Tires: tire size, dodge 1500, impact resistance

Question
i have never owned a truck before so i'm not too clear on what differences a 20" tire as opposed to a 17" tire will make on the overall performance of a new dodge 1500 slt 4x4 quad cab, 5.7 hemi. can you please help me out. thank you.

Answer
Alex,

Here are the things going from a 17" to a 20" tire will improve (assuming it is done correctly):

Dry traction, wet traction (except for hydroplaning), Steering crispness.

Here are the things the will degrade:

Hydroplaning resistance, snow traction, ride harshness, impact resistance, fuel economy.

The above assumes you stay with essentially the same tire.  If you change types and/or speed ratings, then there will be additional changes.