Hi all, I have a 2012 Ram crew Cab 4x4 short box with 20" chrome clad rims now. I am looking to get winter tires and probably steel rims. I understand I should go to 17" rims and winter tires ? Suppose to be better ? Besides the fact there are no 20" steel rims I guess. Thanks for any help or info on this before I go purchase wrong setup. Winters haven't been to bad in southern Ontario Canada but you never know when they maybe needed. Plus the fact this truck is my first. I do love it.
Thanks.

 

Depends on how much snow you plan on going through. Stock tires will get you around decent in 4wd. You have quite a few more aggressive upgrades available, too (on the 20" rims). If you want a dedicated winter set then going to 17" would likely be more cost effective.

 

A lot of guys like to swap rims/tires for the winter also because the sand and salt will eats the rims over time if they are not cleaned and maintained. Its not uncommon to see guys up north with pitted rims over time

 

If you still have the stock 20" Goodyear Wrangler HP, I would suggests at least getting a better 20" tire. I have been extremely satisfied with the year performance of the Goodyear Wrangler Silent Armor tires. However they are not cheap. If you can store two sets of rims/tires. Go with a dedicated winter tire and a steel rim.

 

What do you mean no 20" rims?

I just picked up a take off set from a Ram Express for $400.00 on Craigslist and put a set of GY Silent Armours on them for the winter. I am thinking of painting the rims black though.

That said I would have gotten some 17's if that is what I found in the ads. But these 20's came up and they only had a 100 miles on 'em.....

I have a new Imprezza but will most likely let my wife drive that instead of her Focus on bad days, so that is why I went for dedicated winter setup this year. For the past few I have had Michelin LTX M/SII on and have not had any real problems with them in 4 wheel drive. I just got one of those feelings it is going to be a bad winter this year.....I feel it it me old bones!

 

Same here I feel it might be a bad winter. I prefer to keep 20" (thinking bigger is better) for winter. Apparently on 17" steel rims are all I can find, new that is. Thanks for the info on this. As I do prefer to store the 20" ones in the heated garage and preserve those cladded rims and goodyears. Thanks.

 

Same story with me, i take the 20" off during winter, put 17" steely`s on.
Can save yourself a HUGE amount of money on tires alone, just by going 17" in the winter. (bigger selection as well)
As for handling, the 17inch "winter tires" are far better in my opinion in the winter. The 20" stock tires were just worthless.

 

If you do put on some 17's please post up your driving impressions after you've run them a few days. I bought an Express with the 20's and they are good for the look but functionally I'm beginning to feel that the truck would be faster and the ride & handling would be better with 17's.

I'd like to hear what the comparison feels like from somebody who has actually done it.

 

If you want 17's, check out ebay. You can usually find sets of the stock 17" alloys - lighter and nicer looking than a set of steel wheels for about the same price. I can't give any comparison info, always had the stock 17's.

 

Good morning all,

Found this thread and wanted to let you all know that you can order Mopar 17” x 7.0” steel wheels (PN - 0XJ45S4AAA) from your local dealer.
You'll be pleasantly surprised to see that they are competitively priced.
Provided you get a tire that gives you the same overall dimensions as the 20" with rubber, you won't have to get your Rams flashed to correct the odometer.


Hope that helps!