New thoughts on 33s after the weekend

[StG58]

That's why I always get out and poke flooded areas with a stick. Just because it wasn't a problem yesterday or this morning, doesn't mean some yahoo in a truck hasn't decided that it would be fun to play in the mud since the last time through. I swear I am going to find a submerged Toyota one of these days.

 

[IPerkWVU]

@JeepZilla380 isnt windrock great!? I went there for a Jeep jamboree earlier in the year. Also on 285/57r16 and run into the same issues of you and @Mike_H have had. I’ve told myself I’m going to get through this summer on the 33s I bought last summer, then It’s down the 35 rabbit hole over the winter / spring 2020.

When I got the Jeep last year I had never been on the trails, I’ve quickly found myself enjoying more challenging obstacles requiring additional tire and ground clearance.

 

[JeepZilla380]

@JeepZilla380 isnt windrock great!? I went there for a Jeep jamboree earlier in the year. Also on 285/57r16 and run into the same issues of you and @Mike_H have had. I’ve told myself I’m going to get through this summer on the 33s I bought last summer, then It’s down the 35 rabbit hole over the winter / spring 2020.

When I got the Jeep last year I had never been on the trails, I’ve quickly found myself enjoying more challenging obstacles requiring additional tire and ground clearance.

It is! We had too large a group with us this time to really get a chance to hit a lot of trails, and one of my buddies is all about the Jeep Badges of Honor, so those were where we headed first. Of the big “off-road parks” Hot Springs has been my favorite so far here in the South East. Need to get up North and check out SMORR and Badlands.

Clearance vs nice drive ability onroad. But sounds like 35s and a re-gear and I won’t suffer too badly.

 

[IPerkWVU]

It is! We had too large a group with us this time to really get a chance to hit a lot of trails, and one of my buddies is all about the Jeep Badges of Honor, so those were where we headed first. Of the big “off-road parks” Hot Springs has been my favorite so far here in the South East. Need to get up North and check out SMORR and Badlands.

Clearance vs nice drive ability onroad. But sounds like 35s and a re-gear and I won’t suffer too badly.

Badlands is fun, but nowhere near the beauty of Windrock, it's a little over an hour from the house.

Would you stay with the 16" wheel?

 

[JeepZilla380]

Badlands is fun, but nowhere near the beauty of Windrock, it's a little over an hour from the house.

Would you stay with the 16" wheel?

Not really sure. I love the MOAB wheels, but tire choices get a bit more limited, but ones I would select are represented in 16s, and I could go with at 315/75/16 in either a KM3 or Cooper SST Pro. Would save on the cost of wheels too. My 16in Duratracs are fairly low mileage so I could try to flip those if I decide to move up.

15in wheels have a greater selection of C Rated tires to choose from, but I would need new wheels and it would limit my big brake kit options to stop the 35s.

17s.... I don't know nearly enough about 17 wheels/Tire sizes, so I just started searching those options out on the forum.

 

[IPerkWVU]

Not really sure. I love the MOAB wheels, but tire choices get a bit more limited, but ones I would select are represented in 16s, and I could go with at 315/75/16 in either a KM3 or Cooper SST Pro. Would save on the cost of wheels too. My 16in Duratracs are fairly low mileage so I could try to flip those if I decide to move up.

15in wheels have a greater selection of C Rated tires to choose from, but I would need new wheels and it would limit my big brake kit options to stop the 35s.

17s.... I don't know nearly enough about 17 wheels/Tire sizes, so I just started searching those options out on the forum.

I really like the Moab wheels also, the goodyear MT/Rs and Older KM2s come in a D rating but that's about it for non-E tires. Having E rated tires on there now I'm interested in trying out a less stiff side wall.

 

[JeepZilla380]

I really like the Moab wheels also, the goodyear MT/Rs and Older KM2s come in a D rating but that's about it for non-E tires. Having E rated tires on there now I'm interested in trying out a less stiff side wall.

Same, I'd like to be able to experience the change first hand as well. Seems most people are fairly impressed after the fact.

 

[Mike_H]

I'm running 17" wheels with D rated tires right now. Looking for 35's leaves a bit to be desired. There are a lot of options out there, but almost all of them are E, at least in a mud tire. You can get MT/Rs in C, but they are spendy... Close to 300 a tire. I think KM3's and Duratracs are offered in D. Haven't checked into generals yet, but will.

 

[JeepZilla380]

I'm running 17" wheels with D rated tires right now. Looking for 35's leaves a bit to be desired. There are a lot of options out there, but almost all of them are E, at least in a mud tire. You can get MT/Rs in C, but they are spendy... Close to 300 a tire. I think KM3's and Duratracs are offered in D. Haven't checked into generals yet, but will.

What size are you running today Mike? GY Duratracs in 315/75r16 are E Rated like my 285s. I like the Duratracs I have a lot, so might be another option to just stick with the same tire in the "35" 16 inch size.

 

[Goatman]

Could always try offering the driver in front of you on the trail a frosty beverage before you get to the rotted out parts of the trail. On the way back to him with the frosty just drop your yank strap onto his rear bumper. He'll be amazed how easily you were able to keep up with him. Especially considering what a hard time he was having!

 

[Mike_H]

What size are you running today Mike? GY Duratracs in 315/75r16 are E Rated like my 285s. I like the Duratracs I have a lot, so might be another option to just stick with the same tire in the "35" 16 inch size.

285/70R17. Basically the same as you, but the extra inch of wheel diameter shrinks the sidewall a scosh.