Jeep Wrangler Tires: What You Need to Know
As one of the most iconic and versatile vehicles on the road today, the Jeep Wrangler is viewed with respect by many people from all walks of life. As such, people employ the Jeep Wrangler for many different uses. For some, it’s simply a matter of transportation from point A to point B. For others, it’s a chance to conquer the most rugged terrain during off-road adventures. No matter what your intention behind owning a Jeep Wrangler might be, there’s a universal truth that applies to everyone: you need a set of tires that will suit your goals behind the wheel.
At The Faricy Boys, we understand the importance of Jeep tires better than anyone. This is why many Colorado residents trust us when it comes to choosing a Jeep service center near Fountain, CO, that can take care of all their automotive needs. Our tire shop is stocked with quality options from many top tire brands and is fully equipped to handle replacing, balancing, and rotating your tires. Today, we will take a special look at the various tires that will help your Wrangler flourish under various conditions and go the extra mile for you.
Understanding the Basics
To fully understand the process of purchasing a set of tires for your Jeep Wrangler, we need to start at the basics. There are a few different sizes of Wrangler tires, each with its unique qualities and characteristics. If you still have the original tires that were on your Wrangler at the time of your purchase, there’s a possibility you haven’t given them much thought, only periodically checking that they’re inflated and in decent shape.
The first step is figuring out what size tires your SUV has. Most Jeep Wranglers come with 32-inch or 33-inch tires as their original or “stock” tires. These tire sizes are ideal for a commuter who spends most of their time on the pavement and who only plans to do a limited amount of off-roading. If your current Jeep tires work for you, we always recommend sticking to the factory size. However, some Wranglers have larger stock tires than others, and the tires can be upgraded depending on what you plan on using your vehicle for.
If you’re looking to expand the usage of your Wrangler to the world of off-roading, then going up in tire size may be the best option for you. Larger tires give you more ground clearance and provide a wider sidewall to absorb impacts. However, depending on how much you’re looking to upgrade in size, you may need a lift kit to fit larger tires on your Wrangler. If you need larger tires than your Wrangler can currently handle, our service department can help you purchase and install a quality lift kit.
35-Inch Tires
The largest factory tires available on the Wrangler are the 35-inch tires found in the Xtreme Recon Package for the Willys, Rubicon, and Rubicon 392 trims. In order to fit these massive tires, the Xtreme Recon Package also includes a 1.5-inch suspension lift. Together, the lift and the tires provide the Wrangler with 12.9 inches of ground clearance and 33.6 inches of water fording.
We find that 35-inch tires are as large as most drivers will want to go. They are large enough to provide some serious off-road performance but still allow for an easy transition between off-roading and city driving. However, if your Jeep did not come with the Xtreme Recon Package from the factory, you’ll require an aftermarket lift kit to fit these tires. We suggest the Mopar two-inch lift kit as the perfect complement to a set of 35-inch tires.
Going Larger
Going larger than 35-inch tires will certainly improve off-road performance, but a lot more work will have to go into your Wrangler. If you’re considering making a serious investment into your Wrangler as a potent off-road machine, then by all means, read on. Upgrading to 37-inch tires require at least a three-inch lift, and adjusting the gear ratios is recommended to compensate for the much larger tires. This requires some substantial modifications to your vehicle that need to be handled by an experienced Jeep service center.
Larger tires also sacrifice some of the livability of your Wrangler, turning it into a dedicated off-road vehicle. You can expect a large reduction in fuel economy, even with adjusted gear ratios, and your speedometer will no longer be accurate. You can still travel on and off the pavement with 37-inch tires, but going any larger may require buying a second vehicle for commuting.
Performance vs Practicality
Depending upon how much you value the world of off-roading, getting your Jeep Wrangler lifted and having larger tires installed can certainly open up a world of advantages. It all comes down to a matter of personal preference. If you want to invest in larger tires and a higher lift, it’s a great way to pursue your passion. But keep in mind how much driving in the city limits you’ll be doing. Going too large may make your Jeep less fun to drive.
The Different Types of Tires
You might have come across different articles that discuss the advantages of multiple types of tires, such as all-season, winter, and mud-terrain tires. When it comes to outfitting your Wrangler with the right kind of tire, there are two distinct factors that you should take into consideration: your geographic location and your intentions for your Wrangler.
Living in Colorado means that dealing with old man winter for part of the year is a fact of life, and investing in a pair of snow-rated tires can certainly make things much easier. That said, you’re not going to want to keep snow tires on your Wrangler all year long. Winter tires are advantageous in the snow and ice because of their special tread patterns and low-temperature rubber compounds, but they don’t perform well on dry roads in good weather.
If you’re utilizing your Wrangler for the daily commute around Fountain and seldom go off-road, it’s advised that you take advantage of what is known as all-season tires. These are ideal for normal road conditions and are commonly found on most vehicles on the road. Having a separate set of tires for the winter means you’re putting less wear and tear on the other tires you use when weather conditions are favorable.
If you’re someone who wants to partake in adventure when time allows, then you might want to consider a set of all-terrain or mud-terrain tires. As you can surmise from their titles, these tires are specifically formulated for those among us who favor traveling off the pavement. Their tread patterns are meant for maintaining traction in the mud and dirt, and they’re made from rubber compounds that can withstand impacts from rocks and other off-road obstacles you might encounter.
A Final Word From The Faricy Boys
For several decades, the Jeep Wrangler has been the standard bearer for versatility. From serving overseas during World War Two to allowing millions of off-road enthusiasts to pursue their ambitions for adventure, the Wrangler can do just about anything. No matter what you might have in mind for your adventures with your own Jeep Wrangler, having the right tires is essential for safe travels and excitement. Monster truck or daily driver, The Faricy Boys, can help you outfit your Wrangler with tires that suit your needs perfectly.
The Faricy Boys is your one-stop shop for all things Jeep. Whether you’re a veteran Jeep enthusiast who needs your Wrangler outfitted to take performance to the next level, or you’ve been in the market for a new vehicle for quite some time and need some help making an informed decision, we’re here to help. The destination is your choice; we’re just here to ensure you have all the right equipment.
1 comment(s) so far on Jeep Wrangler Tires: What You Need to Know
The best all around tire for actual off roading is the BFG KO 2 that most Rubicons come with. The actually work, no fancy BS, reasonably priced, & the lightest / toughest tire avaible- period.