I may have spoken to quickly re 17" sizes. Most are for trucks/suvs so probably side wall "issues" re handling, noise, etc. Tirerack web site has specs and reviews with owners' comments that may be of help. Chart is size, height, tread width, section width, rim widths to be used. The site has page for you to learn about section width, speed rating, etc.
275-60-17 30 10.5 11 7.5-9.5
255-55-17 28 8.7 10.6 7.5-9
275-55-17 28.8 8.8 11.2 7.5-9.5
215-45-17 24.6 8 8.6 7-8
225-45-17 24.9 ? 9 7-8.5
235-45-17 25.3 8.5 9.5 7.5-9
245-45-17 25.7 9.1 9.7 7.5-9
255-45-17 25.9 9.4 10.3 8-9.5
255-40-17 25 9.1 10 8.5-10
275-40-17 25.6 10.4 11.2 9-11
285-40–17 26 10.7 11.4 9.5-11
o Note the 17" tend to have closer tread and overall width dimensions than 15 or 16; the "look" of width is "section width" not the "tread width" and if you mount on a wheel at end of width range cited, you do pick up 0.2-0.4 extra "tread width".
Would love some comments from users of various sizes. As I rebuild my 40 I think the Firestone Firehawk SS20 RWL (raised white leters) seems way to go in 15".
Good Luck,
Kevin