33x10.5 tires versus 33x12.5 tires

Well any Icelander will tell you that is a crock of shit...
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or any farmer....
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Don't know if you read the article, but it's correct that the flotation is determined by the size of the contact patch, and the contact patch is determined by the tire pressure, not the tire dimensions (at least directly). In extreme cases, like comparing a tractor to a Jeep, the disparity in vehicle weight is so large that yes, it would be impossible to support a tractor on a Jeep tire, but even if you could, the pressure required in the Jeep tire would be massive and would never be able to achieve the same contact patch as the tractor tire. But in comparing 10.5 vs 12.5 wide 33" tires, the weight bearing capacity of the tires being compared is close enough that it's not a factor limiting what you can air down to, with the possibe caveat that without beadlocks, on the same wheel width, it may be that a 10.5" can't air down as far without risking losing the bead.

But...if you took both tires, at the same pressure, the flotation would be equal.
 
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33x10.5 on 15x7''

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On a oem 15’inch wheel what was the backspacing?
If I go with the 33x10.5x15 KO2’s and want the edge of the tire right at the edge of the flare what backspacing should I get on a aftermarket wheel? I have 35x12.5x15’s now and hate em. The sides of the jeep take a beating.
 
On a oem 15’inch wheel what was the backspacing?
If I go with the 33x10.5x15 KO2’s and want the edge of the tire right at the edge of the flare what backspacing should I get on a aftermarket wheel? I have 35x12.5x15’s now and hate em. The sides of the jeep take a beating.
Most oem wheels have 5.25- 5.5" backspacing.
 
Short and fat has it's place, especially for high power applications. Check out formula offroad. Most jeeps however are decidedly low power, so tall and skinny is better. I'd like to find some skinny 35s that are still good on the street.

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I think the general grabbers are discontinued. What back spacing are you running ? I like that the edge of the tires are right at that fender.
 
I think the general grabbers are discontinued. What back spacing are you running ? I like that the edge of the tires are right at that fender.

They were an option when I got my Maxxis tires a couple months ago, Discount could get em.

ETA: yup still there

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