Now I realize the benefit of having a larger diameter, more ground clearance. But What is the benefit of having thicker sidewalls.



If you compare 2 set of wheels/tires against each other, 37/12.5/20 vs 37/12.5/15 they both come out to be about the same weight so there's really no benefit there either way in weight. However some people call the 37 on a 20 inch rim a rubber band tire. Whats that all about, it's got a decent amount more sidewall than the stock 32 on a 17 inch rim. Does that make the stock tire rubberband'ish? I know the benefits of having a larger rim and how they apply on the street so i was hoping some one could help me understand the handi caps a 20 inch rim brings offroad, even when paired with a some what bigger tires. Ive been staring at the 20 inch rockstars and I was wondering if there is a reasonable explination why I shouldn't be besides the stigma of being labeled a "mall crawler"

 

the more sidewall the better for doing crawling like this. Thats why we all go with the smaller rims here.

 

A taller sidewall will flex better when aired down, as well as ride better on the street. I run 37's on the factory 17's. In the picture below from last weekend note how the rear tire is compressed as weight is transfered to the rear increasing rear tire traction.