Wheel size: 16 or 17", pros & cons?

[Dafydd]

Hi all
I'm looking at the options for a new campervan (on a Sprinter, single (ie not twin) rwd).
I can choose the standard 16 inch wheels or optional 17 inch wheels. Purely for reasons of vanity or aesthetics I'm drawn towards paying the extra for larger wheels. Besides the initial extra cost, are there any pros or cons to the two different wheel sizes? Does the wheel size make any difference?

 

[Wildman]

makes a difference to final drive ratio affecting torque and fuel consumption but don't ask me which way.

 

[Techno]

what is the height of the respective tyre walls?

 

[andy63]

possibly need a speedo recalibration as well ???? .just a thought
ta andy

 

[tonka]

16" are most common..
So to my way of thinking if you have a problem and need a tyre then you will find a 16" easier..

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[Techno]

I would think the 17" option have a lower aspect ratio to give a similar overall diameter. I would avoid what will most certainly be a harder ride.

 

[Dafydd]

makes a difference to final drive ratio affecting torque and fuel consumption but don't ask me which way.

Haha! Great answer! You might consider standing for election with that kind of question answering skill
So fuel consumption and torque may be affected..... in some way..... Well, you've given me something to google at least!

 

[Dafydd]

I would think the 17" option have a lower aspect ratio to give a similar overall diameter. I would avoid what will most certainly be a harder ride.

I think you may be right. As far as I can tell the tyres for the standard 16" inch wheels are 235 65 and for the 17 inch are 235 60.
So the bigger wheels would result in a harder ride (less comfy, more rattling/banging from contents of kitchen)?

 

[trekkin]

If you are choosing from new, the wheel tyre combination will have the same rolling circumference so there is no change to the calibration of the speedo, mileometer. In the same way as a car to do this then the larger wheel will have a smaller sidewall and maybe a harder ride depending on pressures. There will be no chage to performance and little change to mpg

It's a UK thing to go for larger wheels and rubber band tyre, cars supplied in Europe generally go for smaller wheels, bigger sidewalls and an softer ride.

You really need to test drive the van to see which ride suits, but having an ECO car with 16" wheels and balloon tyres, I'm at that age where I have appreciated the softer ride and the increased rubber that has protected the alloys from scuffs and kerbing

 

[jonandshell]

If its a new van it wont make any difference other than looks and possibly a slightly firmer ride in the case of the 17 inch wheels.
The 17 inch tyres might have less availability come replacement time.

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[Dafydd]

16" are most common..
So to my way of thinking if you have a problem and need a tyre then you will find a 16" easier..

That's worth thinking about, as well as the harder ride from bigger wheels that you mentioned.

 

[Dafydd]

If you are choosing from new, the wheel tyre combination will have the same rolling circumference so there is no change to the calibration of the speedo, mileometer. In the same way as a car to do this then the larger wheel will have a smaller sidewall and maybe a harder ride depending on pressures. There will be no chage to performance and little change to mpg

It's a UK thing to go for larger wheels and rubber band tyre, cars supplied in Europe generally go for smaller wheels, bigger sidewalls and an softer ride.

You really need to test drive the van to see which ride suits, but having an ECO car with 16" wheels and balloon tyres, I'm at that age where I have appreciated the softer ride and the increased rubber that has protected the alloys from scuffs and kerbing

Thanks for that extra technical info, bigger wheels = smaller side wall.
Between yourself and Techno100 I think I'm being persuaded to forget the urge for the bigger wheels (wherever it comes from, childhood memories of Tonka toys perhaps!) for the practical considerations.
Exactly the input I was looking for, thanks.

 

[hilldweller]

Does the wheel size make any difference?

You try picking up a 17" one.