16 rims = Thicker tires -vs- 17 rims with thinner tires

huntw · **Joined:** Sat Mar 02, 2013 12:14 am **Posts:** 4

I have a 2010 Liberty KK Limited with stock 17 rims 235/65s. I need tires and want to beef them up a bit. Not going to get lift because I do a lot of towing and this is my daily driver. I can get a set of stock 16 rims from a buddy if I want them.

I am looking at a 245/65/17 which is a bit taller and wider than stock or I could go 245/75/16 which is same basic size but will give a lot more volume due to the smaller rim.

So the question is: Which is better off road. Higher air volume or bigger rim?
Which is better on road?

Also any experience with Cooper AT3,s?

arengant · **Posted:** Sat Mar 02, 2013 2:14 am

bigger volume offroad (gives room for the tire to flex)

Opposite for on road, flexing on road in corners can be bad, but some flexing over pot holes and such is good

tires on 17" rims are more expensive usually, and depending on what combo it will probably be lighter dropping in wheel size = slight mpg savings

lfhoward · **Posted:** Sat Mar 02, 2013 7:16 pm

I have read posts that pretty consistently say that 245/75/16's will rub pretty badly unless you are lifted.

The Cooper Discoverer A/T3's are a great tire. That's what I'm running now (in 225/75/16 size). They get tons of traction on and off road, are great in weather, and maintain good gas mileage on the highway. I've had mine for approximately 35,000 miles now and they look like they are just beginning to get broken in. There is still tons of tread left.

lfhoward · **Posted:** Sat Mar 02, 2013 7:21 pm

huntw, are you anywhere near the Philadelphia, PA area? I will be getting a 4 inch lift installed next Monday and after that my 225/75/16 tires will look pretty small. I might be looking to upgrade if I knew someone could buy my used Coopers to offset my cost.

huntw · **Joined:** Sat Mar 02, 2013 12:14 am **Posts:** 4

No I live in Salt Lake City. A bit to much of a drive for used tires. Thanks.

lfhoward · **Posted:** Sat Mar 02, 2013 9:56 pm

Ha ha, true. I thought it would be worth a shot since you were looking for Coopers. :jester:

dieselenthusiast · **Posted:** Sun Mar 03, 2013 1:09 am

Are you planning to sell your KK 17" rims?

huntw · **Joined:** Sat Mar 02, 2013 12:14 am **Posts:** 4

No, I was actually considering picking up the 16,s and putting AT tires on them and keeping my 17,s on for everyday driving. I do like a smooth efficient ride on my 20 mile freeway commute (each way).

I Keep going back and forth. I live in Utah so it snows some and I ski and snowshoe in the winter. Summer I am in the hills but mostly it,s tarmac to the trail heads, ski hills or lakes. The AT,s would be for a few times a year of overlanding in the desert or up in idaho, Wy for a couple of weeks in the summer. I have a Coleman E2 off road camper as well and drag it to some fairly inappropriate places.

So basicly: Should I get a cheap set of fat 16,s for use 10 to 12 times a year or compromise and get an in-between tire that is jack of all trades and master of none?

dieselenthusiast · **Posted:** Sun Mar 03, 2013 1:28 pm

I would go with a tire that is jack of all trades. I would consider the Cooper AT3 or Toyo Open Country A/T, or Goodyear Duratrac.

huntw · **Joined:** Sat Mar 02, 2013 12:14 am **Posts:** 4

You are probably right. Changing tires would get old.

One more question. I was thinking about building a small Overland trailer to haul my crap. I was thinking about using the 16,s for the trailer. I would match the tire size (diameter) as closely as possible from trailer to truck. If i did that, could I use the trailer wheel/tires as a back up spares and liberty spare as a back up for the trailer. One spare total for six wheels. This would be for short time only until I could get to service. Not driving 300 miles home. If I had two flats I could take a trailer wheel to get me out, then come back for trailer later.

Make sense? It would save some cash by not buying two 17 rims and 16 inch tires are cheaper.

I know......... I over-think this stuff.

dieselenthusiast · **Posted:** Sun Mar 03, 2013 5:34 pm

You need to subscribe to this thread: viewtopic.php?f=72&t=73380

TrueTexUSN · **Joined:** Thu Jun 13, 2013 11:15 pm **Posts:** 104

What did you end up with? I'm having the same debate- stick with 17s for the look or go down to 16s for more options. I'm driving myself nuts!

HoosierJeeper · **Joined:** Sun Feb 15, 2009 8:23 am **Posts:** 1218

I have the 17s on mine....honestly the 16 vs 17 isn't a huge deal, either IMO leaves plenty of sidewall.

16 rims = Thicker tires -vs- 17 rims with thinner tires

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