Max Tow: wheel size <> brake size?

[brnt]

Basic question: What's the smallest rim size that can fit on the '21 F-150 with the Max Tow package? Looking at cheap steelies for off-road and snow use.

The basic XL starts with 17" wheels. But when configuring a build online, adding the Max Tow package (XLT; not available on XL) requires jumping to 18" wheels. Is this to accommodate a mechanical difference like rotor/caliper size? (It would make sense to have bigger brakes as part of a tow package.) Or is it just to achieve the target tow weight ratings?

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[Knickell]

The rear brakes with the Max Tow Package are about half an inch larger than the standard rear brakes.

I think Ford also locks you into certain wheels on packages because they are rated to hold more weight. Unless you are towing near the limits of the engine, smaller wheels will likely be okay.

 

[Vrizzle]

Smaller wheel sizes allow more rubber and sidewall flex, which is why 20” rims have always historically been used for max tow.

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