiency is very erratic - more finicky than with the Pirelli. Doesn't appear to stabilize even after the battery and other components have warmed up. Will have to try a longer road trip and see if the tradeoff for more tire options was worth it.

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