I came across something interesting in the 2004 F150 Owners Manual. I have a 2004 F150 SCREW Lariat with 18" wheels. For some reason the towing capacity and payload specs drop when the vehicle is equipped with 18" wheels. Anyone know why?

 

yup. A larger wheel is harder to get rolling and is also harder to stop. The taller tire also equates to 'taller gearing', so to speak. So people prefer the 'look' of big wheels even though they are less functional and cost more. The single item I dislike most about my '02 is the stupid 17" rims on it. 1/2 ton trucks are supposed to have 15" rims.