BZSurfer

I need new shoes. Originally was going to go with 33x12.5x15 that seems to be pretty popular set up but when I saw it live (opposed to just pics on thenet) I didn't love it. Tires were a little too wide for my liking.
So I'm thinking about going with either 305/70/16 or the ever popular 285/70/17. They are basically the same height but the 305’s are a little overhalf an inch wider.
Was looking to see if there’s anyreason why I should choose one over the other?
I guess it’s just a matter of personalpreference but just wanted to see if there is something that I’m not thinking about.


Not sure if it matters but I have a2014 JKUS. Driven on the highway, beach,forest trails – nothing major and no rocks.

Thanks

karls10jk

If the 12.5's were too wide then you'll want to go with the 285 on a stock wheel. Wheel width can also effect how wide things appear, stock wheels will keep it reasonable. I recently went to a 1" wider wheel with the same 285's and it made very little difference visually.

catahoula

Are you running spacers? That would push out as well.

kmrtnsn

I run LT285/70R17s now and I have been very happy with the size for the wheeling we do, and with the gearing that I have, 3.73s. When we're at altitude I do wish for at least 4.10s. but for 90%, i'm okay I'm leaning to going to LT295/70R17 if I change sizes.

str8edg

I run 295/75/16 and they have been quite well, toyo ats. Not much smaller than folks on 35s, but narrower. Now 16 don't offer many options to go larger, so if you think you may jump to the 37s at some point stick with 17s.

tjkamp

Lifted, leveled, or stock height?

Stock you will be able to run 285's with just wheel spacers.

Running 305's will require a little bit more bump stops to keep them from rubbing when stuffed. The added bump stops will mean you will likely want to add a leveling kit or a small lift to keep it from slamming into the bump stops every time you hit a pot-hole or joint in the highway.

If you are going to add on a lift (2.5in. Is pretty standard), then you should go to 315's.

Happy Jeeping!

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BZSurfer

Thanks for the feedback. Much appreciated.
Currently I have a TF leveling kit on her.
I don't think I'm going to go bigger than 33's.
At least not any time soon.
I'm going to get new wheels too - something along the line of level 8 trackers or MB razors.
So with all that said, I think I'm just going to go with the 305's with KO2s. I know that it's an "E" tire which will probably ride a little more rough than stock but hopefully if I keep it aired down to 30-32 psi it won't be too bad.

tjkamp

One thing I just noticed you said 305/70r16's.

I was planning on running 16s originally myself. You should keep in mind though, that all aftermarket steering upgrades require a 17in wheel. When your steering starts waring out, are you going to go back with factory replacement that will ware out super quick again, or are you going to be looking for something that will last a little longer?

My drag link started going bad right around 40k miles, and that was running the stock Rubi 32in tires with 95% highway use.

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tjkamp

I would think having a leveling kit already, you could add just a little bump stop (like 1/2 - 3/4in all around) and go up to a 305/70r17 with out a problem.

If you aren't wheeling it heavily, you might not even have to worry about the additional bump stop.

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BZSurfer

Thanks for the info. I hadn't heard that before. I guess it's just another thing to think about.