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.

 

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?

 

It was also my understanding that the 18" wheels had a higher weight rating. Now I'm not sure.

 

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....

 

My 2009 F150 had an extra leaf with the 20" tires. Never understood why though.

 

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?

 

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 would prefer the 18" wheels. The 18" tires tend to be less expensive.

 

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.

 

The 20" wheels are starting to grow on me. They do look good on the bigger truck.

 

Thanks for the input re: ride. Since I went for the camper pkg (I use a slide in camper) it does not really matter but all the discussion of 20's peaked my interest.

 

Has something changed? Can we get the camper pkg with the 20's?

 

No, the 2017 camper pkg. still prohibits the 20" wheels.

 

The standard tires for the SD are:
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

 

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.