Factory 16" wheels or Factory 17" wheels

Im trying to decide which would be better performance wise

BF Goodrich All terrain tires on 265 75 16 54lbs 31.8"


BF Goodrich All terrain tires on 265 70 17 47lbs 31.8


Question is, the 16" tire is heavier but does it mean the wheel was alot lighter? or is the 17" tire lighter but the wheel is heavier?

anyone know which of these two is lighter?

 

The 17 will be lighter in total weigh, but it isn't anything you will notice.

The 16" wheel will air down better off road due to the larger sidewall.

I would say personal preference would outweigh benefits from rim size.

 

Compare the tire prices. I know at one time 16s were a fair amount cheaper. I have mot checked recently but believe the price diff has narrowed. I prefer more rubber for ride and rocks. I can tell you from owning those 16" rims that the recesses are a pain to clean. 17s look smoother.

 

Knowing what I know now, I would go 17s. Reason being is the 265 70 17 is a load range C tire and the 265 75 16 is a load range E. I'm a big fan of the BFG AT and use them on all my work trucks (Forest Service) for how reliable they are and how well they hold up. That being said, I have had the 265 75 16s on my Tacoma for a week now and I am shocked at how stiff they are. The Tacoma is simply not heavy enough to get a good ride out of this tire. I like stiff, but this is bone jarring. Unless BFG comes out with a load range C or D in this size I will replace with 17s.

 

Seems to be more tire options in 17", however I agreee that the 16" with more sidewall is better for offroading. I went with 16" myself.

 

Duratracs come in 265/75/16 load range C. I had those on the truck I just traded. 35,000 on them and maybe half tread. Ran them through cactus, rocks, and some mesquite with no problems. Good on hwy for an aggressive tread.b

 

thanks guys, all the info helps alot. Ive had these tires before on my ex silverado. They look & perform badass. I have 16's on but it does seem like the 17's are better, lighter tire, and pressure for 17" psi is not as much as the 16"
basically the 265 75 16 bfg is a 10 ply, 265 70 17 is 8 ply.
or i could just go with 16"s and go down on tire pressure?

also the only offroading id do is snow in the winter most probably

 

La Luz? this is that little city that GREAT downhill fireroad connects to cloudcroft?

if so, that fireroad is the BEST ride on a mountain bike EVER!! you live in an awesome spot my friend. seeing any elk?