[Mike C]

Uh.....

NO. Tires are a specific size for a reason. A 16 is NOT a 16.5. A 17 is NOT a 16.5.

I've not seen this in actual application and wouldn't even consider it. I have a tire machine of my own and knowing how it works wouldn't even begin to try.

The real horror stories from 16.5" rims are the split rims with the retainer that comes off and kills you when inflating without a cage.

16.5's have no "safety bead" so even with a 16" tire on it it would be MORE likely to come off due to low inflation. 17's might go on a 16.5 rim but it would be near impossible to inflate and wouldn't be anywhere near round.

NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! Don't even think about it.... It says right on the 16" tire "Do Not Mount on 16.5" Rim". And that's Gospel.