Pea anyone know if any tire manufacturers make a 35 in tire that is narrower than the standard 12.5 width tires that are out there? I would like to mount 35's on either 17 or 18 in rims but want them to be manageable in winter snow and keep decent mpg.

 

Never heard of that, but if you want a narrower tire you could look into metric equivalent to a 33 or 34 that may be narrower

 

I am running 35/10.50-17 Super Swamper Radial TSL's on mine.

 

Try looking at a 305/70R/18 which will give you a 34.4 inch tire.

 

Most tire companies still make narrow tires,but may be limited in the types

 

BFG MT T/A KM2 in 285/75R17 measures 33.9" overall diameter and 11.3 overall width.

or

BFG also has a 255/80R17 (pizza cutters) that are 33.3" diameter and 10" overall width.
BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain T/A KM2 255/80R17

 

TSL and SSR ARE 35x10.5/17. ALMOST went with the SSR, but did the KM2 in a 285/75.

 

Curious.. Why would a narrower tire be beneficial or more manageable in snow? I would think the larger contact patch would be better?

 

Thinner cuts through the snow better and has the weight distributed on a smaller contact patch for better traction. Never heard of a 10.5" measuring 35 tall. Most MTs won't be great for winter driving unless they're siped and grooved.

 

In deep snow, yes. But on a thin layer of snow like is usually found on the road, thin tires will be get better traction because they will bite in better. Less surface area means more pressure per square inch of the contact patch.