I am looking at another set of tires soon and I really liked the BF Goodrich AT's that I ran on my truck for a while. They where a bit larger then the stock tire and they rode very rough but I like the look and they where great offroad. I was at my local tire shop today and they gave me a quote for a really good AT tire and it was about $1500 bucks. I went online to Discount tire and I can buy the BF Goodrich AT tire that I want with a basic 17" rim (which is all I want) for about $1500 bucks and then next time I need tires I can get the same tire for about $900 bucks. So it raises the question for me of should I switch to the 17" rim to save money? Has anyone done this? If so did they tires ride better since there is more sidewall? I am interested in your opinions! Thanks

 

17's will give a better ride than the 20's and should give better fuel mileage as well.

 

Better milage depends on what rubber you put on it.

I did it on my old 05, milage went down, but you will see why below. I had people comment on the wheel tire combo, even the person who bought it says he gets comments on them. These wheels are very high maintenance though as they are not coated. Tires were awesome, if you do not mind the drop in MPGs

 

Yes. Smaller wheels should get you better towing performance too.

 

Chrysler rates 20" wheels reduces towing capacity by 1000 lbs. when compared to 17" wheels. Plus there are HUGE advantages off-road with more sidewall...

 

I was talking to the wife about it last night and she actually agreed with me on the 17" wheel idea. I am on my third set of tires, took original's off for the BFG's and leveling kit at 10K and took the BFG's off and leveling kit out at 35K for the Firestone AT's and better mpg's. I think I have about 10-15k worth of tread but I am one of those kind of guys who replaces tires sooner rather then later. When you live in snow country 4,5/32nd's doesn't do much in the snow! Anyway if I do go with the 17's which it looks like I will the rims will be painted like the one's I have now and the tires will be 33's to keep the same height that I have now. I think the factory 17" tire combo is only 31" tall and I want to keep the 33" look. I am doing heavier towing more often now so maybe it is a good idea all around! Thanks for the opinions.

 

I swapped out my factory (chinese made) junk chrome clad 20`s for 17 inch steel wheels an tires and never looked back or regretted it. (chrome dont getcha`home)
Saved myself over $400 everytime i buy new tires now. Much better ride as well.

 

Yep, I did the same not 3 weeks off the lot with under 1000 miles on 'em I pulled he cheazy Goodyear tires and factory 20s off and replaced with 33" Mickey Thompson MTXs and Mickey Thompson Classic II wheels in 17" flavor. Been running the same wheels for over 8 years now but my current 35" Cepek tires went on with my lift in '05. BTW seven years, close to 40k miles on my Cepeks and the tread is barely worn...

 

I traded 20's for 17's when I wore the tires out. Then I bought a set of aftermarket KL77 black/machined 20's and put a used set of LT275/65/20 on

 

The factory 17's are pretty decent - actual aluminum rims without the plastic cladding