Wheel Differences

I am wondering if the folks who know rims & tires can comment on this...

Is there a ride diffeence between the 16" wheels versus the 18" and 20" wheels?

I have the factory 16" wheels, with the Bridgestone A/T 33" tires. I like the 16's because it allows for a tire with a high side wall. I don't off road yet, but feel that the higher sidewall that comes on a tire used with the 16" wheel is more beneficial to the truck as far as keeping things that may chew up the rims farther away. Like a curb, for example.
I also think that the larger sidewall gives more of an air cushion to the truck in normal road use to allow a smoother ride.

With the 18" or 20", wheels, it seems that the tires needed for those size rims have less of a sidewall, and may give a harder ride since there is less of an air cushion, and will also allow more debris to come in contact wit the rims that can chew them up.

I have been asking a lot of wheel questions lately because even though I like the factory 16" rims, I don't like having a Hub Cap. I think the truck should have the same wheels but with an open Hub and exposed lug nuts. It's just my opinion of course, but I have read that the off roaders remove their hub caps to keep them from getting chewed up.
Seems like The 18" factory wheels solve this problem, but then you need to buy 5 new tires, and I think The 18's come in a polished chrome only. That wouldn't be a good investment for a truck that gets used off road.

Any thoughts?

[Vettster]

Generally speaking, the larger diameter wheel will ride rougher than the smaller diameter. (if the tire height is the same)
The less sidewall you have, the less flex, hence a rougher ride.
On my H2 I took the hubcaps off and replaced the stock lug nuts with chrome, locking nuts. I also painted the hubs with some bar-b-que black paint.

[K9sH3]

I run with 22's, and a low profile street / highway tire. My ride is smother than before, but the wheel grabes more cross wind or air on bridges it seems.
And I am just waiting for me to hit and chew up the wheel. I know its going to happen and when it does I will be pissed at myself. Lucky for me I still havn't had any major scratches or dents yet. Even after driving over a sports cars front end a few months back.

I love hearing about how the trucks drive over other cars.

[K9sH3]

At the time it wasn't funny, but after my insurance company did a review of where and how it happened, and that I wasn't at fault. I HAVE LAUGHED EVERY TIME I THINK ABOUT IT!

[Desert Dan]

If you are going to go off road stay with the 16" rims and tires.
enough said...

If you want bling and low profile tires why did you buy an H3 with the Adventure Package?

[R6realtor]

you can have a good looking tire and wheel package and still go off roading, you can also get these in chrome! Desert Dan does have a point though, the 16" are nice for off roading nice big beefy tire for flex and traction, but these tires will probably do alright as well, 20" wheel and 33"x12.50" tire, so far these have been great in the nasty sand pits (nice and wide) but have not done any mudding yet