Right so slowly getting miffed, despite being exceptionally careful when I park I've now managed to lightly scuff 2 of my recently refurbed 20" wheels.

I'm in the process of deciding whether to downsize to either 19" or 18" rims or persevere with 20" rims. If I did stick with 20s I was wondering if using a 20x9 rather than 20x9.5 would offer a little more protection to the rim.?

I'm assuming that being slightly narrower it would cause the sidewall to "bulge" out slightly more than on the 9.5" rim, is that the case? And is it safe to mount a 275/40 on a 9" rim?

Also should I decided to upgrade to 275/45 in the future is that also safe to fit on a 9" rim?

Thanks 2006 RRS HSE 2.7 TDV6 (The Baby one as I keep being told)
1999 Discovery 4.0 V8 (Gone but not forgotten)
1997 Range Rover 3.5 V8 (Long gone now)
1966 Series II SWB with RR 3.5 V8 (Never finished, now sold)

I think im going to give some 265/50/20 tyres a shot when my current 275/40/20 tyres are finished.

A reduction of 0.5" wont help in a tangible or noticable way, with the same tyres.

Moving to 275/45/20 will help with about 13-14mm more sidewall and will be safe on a 9" wheel.

Fit 19s and then run 255/55 tyres. Plenty of rim protection then, especially if you pick a tyre with a rim protection bead too.

Or just don't worry about it as life is too short to worry about a bit of a scuff on a wheel.  2012 SDV6 - it's missing a couple of cylinders
2008 TDV8 - it was a labour of love and is much missed

It’s just one of those things having scuffs on wheels. No one wants it but just can’t be helped.

I was going to buy the new shape Range Rover Sport 20” wheels (slightly narrower with taller tyres) but in the end, just bought standard size new tyres.