Forum Discussion

Sage_Rat's avatar
Sage_Rat
Explorer
Aug 23, 2023

New tire option for us 17” SRW orphans

Long time listener, first time caller.
BFG has a fairly new tire out, called the HD Terrain T/A KT. It comes in many sizes, but for those of us wearing 17s, there really hasn’t been as many options as the 18s and 20s.
3 of the larger sizes of 17s have a load index of 128 (3970). These are the 285/75, 295/70, and my size that I have been running on my stock 2005 Dodge CTD for 18 years, 315/70/17.

I’ve owned 3 prior campers, and have a Bigfoot 9.4 on order. I know the wheels will now become the weakest link, but the 3195 number on my current tires just wasn’t enough especially climbing the 20 mile gravel road up Steens Mt. From Frenchglen to Fish Lake in Southeastern Oregon with a camper on your back.

Apologies if this is old news., profile to come soon.
Truck Campers
  • Grit_dog's avatar
    Grit_dog
    Navigator
    Aug 23, 2023
    There are “some” heavier load index 17s again in 285-70 and 285-75. And of course 295-70. But for a good while there wasn’t.
    But the easiest “upgrade” is just getting a set of takeoff wheels in 18 or 20”. Generally can find a new/newish set of wheels and tires for about the cost of tires alone.
    No sense even messing with trying to stick with 17s for not just the load index limitations.
  • jimh406's avatar
    jimh406
    Explorer III
    Aug 24, 2023
    Welcome to the site! I didn't realize 17" was orphaned, but I'm glad you have new options! :D
  • Sage_Rat's avatar
    Sage_Rat
    Explorer
    Aug 24, 2023
    Grit- thanks for the information, I didn’t realize the 18s could be plug-n-play many years later.

    I have an early G56 that hits 2000rpm before 70mph even with the 315s, so I will look for something at least 34” tall. The 315s were the tallest fit without lifting.

    I’m now lusting after a load index of 128 or 129, newer 18” rims would be nice…. Thanks again!
  • Grit_dog's avatar
    Grit_dog
    Navigator
    Aug 24, 2023
    Sage Rat wrote:
    Grit- thanks for the information, I didn’t realize the 18s could be plug-n-play many years later.

    I have an early G56 that hits 2000rpm before 70mph even with the 315s, so I will look for something at least 34” tall. The 315s were the tallest fit without lifting.

    I’m now lusting after a load index of 128 or 129, newer 18” rims would be nice…. Thanks again!


    I had the same, early G56. Thank god it wasn’t 4.10s lol.
    But yes srw Rams are still 8x6.5 lugs even new models. And any stock tire/wheel combo is a perfect fit on a 3rd Gen. That’s what I did back in the day on the 07. Got a set of new 4th gen 20s.
    Best I could do for tall n skinny and price point was 275-65-20 when I wore out the 285-60s. But the high load tire options are numerous for both 18s and 20s.

    And there’s piles of them for sale since a large number of folks put aftermarket wheels on them.
    For the old GM guys, Ram wheels are also a great option for GMT800 trucks. GM changed bolt patterns with the gmt900 models I believe. Should be a law about that and all 3 should have 8x6.5 still….
  • c_traveler2's avatar
    c_traveler2
    Nomad
    Aug 26, 2023
    I'm looking at changing up from 17" to 18" steel rim for my 2007 F250 and finding it rather difficult in finding sources. I would like to get into the higher tire load range for my truck, so if you have any reliable source please let me know.
  • Grit_dog's avatar
    Grit_dog
    Navigator
    Aug 26, 2023
    c.traveler2 wrote:
    I'm looking at changing up from 17" to 18" steel rim for my 2007 F250 and finding it rather difficult in finding sources. I would like to get into the higher tire load range for my truck, so if you have any reliable source please let me know.


    Idk, googled it and several retailers popped up instantly. Don’t know what the difficulty could be?
    They did or still do have an 18” OE steel option.
    But fwiw, idk why you’d intentionally stick with the base model OE steel wheels. Unless personal preference of the look of them?
    You can find multitudes of takeoff wheels/wheels and tires in 18 or 20” for sale. Mostly nicer aluminum wheels as well.
  • c_traveler2's avatar
    c_traveler2
    Nomad
    Aug 29, 2023
    Grit dog wrote:
    c.traveler2 wrote:
    I'm looking at changing up from 17" to 18" steel rim for my 2007 F250 and finding it rather difficult in finding sources. I would like to get into the higher tire load range for my truck, so if you have any reliable source please let me know.


    Idk, googled it and several retailers popped up instantly. Don’t know what the difficulty could be?
    They did or still do have an 18” OE steel option.
    But fwiw, idk why you’d intentionally stick with the base model OE steel wheels. Unless personal preference of the look of them?
    You can find multitudes of takeoff wheels/wheels and tires in 18 or 20” for sale. Mostly nicer aluminum wheels as well.


    I should have added I only want to stay with steel rims and that's where the problem comes in. Plenty of forge/cast out there in 18" but the load rating isn't very high.
  • Grit_dog's avatar
    Grit_dog
    Navigator
    Aug 29, 2023
    OE Steel wheels also for sale and easy to find.
    You may be mistaken about the strength of steel rims vs alloys.
    Yes some are cheap, but in general OE alloy wheels and all decent aftermarket ones are rated good and about the same. A few are considerably higher rated but not steel. Like some Method wheels.

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