Going from a 12" wide tire to a 10" wide tire—Will it still be as good off-road?

TJScott

TJScott

TJ Enthusiast
Joined
Feb 4, 2017
Messages
522
Location
Waterloo, ON Canada
I’m considering dropping the width of my tires to the 10” size. It would fit better under the flares and be lighter. However, I’m wondering how much driving off-road will be affected? Is it worth it? I would have to buy five to match the spare. I’m in the high desert. Scrub, smaller rocks to bigger of course, sand is a thing. But, not like dunes. Mud occasionally. And hills, some steep when we drive the power line trails. I don’t rock crawl or do crazy trails, but want it to stay capable in the event I get into something challenging. I have a rear ARB locker. I like the current tires look and size and when aired down they have nice traction. But something without that width might also handle well. I bought this Jeep with 12 1/2’s so don’t know anything else.
 
TJScott said:
I’m considering dropping the width of my tires to the 10” size. It would fit better under the flares and be lighter. However, I’m wondering how much driving off-road will be affected? Is it worth it? I would have to buy five to match the spare. I’m in the high desert. Scrub, smaller rocks to bigger of course, sand is a thing. But, not like dunes. Mud occasionally. And hills, some steep when we drive the power line trails. I don’t rock crawl or do crazy trails, but want it to stay capable in the event I get into something challenging. I have a rear ARB locker. I like the current tires look and size and when aired down they have nice traction. But something without that width might also handle well. I bought this Jeep with 12 1/2’s so don’t know anything else.
Click to expand...
I highly doubt you will notice a difference in off road “performance.”. I could be wrong, others may chime in.
 
  • Like
Reactions: pagrey
I have been considering this as well. The only added condition I have would be snow. I avoid mud as much as possible, and probably would see a lot less rocks than the OP.
 
10.50 wide KO2's got me thru the Rubicon with no drama, and it rained, then snowed on us. Aired down to 12psi.
20190916_113538.jpg
20190916_121906.jpg

10.50's won't work in Colorado. Those Colorado jeepers be like crazy man!
 
  • Haha
Reactions: DuncLJ and jjvw
That’s funny, I haven’t looked into cost. Just thought of the weight savings and better fit so it would throw less rocks on my dash. Now I’m curious on cost. I’ll have to look that up.
 
Vasq said:
I have been considering this as well. The only added condition I have would be snow. I avoid mud as much as possible, and probably would see a lot less rocks than the OP.
Click to expand...
Wait don't you want to test out that new armor? WE got rocks too! :)
 
  • Like
Reactions: Vasq
About $18 a tire to go smaller. Who would’ve thought? They have two listed for 12.5”. One about 70 more per tire than the other on tire rack. Don’t know why. Can’t seem to find an explanation yet.
 
They are still good right now. I expected to replace them this summer. But, with the reduced driving they haven’t given up yet. So, I was planning for the next set. You can see in my profile pic how far they stick out.
 
A narrower tire covers less area on the ground which will put more pressure onto the tire lugs than what would be with a wider tire. Traction in most offroad terrain will actually improve with a narrow tire.

Wider tires are better for on road traction, stability, and nvh reduction.

The only condition where a wider tire would be better offroad is on deep mud with a thin crust on top that you dont want to break through.
 
Wider is better on sand. And sometimes snow, but it really depends on how deep and dense/loose packed the snow is. Otherwise don't sweat it.
 
Feralkid said:
A narrower tire covers less area on the ground which will put more pressure onto the tire lugs than what would be with a wider tire. Traction in most offroad terrain will actually improve with a narrow tire.

Wider tires are better for on road traction, stability, and nvh reduction.

The only condition where a wider tire would be better offroad is on deep mud with a thin crust on top that you dont want to break through.
Click to expand...

May be worth noting a tall skinny tire may be more susceptible to death wobbles also depending on inflation level.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Feralkid
Rubi04 said:
Interesting. I’m curious to see how they work and your reasoning. 👊👍
Click to expand...
I want a slightly more aggressive all terrain, my KM2s suck on the rainy roads. Cycling my suspension I can see how having a 10.5 vs 12.5 will let me pull the tires in a bit - I want as close to being under Rubi flares as possible. And I love 35s :) I’m excited! They are going on this summer and I’ll give a full review with pics on here
 
  • Like
Reactions: JMT and Rick Flair
Top Bottom
Back