I am looking at buying an 09 Ram 1500 Crew Cab RWD SLT. I see there is a Big Horn option that has 20in rims/wheels. What are the advantages or disadvantages or the 20 inch vs the 17 inch? I do mostly city driving with a few trips to the desert on dirt roads but nothing requiring 4wd.

Thanks.

 

They're no difference performance wise -- they're all rated the same. The bigger rims might get result in a slightly lower gear ratio, so better gas mileage and slightly less power. I doubt you'll notice it though.

The 20 might look nicer, depending on who you ask, and I'd recommend the 17s if you're doing constant dirty work-truck work where you might scuff up nice rims, but other than that it's up to what you like best.

For me, I'd get the 17s, but that's simply because I don't way to pay the cha-ching to get the bling.

 

johndoe is a troll.

Check the Dodge website and the tow ratings for each vehicle package. 17's have a higher tow rating.

 

Unless there is a huge difference in weight, the wheel size will not affect fuel, power, or gear ratio.

Tire diameter and weight could affect power and fuel efficiency.

The tire and rim size can affect max load which would affect tow rating.

A numerically lower gear ratio can also lower tow rating. 3.55 and 3.92 are what is offered in 09 1500's. The 3.55 is better on fuel. The 3.92 is better for towing.

I'm looking to sell my 20's and get 17's in a mud terrain since I use my truck to tow my jeep to the offroad park and go off highway often for hunting etc. 17's are cheaper and have many more options available and usually offer better protection of the rim from rocks etc when comparing a 33" tire on a 20 or 17 rim.

 

Since you will do mostly city driving, there is no great difference. You'll corner a little better at high speeds with lower profile tires on 20" wheels.
Towing/hauling limits and fuel economy will be slightly higher with 17s, but not enough to matter.
If you were an off-roader, you'd not even be asking the question. For off-road use you want the most sidewall flex, footprint and floatation you can get. Many of us wish we could get 15" wheels to fit with those big calipers for off-road use, but we have to live with 17s...

 

I special ordered my Laramie with 17s instead of 20s. Mainly because I'm just yanking the stock wheels off and putting nice aftermarket 17s on instead. 20s look nice, but holy friggin a! Tires are expensive!

 

I'm thinking that the 20's look great but not many good options for true AT's out there for them and man are they expensive. I have the 3.92 gearing and would like to switch to 17's as well if that is possible. Not sure if I can??????????

 

No reason you can't switch to 17's.

 

I like my 20s because it seems to fill up the wheel well better and doesn't look so tiny. The tires are expensive though, we're talking about $200 a pop.

 

Get the 17's, wear them out and get some decent looking 20's, plus then you'll get a real spare tire, not one of those POS temp spares!