Did I just order the right tires?
 

I got a flat, found out my spare was also flat, so just getting new tires now. I have little knowledge of this stuff but I have a 2012 JKU Sport w/ 17" wheels and was looking at MB TKO 15x8 and Goodyear Duratrec 33x12.5x15. When I called Discount Tire they said that tire does not meet the load qualifications for the JKU's extra weight over the JK, and I needed to get a 16" wheel. I ended up with the MB TKO 16x8 and the Duratrec 33x12.5x16 and want to know if that was OK? Everything on this forum says JKU are fine with 33x12.5x15 so I was a little surprised to hear I had to get 16, but the price difference was negligible so I said do it. I hear 15" are better for wheeling, which I barely do, but don't know if I made a mistake ordering them.

Thanks!

You're fine, great A\T tire. Sometimes certain 15" wheels won't clear the brake calipers and require you to grind them. 16/17" are good options.

I don't think you will notice much of a difference!

Awesome, thanks for the responses!

Well, there is no 33x12.50 16 made in the Duratrac. You are probably getting a 265/70-16, which is 32.8" tall and about 11.8" wide. They are both load range C, but the 16 has about a 200lb higher load rating per tire. However, the 15" tire was rated at 2200lbs per wheel. Seems like enough for a 5500lb JKU.

Saying that a 15" is better off-road is really more an old wives tail. In theory, you get a little more sidewall flex, but at a low PSI on a C rated tire, it really is minimal. However, that extra flex is noticeable on the road when you are traveling at speed and making turns - won't handle as well. So, all you really get is more sidewall to cut on the trail and less performance on the street.

The other issue with 15s is that very few wheels clear the brake calipers. You need a lot of back space (wheels have to stick out really far). Some will also argue that with such little clearance between the caliper and wheel, there is risk of something getting jammed in there and causing damage.

The only real reason people shoe horn 15s onto a JK is because they are cheaper. The majority opinion is that 17" is the way to go. And they are way easy to sell if you change your mind and want to go a different route. Even the tire - most off-road vehicles today run 17" +. So if you want to sell the tires and try different ones, you have a much larger used market.

FutureDenver, thanks for your support. That is a great combination for your Jeep.

Post up some photos when you get a chance.

X2
You had to buy new rims too??? Hmmmmm

That's the first thing I thought too. Oh I forgot... rim size doesn't matter for most girls:rotflmao2: If it was cheaper to buy those tires with replacement rims they must be the bestest tires in the whole damn world. Bet they last a while longer than most.