What wheel width would be best for 35x12.5R17 Nitto Trail Grapplers?

One of the 17" wheels I'm looking at is only available in 17x8. Nitto (and other dealers) recommend 8.5-11 for this tire size. I've tried searching some threads without much luck. I've read WOL's thread about "Wheels & Tires" in the Modified Tech FAQs and he suggests 8" wide wheels will help prevent tires from losing a bead when aired down offroad. Makes sense, but I've also heard some shops will NOT mount 12.50 tires on 8 wheels because it's not "recommended" and for "liability" reasons.

So, what do I do? 17x8? 17x9?

 

WOL has good advice. I would not go any wider than 9" rim on a 12.5" tire though. Maybe call a couple of different tire shops about mounting ?

 

17x8 if you ever want to air down.

A narrower rim will allow you to air down more without risking blowing the bead. Wider rims won't hold a 12.50 tire as well.

I run a 17x9 rim and my tires are 38x14.50x17s. An 8" rim is more than fine for a 12.50 tire.

 

17x9 is a great size to run on a 35x12.50R17. You can still air down plenty ( I consistently run 11psi on the trail with my 17x9 wheels, I have had no issues popping a bead and I get plenty of traction) If you use your jeep as a daily driver this size will also help you get the most out of our your tires when it comes to life. Pinching your tire on a wheel that is too narrow can cause the tire to hold extra heat on the highway. The hotter the tire runs, the softer the rubber gets and the faster it wears.

 

Tires are designed to flex in certain areas of the shoulder. If you stretch or pinch them on a wheel that is too wide or too narrow you are forcing the tire to flex in an area that is it not designed to do so. When this happens the tire can't disperse the heat correctly and the tire will run hotter. Heat it a tires worst enemy. The more heat, the softer the rubber gets, the softer it gets the faster it wears.

Tire manufacturer's indicate their "Recommended Rim Width Range" for each tire size that they sell. [This can be found on their website(s)] Stick within these recommendations if you want to get the most out of your tires when it comes to life.

 

It all depends on your use and air pressure. I ran 10.50 on a 10" rim, 11.50 on a 10" rim, 14.50 on a 10" rim, 15.50 on a 10" rim. 11.50 on a 8" rim. All had good life.