Maximum Towing Capacity?
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Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2015
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From: Wyoming
Maximum Towing Capacity?
The 2017 F-250 Build and Price page says
Since the F-250 package uses 20" wheels does that mean I need to go to a 20" wheel on the F-350 to get the maximum towing capacity?
I was planning to go with the 18" Bright Machined Cast Aluminum w/Magnetic Painted Pockets and Bright Hub Covers/Center Ornaments (64C) wheels when I order but now I'm not so sure.
The Trailer Tow Package - High Capacity is optional on all F-250 models. Package includes:
• Increase GCW on diesel engine from 23,500 lbs. to 25,700 lbs.
• Max Front Springs
• Upgraded axle
• 20” Chrome PVD Aluminum wheels – LARIAT and King Ranch® only
• 20” Polished Aluminum wheels – Platinum only
• Increase GCW on diesel engine from 23,500 lbs. to 25,700 lbs.
• Max Front Springs
• Upgraded axle
• 20” Chrome PVD Aluminum wheels – LARIAT and King Ranch® only
• 20” Polished Aluminum wheels – Platinum only
I was planning to go with the 18" Bright Machined Cast Aluminum w/Magnetic Painted Pockets and Bright Hub Covers/Center Ornaments (64C) wheels when I order but now I'm not so sure.
Prolocutor
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 13,618
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From: Western MA
That wouldn't make sense if things are the way they have always been. The 18" package was always rated higher than the 20". The 20" tires have a higher rating but the 18" wheels more than make up for that. Maybe something has changed though and the new 20" rims have a higher rating than all the previous iterations?
Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2005
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I remember hearing something about the 2011 model year that 20's and 18's were now rated that same for capacity...something about adding or removing a leaf?? I remember a friend mentioning it when we were talking about adding a leaf or airbags to keep my 2011 from sagging in the back so much with my camper attached. I think before that year...as Rodney said...18's always had a higher rating that the 20s. I could be wrong about the year....
Cargo Master
Joined: May 2007
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From: Western New York
After some research and info found here I found out the 20" tires have a higher weight rating than the 18". They also have a shorter sidewall since the overall diameter is nearly identical. I may be old school but I have always understood the sidewall acts as a shock absorber and the shorter sidewalls did not flex as much and consequently sent greater shock into the suspension. Has anyone done a comparison drive with matched trucks and equal loads to compare the two for ride quality?
Prolocutor
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 13,618
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From: Western MA
Yes, the 20" tires are rated at 3750 as opposed to 3640 for the 18" but the 18" rims were always rated higher than the 20" rims so it was a wash plus some. This is why you can't get the camper package with 20's. The increased strength of the 18" wheels better handled the top heavy lateral loads of a slide in camper.
I went from the 18's on my current truck to some 20" take offs I bought on eBay. Ride was identical.
I went from the 18's on my current truck to some 20" take offs I bought on eBay. Ride was identical.
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Fleet Mechanic
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From: Hot Springs
Yea but IMOP they don't look near as good as the 20's do.. I almost went back to 18's to get the camper pkg but decided I didn't want to give up the rims. Aftermarket rims aren't an option for me.
Cargo Master
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 3,336
Likes: 4
From: Western New York
Yes, the 20" tires are rated at 3750 as opposed to 3640 for the 18" but the 18" rims were always rated higher than the 20" rims so it was a wash plus some. This is why you can't get the camper package with 20's. The increased strength of the 18" wheels better handled the top heavy lateral loads of a slide in camper.
I went from the 18's on my current truck to some 20" take offs I bought on eBay. Ride was identical.
I went from the 18's on my current truck to some 20" take offs I bought on eBay. Ride was identical.
Cargo Master
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,899
Likes: 185
After some research and info found here I found out the 20" tires have a higher weight rating than the 18". They also have a shorter sidewall since the overall diameter is nearly identical. I may be old school but I have always understood the sidewall acts as a shock absorber and the shorter sidewalls did not flex as much and consequently sent greater shock into the suspension. Has anyone done a comparison drive with matched trucks and equal loads to compare the two for ride quality?
LT275/65R18e
LT275/65R20e
Heights from an online calculator are:
32.07" for the 18 and 34.07" for the 20's. So 2" overall height means 1" of extra height if I order 20s.
What data do you have that says different?
Thanks
Prolocutor
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 13,618
Likes: 1,247
From: Western MA
34.4" for the 20's and 33.2" for the 18's ares the actual sizes of the Michelin LTX A/T2's that are shown on most of the 2017's.