16.5s are a safety issue? WTH? They were used for YEARS. Grew up with Ford pickups and livestock trailers that all had 16.5s. They were the industry standard for 3/4 ton and up pickups. No safety issues. For God's sake, where do some of you come up with this information. No "safety bead"? They were still being used through the late 80s, early 90s, both decades having pretty much the same safety standards as we have today. MAYBE some of you are confused with the fact that SPLIT rims were still in use in the 70s, even on pickups.
Yes they were eventually phased out because auto manufacturers switched to 16s and 17s but they are still available by ordering. Probably not going to find a dealer that keeps them in stock unless it's a specialty store carrying off road tires
