17 inch wheels vs 18 inch on tow vehicle

Second Chance wrote:

Grit dog wrote:

Trackrig wrote:
Has anyone found a chart showing the load carrying capacity of different diameter tires? Let's say load range Es in 16", 16.5", 17", 18", 19" and 20" if they exist. And yes I know different brands of tires in LR E have different weight capacities.

Bill

In general, the greater width/ aspect ratio equals greater weight capacities.
To the original question, 17" rims are fairly limited in higher capacity tires, but with only a 10klb 5ver in tow, you'll likely not exceed the standard 17" tires of 3195lb cap.
18s and 20s have many more brand tread, size and weight cap options.
Don't let the 17s pull you away from the right truck, as takeoff wheels are plentiful for sale used on Craigslist if you can shop near a big city and somewhat in the country too.
Lots of 18 and 20" takeoffs for sale from guys that buy big aftermarket tires and new rims. Sell the 17s and you're only out a small amount of $ to upgrade if you need.

I beg to differ: I have 20" rims on my truck (came with them) and I have far fewer choices in tires. The 20" tires mostly come in lower profile (so the outside diameter doesn't get to big for wheel wells, etc.) which means I cannot get a load range F tire for my wheels. It's air volume plus tire construction that determine load range. The tire size calculator at tiresize.com will help you determine what you can fit in your wheel wells without changing the gear ratios too much (you don't want taller gear ratios for towing):

Sire size calculator

My advice is to shop for the tires first and then determine the correct rims. At 10k, though, I don't think you need to worry about it.

Rob

Less than what? 18s? I agree. But more choices than 17s. Heck I think there may be more choices in 16s still than 17s.
You're absolutely right that tire construction is a factor. It's the primary factor, but when shopping apples to apples, size and load rating (E vs D etc) the weight ratings are almost dead on for the same size tire, different brand. There are exceptions, but generally speaking.
And the new load range F Light truck tires are jsit marketing. Look at the load ratings. No more than E tires, until you get into real medium duty tires, but we are not talking 19.5s here.