Tire sidewall height
 

Hi guys

We all know that low profile tires are great for road cars, but on a Jeep what is a good compromise.

Probably the 2 most common sizes we see are 33" tires on 15" wheels and 35" on 17". Both of these wheel/tire combos look about the same... From a profile prospective.

33" on 17" and 35" on 18" and 20" start looking a bit on the low profile side and 35" on 15" stat looking a bit balloon like.

Considering the Jeep is not a speed wagon, is there any point in going low profile? Does it reduce the aired down performance?
and
Going fat on the profile does it give better off road, or has it gone too far and starts risking popping beads and too 'wobbly' on road?

Thanks guys

Regards
Paul

It's all about looks for some people; they just like the big wheel look. Performance wise, 35s on a 20" wheel won't give as much and you won't be able to air down as much. Conversely, some say 35s on 15" are too bouncy on the road. I personally run that and have no issues. I like the bigger sidewall look. So, 17s are the best compromise from a price and performance stand point. 17s are also the most common for just about any tire out there.

IMO an offroad vehicle needs a larger profile (assuming you are using it for offroad or want the look). This is because when you air down there has to be a "cushion" so you don't bend the rim. Even when not air down you still need some "give" for better traction and control off road. More side wall profile will also give a softer ride. In mud a "bowed" side wall can help with traction. Low profile will help on road during sharp turns where you don't want "give" in the side wall. I think you would be okay with any of the set ups you mentioned, I would be a little skeptical of 20" on 33" or smaller tire.: 2cents :

The tall sidewall like on a 35" with 15" rim are preferred for off roading for grip, the tire has the ability to "wrap" itself around objects which is especially useful in rock crawling.

Hi guys

Thanks for the replies.

Popping beads is probably our biggest issue here in Dubai. We run low pressure to increase traction in the sand and you often see 'pop outs' especially with 'regular' 4x4's..... ( FJ cruiser ). They tend to have lower profile tires and with the low pressure, it all falls apart..... When driven badly / abused.

I currently have 33x12.5x15 BFG A/T tires that work very well in the Dubai sand dunes and I am thinking of getting some 35x12.5x15 BFG A/T. What would you guys think of this type of profile for dune driving?

Regards
Paul

Back when I was "playing" in the sand box over there we had Goodyear MTR on the Hummvee, were great in sand, BFG A/T is a great tire as well and last forever. But have never been in and with them

On road driving and feel will be better with a lower profile. Off road you will be more likely to tear up a rim from rocks.

I have found the larger the rim the stiffer the ride seem to me less side wall = less Flex from side wall my buddies got a jk with 20 inch rims rides like its on rocks

It depends on more of what tire he has on the wheels then the wheels itself

I run 37/13.50/20 and I love it , I don't have a problem at all wheeling with it

The main benefit of a lower profile sidewall will be handling and cornering. Off road there is no benefit