The Impact of Sidewall and Rim Size on Ride Quality

6:45

15:34

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Understanding how to pick out the right size Tires, Rims and wheels

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What happens here

The hosts explain how the amount of tire sidewall (the rubber between the wheel and the road) significantly impacts ride quality and load-bearing capabilities. They compare a 40-inch tire on a 22-inch wheel with more sidewall to a 37-inch tire on the same size wheel with less sidewall. More sidewall generally leads to a softer, more comfortable ride and better performance for airing down off-road. Conversely, less sidewall (low-profile tires) often results in a harsher ride but can offer a particular aesthetic. The difference in rim size while maintaining a similar overall tire diameter is shown, illustrating how more rim equates to less sidewall.

Goal: Understand how tire sidewall amount affects ride quality and off-road performance.

Tools and materials

37-inch Tire with 22-inch Wheel — Demonstrating less sidewall for comparison
40-inch Tire with 22-inch Wheel — Demonstrating larger sidewall
Leaf Blower Milwaukee — Cleaning snow off tires for visual clarity

What they say

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rim size itself. This is a 2214. So you'll see, you know, obviously there's a decent amount of sidewall here, but when you drop down, this is the same 22 x 12 37. You got a little bit less sidewall. The more air, more sidewall there is, the better the ride quality is actually going to be. So when you take this part of the tire away, you're actually adding it right into your back. Exactly. Basically, so you're going to feel it a little bit more. So the more meat you've got in the rubber, that adds to the suspension. So the tire actually is an integral integral. It's a big word for a Polish guy. An integral. Integral. I don't think you're saying it right either. All right. Come here. Let's ask. Let's ask the camera guy. How do we say it? Integral. Brent. How do we say it? What he said. Okay. Hopefully you guys know what we mean. Thanks, camera guy. So, if we could go with a 24in rim on this one. This is a 22. We're going to be taking the meat away from the tire, but keeping the same diameter. Same diameter tire. Yeah, the tire is going to be fine, but the sidewall is going to cut down something like this. Well, actually, let's show them exactly what we're talking about right here. So, these are almost identical tires. Yep. Right. 18-in rim, but 16in rim and a 17in rim. That's why we put them all side by each like that. You had a good question, Jared, right? This was your question. Yeah. I just want to make sure I'm measuring it right. So, a 22-in wheel is really nowhere 22 in. It's 22 in at the mounting surface of the tire. So if you go edge to edge, it's a 23 and 1/2 in rim, right? Or wheel. If you go inside to inside, it's a 21 1/2 in wheel. So if you go where about the tire would mount to where the tire would mount here, it's 22.

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