Rim width. Which is best....

[Dino86]

I have two sets of 14" rims: one set is 6" and he other 5.5" wide. Both are equipped with 185/60R14 wintertires which I will use in regularity rally.
Surface is one day 95% tarmac (probably wet and slippery), second day is almost 100% gravel.

So, to all the experts out there, which is the best rim width to use and why?

I guess more narrow is better on the gravel since it might give more sidewall deflection? And I guess it's safer to avoid tire coming loose from the rim.
But, is the wider much better on asphalt?
Can I compensate the smaller width with increased tire pressure?
Or, since I'm not using competion tires, difference between 5.5 and 6" is neglectable?
Anyone has some experience with it?

[Bean]

As far as I understand regularity rallies aren't about top speed so in my opinion it wont make a difference, especially as you have same size tires on it. If there are a lot of twisty parts I'd personally go for the 6"

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[ditn]

What i can tell you is that my car dropped 2.56 cm when putting on 185/60/13 tyres in my case that will be bad news.
I will have no other choice than putting on 215/60/13 or 195/50/15.
Also it seemed 185/60/13 tyres with 6j, the 5.5 might have been better to from deflection point not 100% sure.
Also advan rally comes in both 5.5j and 6j havent figured out why, one tarmac one gravel?

[Dino86]

For sure it's not about topspeed just I want to put the best of both. But, some stages you can not reach the given average so it's almost rally😀
My idea for now: wider rim stretch the tire and make sidewall stiffer so should get better steer response etc. Smaller rim-width result in more deflection. I might try both and compare them during the rally


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[mad.matt]

What tyres are you permitted to use?
Bearing in mind you will be on a gravel stage for Stage 2.

When my dad does a Navigational rally (mixed surface), he usually runs either Gravel Tyres all round in a soft compound or just on the front, to avoid punctures and maximise drive (FWD).

[Dino86]

Only road legal wintertires are permitted, no matter the weatherconditions. I was thinking of 185/65 but prefer /60 for the asphalt part. Last year they did well. I used 6J and now I will start with 5.5J see if it's different...honestly I doubt it now since old bushing will have the major impact on slower steer response I use continental Wintercontact TS860 they are very good on all conditions (dry, wet and snow), for sure it's the best choice in case of dry. I tried Kumho's before they were OK in snow but on the dry.