New Truck 17" Wheels

[RVhiker]

I'm accustomed to having 16" wheels on 3/4 ton pickup trucks. Chevy at least has changed the standard wheel size to 17" on new trucks. Is there any advantage or disadvantage to having 17" instead of 16" wheels on 3/4 ton pickups?

[4X4Dodger]

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)

[RVhiker]

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?

[rhagfo]

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#!

[APT]

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