New Truck 17" Wheels

daamac wrote:

APT wrote:
Oh, I think I misunderstood. You are looking at replacing your 2008 with a new 2015/16 and 17" are the smallest offered. The brakes on 2015 (maybe starting in 2011?) are larger, thus 16" wheels do not fit.

That's the deal. My current tires, LT265/75 R16 E have a load rating of 3415 pounds. I thought (incorrectly?) that tires that fit on larger diameter wheels on a pickup had a lower load rating. Wrong?

Only if you step up to 18" rims!!!

17" tires have a LOWER rating for the same width!!

265/75-16E = 3,415#

265/70-17E = 3,195#!

APT wrote:
Oh, I think I misunderstood. You are looking at replacing your 2008 with a new 2015/16 and 17" are the smallest offered. The brakes on 2015 (maybe starting in 2011?) are larger, thus 16" wheels do not fit.

That's the deal. My current tires, LT265/75 R16 E have a load rating of 3415 pounds. I thought (incorrectly?) that tires that fit on larger diameter wheels on a pickup had a lower load rating. Wrong?

APT wrote:
Newer vehicles weight more, thus the trend of larger brake hardware in order to provide the same or shorter stopping distances. While you may not like or care about the appearance, much of the market does.

My third comment in tongue in cheek.

You may be able to find 16" wheels that fit your truck. Is it the 2008 Silverado in your signature? Tirerack for example lists many 16" wheel choices. Junk yards should also have used OEM wheels that fit.

Since you got what you got,I would not spend much in changing that size unless appearance was your main goal. Tire costs for the same tire in the sizes rhagfo listed are not significantly different enough to justify new wheels.

Edit: Oh, I think I misunderstood. You are looking at replacing your 2008 with a new 2015/16 and 17" are the smallest offered. The brakes on 2015 (maybe starting in 2011?) are larger, thus 16" wheels do not fit.

If looking new go to 18" wheels, not for looks, but as stated eariler tire weight capacity. The 18" tire have more more weight capacity then the 16", and way more than the 17".

Newer vehicles weight more, thus the trend of larger brake hardware in order to provide the same or shorter stopping distances. While you may not like or care about the appearance, much of the market does.

My third comment in tongue in cheek.

You may be able to find 16" wheels that fit your truck. Is it the 2008 Silverado in your signature? Tirerack for example lists many 16" wheel choices. Junk yards should also have used OEM wheels that fit.

Since you got what you got,I would not spend much in changing that size unless appearance was your main goal. Tire costs for the same tire in the sizes rhagfo listed are not significantly different enough to justify new wheels.

Edit: Oh, I think I misunderstood. You are looking at replacing your 2008 with a new 2015/16 and 17" are the smallest offered. The brakes on 2015 (maybe starting in 2011?) are larger, thus 16" wheels do not fit.

My Dodge Ram 2500 4x4 came factory equipped with 18 inch wheels which puts you up in the higher weight ratings. I have always wondered why Chevy/GMC seemed to put such small tires on their 3/4 tons. (this may be changing now)

APT wrote:
The 3 benefits of larger diameter wheels are:
Bigger brake rotors and calipers
Appearance
Increased tire and wheel manufacturer revenue

1) Bigger rotors and calipers would be nice, but I have had zero issues with the capabilities of the brakes on my 16" wheels.

2) I don't care about appearance.

3) I'm in favor of helping the economy, but not by paying more for less capability.

Are there any other advantages not already mentioned?

In playing with vehicle pricing websites, I've not seen any mention of being able to order 16" wheels. Anybody know if this can be done?

APT wrote:
The 3 benefits of larger diameter wheels are:
Bigger brake rotors and calipers
Appearance
Increased tire and wheel manufacturer revenue

The one disadvantage is lower tire weight capacity.

265/75-16E + 3,415# 265/70-17E = 3,195#!

The 3 benefits of larger diameter wheels are:
Bigger brake rotors and calipers
Appearance
Increased tire and wheel manufacturer revenue