38's are the Goldilocks of tires (owner review)

[RodRecket]

what PSI you running?

Around 29 psi

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[CptFloridaMan]

Here are some poser shots in the fall colors. It just rubs the inner fender liner, not bad!

How’s the road noise on those wild peaks? Been seeing them more and more and I’m debating them to replace my kendas.

 

[RodRecket]

How’s the road noise on those wild peaks? Been seeing them more and more and I’m debating them to replace my kendas.

They're not bad. More road noise than KO2s but less than KM3s. Most noticeable at highway speeds. So, exactly where their supposed to be, in between an AT and MT. I'm happy with them.

 

[krweatherl]

How have they been in rain, ice and snow. I have the 37” ATW3 on mine and they are great, especially compared to the cooper STT Pros I had before. I’d really love the 38” and a little more aggressive

 

[RodRecket]

How have they been in rain, ice and snow. I have the 37” ATW3 on mine and they are great, especially compared to the cooper STT Pros I had before. I’d really love the 38” and a little more aggressive

I've had Toyo ATIII and BFG KO2 ATs. Both were 3peak winter certified. The RT01 is not quite as quiet on the highway or grippy in rain or snow as the ATs but they are not that far behind. Certainly not a big enough difference that I wouldn't recommend them.

It's my DD and I'm still happy I made the switch. I got the extra bit of offroad ability and size I was looking for and still retained street manners.

 

[CptFloridaMan]

They're not bad. More road noise than KO2s but less than KM3s. Most noticeable at highway speeds. So, exactly where their supposed to be, in between an AT and MT. I'm happy with them.

Perfect so a slight hum like my kendas it sounds like.

 

[xcd]

So I have to ask. I have AEV salta wheels (17x8.5) believe its like a 5.72" BS/+25mm offset. I asked them about running 38-13.5 tires and they said to ask manufacturer of lift. Asked Clayton if the 2.5" Overlander allowed for a 13.5 wide tire on the AEV Salta wheel. Response was they need a 4.75BS.
Then I looked around at options - found typical cyber answers (each contradicts the next), some saying the rims need to be 9.0 for 13.5 tires. SO now as I look at your rig I have a head scratch, basically the same rim specs / 38" 13.5 tires - no rub. Can you shed any light on this ? I know I am kinda beating this to death but you have real world experience. Let me state mine is a Rubicon which does make a slight difference - for the better I believe.

 

[RodRecket]

So I have to ask. I have AEV salta wheels (17x8.5) believe its like a 5.72" BS/+25mm offset. I asked them about running 38-13.5 tires and they said to ask manufacturer of lift.

Is "them" AEV?

Asked Clayton if the 2.5" Overlander allowed for a 13.5 wide tire on the AEV Salta wheel. Response was they need a 4.75BS.

Yes, Claytons site advertises the need to run a 4.5 or 4.75 backspacing. I believe this comes down to design of control arms. It's one of the reasons I ruled out their suspension systems. I went with metalcloak control arms which are round (vs square) and have a bend in them to maintain a more conservative wheel backspacing.

Then I looked around at options - found typical cyber answers (each contradicts the next), some saying the rims need to be 9.0 for 13.5 tires. SO now as I look at your rig I have a head scratch, basically the same rim specs / 38" 13.5 tires - no rub. Can you shed any light on this ? I know I am kinda beating this to death but you have real world experience. Let me state mine is a Rubicon which does make a slight difference - for the better I believe.

You are correct, my wheel is 17x8.5, +25mm offset, 5.72 backspace. Tire is 38x13.5. There is one caveat comparing Salta wheels to Borah. I'm running the Borah as a true beadlock so the tire is mounted a little wider (outside the wheel lip) than a traditional wheel/tire. That being said, I would mount the same tire to a traditional Salta wheel as well, I don't think that will cause you issues.

All together I have a Rubicon (like you) with the high rise fenders. I am running an AEV 2.5" lift. I have taken the fender liner out and used an aftermarket plastic inner cover so that I have more room in the fenders. I am running metalcloak control arms which have a tire clearance bend. I have zero issues daily driving, no contact. As you can see in photos I have slight rubbing at full lock, full stuff, at street pressures, up front. I think that when I am aired down (9-12 psi) the tire deformation and overall smaller diameter will mean I clear. I am still considering putting a .5" spacer up front and adjusting my bump stops for piece of mind. I do plan on wheeling this pretty hard in MOAB this EJS. If I don't do the small spacer the worst case scenario is that I slightly rub a plastic fender, I'm not worried about it.

 

[xcd]

Is "them" AEV?

yes AEV, and you answered my questions perfectly ! Thank you so much , this truly was a major help.

 

[dayusmc]

All together I have a Rubicon (like you) with the high rise fenders. I am running an AEV 2.5" lift. I have taken the fender liner out and used an aftermarket plastic inner cover so that I have more room in the fenders.

What inner Fenders are you running?

 

[RodRecket]

What inner Fenders are you running?

I had a set of rugged ridge max terrain fenders that I was going to install on my old Sport JT. I ended up trading that JT in on my current JT before installing them. My current inner fender liners are the ones that came with that fender kit.

Paramount makes plastic liners for the rear, for some reason its hard to find plastic front inner fender liners. I wanted plastic for ease of removal and a factory like appearance.

 

[Pbjeep]

Sweet rig. Might be my next tire. Good feedback.

 

[xcd]

38 Ridge Grapplers

Do you fit through a 8' tall garage door ?

 

[MrT]

The tallest point is 80-81" so it should fit. I have a carport.

 

[RodRecket]

Did a little more testing before Moab to determine if I needed a small .5" spacer up front. I'm just about full bump, aired up to 31 PSI, and plenty of room. I'm going to run it as is.

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