Wheels: I switched from 21 to 20

[R1Simon]

I’ve been thinking about this a lot too. One of the main reasons I’m currently on the 20s is it’s included free of charge for launch editions. If I’m finding myself feeling aggrieved with the lost range, I’ll probably just pick up a custom set of 20s with AS tires instead in the first few months of ownership, by which point I’ll also have a better idea of how much off-roading I’ll actually do with this thing.

I asked customer service what it would cost to purchase 21’s (both wheel and tire) so I could still use the Launch Edition upgrade to the 20’s. Like you, I don’t want to waste the free upgrade. Got a noncommittal response though… shocker.

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[sevengroove]

I asked customer service what it would cost to purchase 21’s (both wheel and tire) so I could still use the Launch Edition upgrade to the 20’s. Like you, I don’t want to waste the free upgrade. Got a noncommittal response though… shocker.

Hah, yup can't expect much from CS at this point. I'm probably not going to bother with the 21s for the reasons many folks have brought up above about availability of replacements. I'm going to roll with the 20s for at least a few months before making any sort of decision on a second set. Even if that decision involves not wanting to off-road ever again, I can sell my lightly used set of AT 20s to fund whatever range-efficient option is out there at the time.

 

[steelwheels]

If range difference between the 20 and 21 was not so great I would go with the 20s because I also think they look best. I will be 99% on road and don't want to take the range hit of the 20s, especially since I plan on getting dedicated winter tires (20") for ice/snow anyway. My biggest concern is the limited availability of 21s, so I am currently configured with the 22s to split the difference on range. There are several 22" tire options available today, and the Lightning will also be using this size so I'm not too worried about the 22s becoming hard to get.

I agree with you Fastwheels. After doing some research however it looks like going with the 20" wheels and then getting all season tires and a smaller ratio, I've been looking at 275/55R20, would be the best for range. If they ever come out with aero inserts for the 20" wheels, it could potentially even beat the range estimates for the 21s.

Here's my two main sources I used to help make a decision.

https://teslike.com

 

[skyote]

've been looking at 275/55R20, would be the best for range.

Those would be better for range, but keep an eye on the weight ratings of tires as well. Also, 275/60 R20 is very close to the height of the OEM tires on both 21 & 22s.

 

[Laurent]

I've compiled a (non-exhaustive) list of tires that would fit on the 20", 21", and 22" wheels. Mostly from Pirelli and Nokian.

 

[McMoo]

I've compiled a (non-exhaustive) list of tires that would fit on the 20", 21", and 22" wheels. Mostly from Pirelli and Nokian.

These seem like a good option, and very reasonably priced. I’ve liked Nokian tires in the past. 70k mile warranty. All these tire manufacturers are going to get burned in warranties for EVs since they have so much power and are heavy and wear through tires quickly.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Nokian-One-HT-All-Season-275-60R20-115H-Tire/388452859

 

[crashmtb]

. As of 1994, the factory tire size was no longer available, and are still not available.. 195/70 R15

I’ve actually seen that size available….. in some winter tires only.
certainly no Goodyear eagle performance tires of course

 

[steelwheels]

Those would be better for range, but keep an eye on the weight ratings of tires as well. Also, 275/60 R20 is very close to the height of the OEM tires on both 21 & 22s.

I had only given load rating a small consideration. I am somewhat new to this. I was considering the Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3, Michelin Defender LTX M/S, or Continental Terraincontact H/T.
What would you consider to be a safe load rating, if I don't plan on doing any trailering? Ill primarily be commuting to and from work (45 miles each way), trips to Home Detour, and a few car camp trips a year.

 

[fastwheels]

I agree with you Fastwheels. After doing some research however it looks like going with the 20" wheels and then getting all season tires and a smaller ratio, I've been looking at 275/55R20, would be the best for range. If they ever come out with aero inserts for the 20" wheels, it could potentially even beat the range estimates for the 21s.

Here's my two main sources I used to help make a decision.

https://teslike.com

This is exactly why I have asked CS a couple of times why/if Rivian could offer the 20" wheel with an all-season tire instead of the AT. I don't want to forego the wheel upgrade that comes with LE, but I also don't want to immediately change the tires off the factory wheels.

I 100% agree with you that a factory installed AS on the 20" wheel with aero inserts could well be the best option for range based on what I know, but I presume Rivian have spent a lot of time figuring this all out and believe these are the best three options...

 

[Laurent]

Added Michelin Defender LTX M/S and Continental Terraincontact H/T.

Unfortunately, there's no easy way to compare rolling resistance between all these tires.

 

[RivianuserR1T]

For all of the people that are talking about switching out the 20 AT tire to a 20 A/S, has anyone considered the potential for the truck to look odd with a smaller tire on a smaller rim?

 

[SeaGeo]

For all of the people that are talking about switching out the 20 AT tire to a 20 A/S, has anyone considered the potential for the truck to look odd with a smaller tire on a smaller rim?

Like 90% of the F150s I see on the road? ?

 

[ironpig]

most manufacturers are developing vehicle specific tires. It’s not unique to Rivian at all. What is unique is the weight of the vehicle and the fact that it has 4 independent motors applying force to those tires in unique ways compared to all other trucks on the road.

The most important factor by far is load rating. It’s an 8000lb vehicle with over 800 horsepower. I would not want to be experimenting with tires that Rivian hadn’t tested or certified.

 

[skyote]

Added Michelin Defender LTX M/S and Continental Terraincontact H/T.

Unfortunately, there's no easy way to compare rolling resistance between all these tires.

Any chance you could add tire weights to this as well? This could affect efficiency as much or more than tread pattern.

For all of the people that are talking about switching out the 20 AT tire to a 20 A/S, has anyone considered the potential for the truck to look odd with a smaller tire on a smaller rim?

275/65 R20 is the same OEM size. 275/60 R20 is close to the same tire height as the tires on 21/22s, but would have more sidewall (look "meatier").

 

[koersontap]

This is exactly why I have asked CS a couple of times why/if Rivian could offer the 20" wheel with an all-season tire instead of the AT. I don't want to forego the wheel upgrade that comes with LE, but I also don't want to immediately change the tires off the factory wheels.

I 100% agree with you that a factory installed AS on the 20" wheel with aero inserts could well be the best option for range based on what I know, but I presume Rivian have spent a lot of time figuring this all out and believe these are the best three options...

I assume it has more to do with their partnership with Pirelli. Note that all 3 tires they offer were developed in partnership with Pirelli specifically for the Rivian. It probably just comes down to use cases. They developed the A/T for the 20" rims, because that's the best setup for off road. They just didn't develop a second A/S for that rim size, and are sticking with the custom tires. Either because they trust Pirelli to not relive the Firestone debacle, or (more likely IMO) it was part of their agreement with Pirelli to only offer their partnered tires.

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