How does type of wheel effect towing capacities? I have an 02 and wanted to go with some lightning wheels but was wondering if that would lower the amount I can tow.

Thanks for the

 

Do you mean 'type' or 'size'?

If you end up with a larger overall tire/wheel circumference it would reduce capability as you are effectively changing the ratio.

Here is a comparison from the chart on like trucks, the only difference being wheelsize.

4.6....SUP....AUTO...3.55/16.4X4...6600
4.6....SUP....AUTO...3.55/17.4X4...6100

4.6....REG....AUTO...3.55/17.4X4...6300
4.6....REG....AUTO...3.55/16.4X4...6800

5.4....REG....AUTO...3.55/17.4X4...7800
5.4....REG....AUTO...3.55/16.4X4...7900

The less horsepower, the bigger the impact a larger wheel has.
If you have a 5.4L, it wouldn't be noticed.

 

Going from stock 16 or 17" wheels to 20" could affect your towing performance and limits. Larger wheels are generally heavier which can reduce acceleration and braking performance. The larger impact is load limits, though. Shorter sidewall tires generally have lower load ratings than ones in stock sizes. The laod rating on stock L tires is about 200-400 pounds lower than most regular F-150 tires.

However, if you plan on towing les than 4000 pounds, I don't think you'll have any problems.

 

Thanks guys...that helps me make the decision to just keep my 16's and stock tire size. I usually tow around 4500 lbs to the track...and did not want to effect that. I thought the smaller sidewall on a 20 hd wheel would be bad as far as my situation goes.

Does anyone have any suggestions for nice looking 16's?

Thanks for all the help

 

Tires should be quite a big cheaper and last longer, but they obviosuly won't look as nice.

 

That is true but I guess when it comes down to it I am dealing with the tow vehicle...how much bling do I really need?!?

Thanks again

 

When looking at aftermarket wheels, you should make sure on what their load ratings are..... I've found that most of the less expensive aluminum wheels out there do not have much of a load rating to them..... Like less then #2000!! The higher end ones will have load ranges of #3000 or more.

They do make LT rated tires in 18-20" sizes, but they cost some serious $$...

I just got some new tires for my truck and I was inquiring about some aluminum wheels and while the aftermarket ones are nice, they still cost a whole lot! The guy said he had some of the factory stock aluminim wheels for the F150 and I could have all four for $150!! I jumped all over them, as I had the stock steel ones with cheapo plastic chrome wheel covers!

They are the polished version with the 5 "spokes" on them. Just used my center cap and it looks like a new rig! Combined with the 265/75/16 tires, it's a pretty good looking combo IMO!

Good luck!

Mitch

 

Are they the same ones that I have in my signature? I think they look nice when cleaned up!!!