I have been running 305/50 R 20 Goodyear Eagle II's since I bought my truck. In the winter, I switch back to the factory wheels and tires.

My number one concern with my summer wheels is the rough ride and sometimes crazy reaction over expansion joints. My Goodyear's are almost spent but still have some tread left. I want to buy some Toyo Proxes II but have not decided yet. I noticed the GM vehicles are running 285's and they seem to handle the bumps really well. I am wondering if reducing my tires to 285/50 it will help improve my ride? I can't recall how wide my wheels are but I have a feeling they are about 9 inches wide. I will try to confirm that but if anyone has any advice or is actually running 285/50 R20's please let me know. Thanks.

The OEM size is P275/60-20 so a 285/50 or 285/55 should fit fine, I'd get a 33" 275/60 or 32" 285/55 before I'd get a smaller dia 31" 285/50. You can also checkout 275 sizes in 32 and 33 diameters as well.

you will have no problem going with a 285/50. those new proxes tires are awesome, too. much better than the previous sts. however, dont be sure your tire size is whats causing the bad ride of bumps. you can check the threads around on the front struts. most of us believe thats what causes the bad ride over bumps. i'd look into the replacement bilstein struts if you want to cure the ride/steering problems.

Thanks for the info Pops and Matt.

I am definitely considering the Proxes II and may try to reduce the tire width to 285 or so.

Matt - I read at least one other thread about the Bilstein struts and it definitely made me say "hmmm". I can definitely see that being part of my problem - however the truck drives much better when I have the factory 18's on. I might try the new tires first and, if I can afford it, go for the Bilsteins next.

To be honest, I would love to trade-in my Armada for another SUV like the QX56 or the Escalade - but given the huge drop in value - I may be forced to keep her. It is still a great vehicle but I just want something new.

Wanna talk about depreciation, I read somewhere last year that the Escalade has the worst SUV depreciation second to a Hummer H2. Ido like them if a third row is not necessary and it can be kept until the wheels fall off.

I hear you on the depreciation. I saw an article on yahoo that the Lincoln Towncar can sell for $45k and only be worth $8K in about 5 years. That is crazy!!

I know the Armada/QX56 is much better than the American SUV's but I just love the look of the Tahoe/Escalade. However, they must have the 20"/22" wheels!! When I see an Escalade with the smaller 18's it looks like a "rental car". Similar to my Armada, nice wheels can make a huge improvement in the overall look of the vehicle.

My smartest move would be to keep my Armada for a long, long time!