Steel wheels, 17 vs 18 inch?

[Ovrland Bill]

The max pressure and load rating of the 17” bfg is 3195 lbs at 80 psig while the 18” bfg is 2835 lbs at 65 psig. I believe the 17” version of this tire has additional plys in it’s construction. This info is from tire photos at the Colorado event last week.

The 80 psi rating would also explain the need for steel-not rubber-valve stems on the wheels. Indeed, the 17” BFG would seem to be the ‘stronger’ tire.

 

[ATP]

I read that steel wheels are preferable as you can hammer it back to shape if you bend it out in the wilderness.

To an extent. But at least you can try. Don't try it with an alloy...

I've gone the 17' as have tried getting AT/MT Light Truck tyres in remote towns before. They have lots of 16", increasing numbers of 17", but bugger all 18"...

 

[Offtrack Traveler]

Even over here in the US the 17" is my pick as I have a better chance at getting a replacement in the smaller towns. I have ran steel and alloy in some very demanding off road situations with wildland fire trucks. I really never had an issue other then the alloys seem to scar up more or quicker then the steels once you get to rubbing against those rocks. The steels you can touch up with paint if its just a minor abrasion. I am still undecide as to steel or alloy, I like both, the price differences might help my decision.

 

[Rocky10]

I was looking at replacing my 18" steel wheels with Method alloy ones. I decided to keep the steel and try some larger tires. I ran Toyo Open Country AT III's on my LR in the past. I liked how quiet thy are on the road. I hope to check them out off-road soon. They are 385 70R 18's. I have about an 1/8 in clearance on my spare to the door opening. I think it looks better with the larger tires.

 

[Barney]

I was looking at replacing my 18" steel wheels with Method alloy ones. I decided to keep the steel and try some larger tires. I ran Toyo Open Country AT III's on my LR in the past. I liked how quiet thy are on the road. I hope to check them out off-road soon. They are 385 70R 18's. I have about an 1/8 in clearance on my spare to the door opening. I think it looks better with the larger tires.

That looks very good. Have you measured how much difference is the diameter of the original tires and your new tire? How much more ground clearance did you get? Thx Barney

 

[Baron von Teuchter]

In the uk at least it seems a wider range of tyres is available for 18’s.

I have 17’s and plan to keep it that way. I would like a spare set though

 

[RBM]

Isn’t it easier to get a 17” tyre if you need one remote? I thought that would be an advantage

 

[Tazzieman]

Isn’t it easier to get a 17” tyre if you need one remote? I thought that would be an advantage

You'd only go an 18 for looks (even then I prefer more rubber) and mostly on road/non remote travel.

 

[JKSC]

I was looking at replacing my 18" steel wheels with Method alloy ones. I decided to keep the steel and try some larger tires. I ran Toyo Open Country AT III's on my LR in the past. I liked how quiet thy are on the road. I hope to check them out off-road soon. They are 385 70R 18's. I have about an 1/8 in clearance on my spare to the door opening. I think it looks better with the larger tires.

Any noise or handling issues with the Toyos, I've tried 17" Braid Alloys on mine with 295/70 General Grabber Tires, lots of noise and poor handling so back on 18" factory steels.

 

[GN4HIR]

Well, I have 18s because 18 is one more than 17. And if I have learned anything from Spinal Tap, its that more is better.

 

[Fab]

Taubenreuther in germany is now offering 16x6,5” alumin(i)um rims with an offset of 62mm from mercedes sprinter for the Grenadier.
Apparently they need a 33mm spacer to fit. I am going to find out if there are any steel rims from the sprinter that will fit. Then I could drive 255x85R16 tires.
This size is excellent for offroad driving and available from many brands in various profiles all over europe and africa.

CW-Alufelge CW6 6,5x16 ET+62 6x130 84,1 Grenadier/Sprinter, black matt > :: Taubenreuther GmbH