stock tire size question?
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stock tire size question?
Will hopefully be buying a new truck this year and will probably be an f250. Have a lot of time on my hands now so am doing as much research as possible. Am curious what the difference is between the 18" and 20" tires, also the 17". what do these different sizes do to your carrying and towing capacittes, also do they effect the handling and maneuveribility of the trucks. Am moving up from a 98 F150 and never really thought abpout bigger trucks until the last year so need some guidance, and figure it is cheaper to look like an idiot on here than in front of a dealer with a bigger commission online.
Thanks in advance for any input.
Thanks in advance for any input.
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Joined: Jul 2005
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From: Denver, Co
Rim size plays no part in towing/hauling capacities. The deciding factor is load range on the tires themselves, and, as you are talking stock tires, they are all load range E tires.
As for handling characteristics, the difference is pretty minimal. You did not mention a model year so here is what the 2005-7 Super Duties had available:
The 17" rims will probably provide the largest selection of tires. Both the 18" & 20" rims have a smaller pool of tires to choose from. Again, this is taking only stock sized tires into consideration.
Along the same lines, as you go larger in rim size, the tires tend to get more expensive to replace. Might be another factor to add into the overall equation.
As for handling characteristics, the difference is pretty minimal. You did not mention a model year so here is what the 2005-7 Super Duties had available:
Metric Size - Diameter x Width x Sidewall Height
245/75-17 - 31.5" x 9.5" x 7.2"
265/70-17 - 31.6" x 10.4" x 7.3"
275/70-18 - 33.2" x 10.8" x 7.6"
275/65-20 - 34.1" x 10.8" x 7"
One of the most handling-affecting measurements would be the sidewall height. Large sidewalls tend to flex during aggressive cornering. As you can see from the above numbers, the sidewalls for all of these tires cover a range that is just over half an inch.245/75-17 - 31.5" x 9.5" x 7.2"
265/70-17 - 31.6" x 10.4" x 7.3"
275/70-18 - 33.2" x 10.8" x 7.6"
275/65-20 - 34.1" x 10.8" x 7"
The 17" rims will probably provide the largest selection of tires. Both the 18" & 20" rims have a smaller pool of tires to choose from. Again, this is taking only stock sized tires into consideration.
Along the same lines, as you go larger in rim size, the tires tend to get more expensive to replace. Might be another factor to add into the overall equation.
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Joined: Mar 2004
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From: Boston
The replacements seem few for the 275/70-18 tires? How much bigger can you go on the 18x8 rims on a stock 08 Super Duty?
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Posting Guru
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From: Denver, Co
Originally Posted by duffman77
When I bought my 2007 F350 I got the 18" because it upgraded the GVWR of my truck. I wish I would have went with the 17" now.
GCWR & tow rating are both dictated by the engine (5.4L, 6.8L, 6.0L), transmission (TorqShift vs. manual), differential gearing (3.73, 4.10, 4.30), single rear wheel vs. dual rear wheel, 4x2 vs. 4x4, cab configuration (standard, extended, and crew cabs), and which F-series. There is nothing in any of the guideline tables found in the Owners Manual, Towing Guide, or other Ford publications that adjust towing or payload capacity based on tire size.
On a side note, I had an '05 Lariat that I swapped for an '06 Harley. The Lariat had the wider 17" tire & rim package while the Harley had the 20" tire & rim package. I did notice a roughly 1-1.5 MPG drop with the larger tire & rims. This can pretty much be attributed to a larger footpring & profile (more resistance) and larger/heavier rotational mass. May be something to keep in mind, if you are overly conscious of or concerned about fuel economy.
Last edited by Deluxe05; Jan 22, 2008 at 10:23 AM.
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Joined: Jan 2007
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From: Thomasville NC
18" wheels
Originally Posted by Bernie Lomax
The replacements seem few for the 275/70-18 tires? How much bigger can you go on the 18x8 rims on a stock 08 Super Duty?
Just replaced 275 75 18 Cont. with 305 65 18 on my F350 SD 4x4 love them.
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