Is there any advantage to 16.5" wheels over 16" wheels?

I was fairly set on getting 16s, but a local off-road shop highly recommend that I choose 16.5s instead. The guy said 16.5s have been around longer and have a more vast selection of compatible tires. (Personally, I was gonna go with BFG 315x75x16s, so I had already decided on a compatible tire for 16" wheels.)

Any thoughts? Is this guy legit?

 

NOT!!!

Sounds like the guy is trying to shove some 16.5" tires on you that he can't unload/sell. Run away, go somewhere else.

Stick with 16" wheels, what ever width you want, much, much bigger tire selection!

 

The biggest difference is the 16.5s have a poor bead design that is prone to failure if you air down when off-roading. If you do not air down it may not be a concern for you. Also there seem to be more and more 16 and 17 inch tire and rim choices appearing everyday and less and less 16.5 choices.

 

This site ROCKS! I can always count on y'all for great information!

Thanks guys! It looks like I'll be goin' with the 16s.

Now I just have to decide whether I want 16x8s or 16x10s. I'm leaning towards the 16x10s, since they'll fit the 35s I'm getting...and I can go bigger later if I decide to do so. If I never go bigger than 35s, is there any real difference I'll see between a 16x8 and a 16x10?

As always, THANKS!

 

A 35 12.50 tire mounted on 16 x10 tire will looker a little shorter and slightly wider than it would would on a 16 x8.For looks I prefer the way they look on the 16 x10, but if it is a financial thing nothing is wrong with the 16x8s

 

I had 35x12.5x16.5's on 16.5x9.75's with 0 problems.

But this was almost 1.5 years ago.

 

that advice given you by your vendor couldn't have been worse!

Besides the poor bead design, the availablity, selection and price of 16.5 tires s*ckz road apples.

Run, don't walk out of that guy's store, if he would try this on you he will do anything!

 

Thanks again for the input! This is a major learning process. New information every day!

I was planning on going with BFGs, and it seems the 315x75R16s are significantly more expensive than the 35x12.50x16.5s. So, that makes me lean back towards the 16.5" wheels (which are about the same price as the 16" wheels).

So...just how bad is the bead design on the 16.5" wheel. If I never air down, will I notice it? Will it be dangerous in a tight & fast turn? If there's any chance of me losing my tire, I'll go with the 16" wheels & pay the extra bucks for the 315x75R16s.

Thanks again!

 

I don't know about the bead design but I have found that most 16.5 tires are a good deal cheaper. The ones I am looking at are cheaper by $40 per tire. The wheels are usually around $5 more each. I have 16.5's and haven't had any problems. I never air down though. I mainly do highway driving and everything is good so far.

Brad

 

Thanks bccromer!

What kind of wheels do you have now? Also, what tires are you lookin' at?

Thanks!

 

Well right now I have Eagle Alloys 589's 16.5x9.75 with BFG AT/ko 33x12.50x16.5. Im looking at Weld Sidewinders and not sure on what tire yet but I know it will be 35's.

Brad

 

Hey bcromer...

How long have you had the Eagles? Are you gettin' the Welds just b/c you want to upgrade? Or b/c the Eagles already need to be replaced?

Thanks!

 

The Eagles still look brand new. Nothing wrong with them at all. I just want to upgrade. I am gonna lift my SCrew and put 35's on it, so I decided I will just go all out with the best wheels you can get. The Eagle Alloys are great wheels. Probably the most popular brand. If you want to check out my truck go to www.fordtruckworld.com/bccromer I have had my wheels and tires for about 3 months and no problems.

Brad