Why is the same size tire in a 17 more than it comparable model in a 15?

[Mike_H]

I have 17" wheels right now. I'm looking at new tires and why is the same size tire in a 17 more than it comparable model in a 15? The 15 has MORE material...

For instance, a MT Baja boss 35 x 12.5 x 17 is 340 dollars right now at quadratec. The same tire, in a 35 x 12.5 x 15 is only 266.

A BFG KM3 is the same story. 346 for the 17" version. the 15" version is 244. With that kind of difference, I could almost buy new wheels to go with the tires and break even! It just doesn't make sense to me.

 

[Apparition]

My 35 x 12.5 x 15 Baja bosses were only $240 at SummitRacing, check there.

Something is worth what people are willing to pay for it. Cost should only determine profitability.

 

[Ante_Up]

I would think it'd have something to do with popularity/supply and demand

 

[williambmac]

It's because the 17" tire uses less rubber. less is more!

 

[williambmac]

I also believe it has something to do with the construction of the sidewall.

 

[rasband]

This is part of why I went with 15” wheels - I’ll cover the cost of the wheels in 2 tire changes easily.

I don’t know why it is, but it is.

 

[JMT]

I’ve always wondered the same thing, and it’s one reason I’ve never gone to 17’s. Makes 0 sense.

 

[Plumber1]

It is odd, I just went to new bead lock wheels in 15” for this asme reason, and Rubicon’s come with the odd 16” wheels

 

[williambmac]

I was going to go to 17" wheels at one point. That was until I started comparing prices. 4k for a set of tires and wheels is too much for my blood.
I can replace all 5 of my tires for about 1300.00