I don't think that $169 for a steel wheel is "competitively priced"

 

The stock 20" tires suck in real snow like we get here. I got 4 brand new steel wheels for about $400 tax included and another $100 tax included for center caps here in Canada right from the dealer. Then I picked up some very low mile studded winter tires from my bud who was trading in his Ram for $200. So for $700 I have a set of real winter tires mounted on rims. I can change them whenever I want and don't have to wait for an appointment at the garage. My wife drives the truck most of the time and she's much safer with the narrower 17" winter tires on the truck. I have the Superchips tuner so I adjust for tire size differance and turn off the TPMS for winter.

 

here in Canada the dealer is selling silver painted 17" steel wheels for $100 tax included each.

 

Didn't have a chioce on my rims as EVERY dealer around here thinks we want 20" chrome rims for and extra $400

Once the tires need to be replaced I plan to ditch these rims. Like others said, 20" tires are crazy money. Plus the stock tire suck in the rain, can't wait to see how they are in the snow

 

I went from 20s down to 17 and ever since ive always wanted to go back to a 20. I have 37" tires on the 17 and i feel like there is way to much roll. I like a stiffer feel. i even keep my airbags in the back end pressured up so the truck rides stiffer.

Why would a 17 make a truck faster ? I always just figured tire diameter was the factor. i guess you could get a smaller diameter tire on a 17 but i think the truck would look super goofy

 

I wasn't thinking about big tires and 17" wheels. I meant "normal" tires and 17's - sort of like a work truck might have. Big wheels affect performance in two ways, the overall tire diameter changes the effective gear ratio, and secondly the extra weight creates more rotational inertia. It takes more power to spin up big wheel/tires setups. It can actually be measured on a Dynojet.

 

Couple thoughts here
1) yes - 37's on a 17" wheel is going to result in more sidewall flex. The more sidewall you have, the more it cushions the ride and the more sideways deflection you can get.

2) Tire weighs less than rim. So for tires with the same diameter, the one on a similar smaller diameter rim will be lighter = less rotating mass = better mileage, quicker acceleration and better braking. Whether or not you can feel the difference depends on a lot of things.

 

I purchased a set of 17" rims and tires from my Dodge dealership (Toronto, Canada). I did shop around before the purchase, and was pleasantly surprised they were competitively priced.

For those of you in the market for a set, don't discount your dealer until you've checked with them first.

And for those of you that are unsure, all things being equal, your better off with 17" snows if snow performance is your primary concern, than 20".

Generally, narrow and taller is better for snow grip.

 

When I bought my truck last winter i asked for winter tires in the deal and had them installed on the 20 inch rims. I kind of regret it now because the 20s are nowhere near as surefooted as the 17s on my 2003 - even in 4wd. I was looking into getting 20 inch steels but I wonder if i should just sell the 20 inch winters and buy new 17 inch rims and tires? Probably get them for less than $1000 - 20 inch winters alone were nearly $1400!!!