How much do wider wheels help?

[02dirtymax]

Is there much of a difference in going from the stock 16x6.5 to a 16x8 while running a 285? The reason I ask is that I have half worn MTR's on my stockers and I like those tires for pulling. My other truck has 16x8 wheels with almost new Maxxis Bighorns, but I don't think they would pull as well as the MTR's. Both are 285's, and I am trying to see if it would be worth swapping the tires between my wheels. I understand that a nice 16x10 with a 305 or 315 would be even better, but this is all I have for now. I've got to get my money's worth out of these tires before I can think about some new ones. Would you consider the 1.5 inch wider wheel to be a 1 foot mod or a 20foot mod on the track?

 

[T2CH]

The wider wheel should give more contact area for the tire. The thinner wheel will wear out a 285/70 in the center of the tire because it actually makes the tire crown a little when inflated properly.
As for length out of the mod I have no idea...

 

[cuminstrkmydmax]

Putting it on a wider wheel will do nothing but help you, and every little advantage is sometimes necessary! - as to how much help IDK, but i know that being 1'' further than the next guy or 20' still gets you the win! GOOD LUCK steven

 

[05' Ditry Duramax]

A wider wheel will allow for more contact patch. I'd say it's worth it. As said above the tire will "crown" on the skinnier wheel.

 

[duramaximizer]

I say overall it would help, but you also have to remember that you're adding rotating mass with a wider wheel. How much IDK. Just food for thought.

 

[02dirtymax]

Hmm, Sounds like it might be worth making the swap. I've defintely had just a few inches make the difference between being in the money and getting a "Thanks for coming".