11.5 vs 12.5 Wide Tires

[bbowsa]

I'm planning on upgrading to 35" tires but want to keep my stock Mojave rims for now. I'm torn between 11.5 and 12.5 wide, specifically the Toyo AT3's. I've read all of the pros and cons and it seems like for what I want do use the truck for (snow, road, light/med offroading, light towing or payload only) the 11.5 is probably a better match. I'm also thinking it might be a better match with my stock rims but I've read a lot of people put 12.5's on stocks with no problem. Really the only benefit I see to the 12.5's are I think they'll likely look nicer and they're in stock vs a pretty long backorder for 11.5's. Before I drop a ton of cash on tires I want to make sure I'm not going to regret going wider (or narrower).

Anyone out there want to weigh in? How much better would the 11.5's really be in snow, is it actually going to be a noticeable difference? Same for tracking on dry pavement, I've read the narrower the better but how much difference would 1 inch make? Would the C-rated 11.5's ride be noticeably smoother than E-rated 12.5?

Pics of either width tire, especially from the front or back of your truck, would be appreciated if you feel like sharing. Thoughts on Toyo AT3s also welcome although I'm pretty sold on them at this point.

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[Jeeperjamie]

I'm running 37 12.5 17 Kanati Trail hogs on mine with stock wheels and they did great the last two weeks in the snow we got here. Did great on ice as well and in the rain. I ran 315 70 17 BFG KO2s before I ran the 37's and had no issue with those either. I like bigger beefier tire personally and love the stock wheels, but I will probably be switching them out soon.

37 12.5 17

315 70 17

 

[NachoRuby]

Which 35 are you looking at with an e rating? I was in the same boat as you a few months ago. I really wanted 35x11.5x17s, but the backlog and wait were too long. I got Bridgestone Dueler ATs in 315/70/17 because they were in stock, and I like the OWL look . No regrets, but it took me a long time to get the air pressure just right. The e rated tires obviously ride a bit stiffer than the c rated 285/70/17s I took off. 34 psi seems about right, though. You'd be surprised how much difference just 3 PSI made. I didn't ever take the stock MTs out in the snow, so I can't comment on them in inclement weather, but the Bridgestones Revo 3s in 315/70/17s are very good in the snow (and rain). I do sometimes worry about them offroad though. The sidewalls just don't feel as tough as the Falkens my jeep came with. Might be in my head though.

 

[Daddiator54]

Running 35x12.5x17 toyo at3 E-range. I love them! They poke but that’s mostly due to my -12mm offset rims. Sorry, don’t have any pics showing poke. I mean, an extra inch would mean more surface area. To be honest, i have to air down to about 30psi to get full surface contact on the tires but at that psi, they ride smooth to me. Probably not as smooth as C-range but to my perception, it’s smooth.

 

[Blade1668]

IMHO: less hydro-plainning with narrow tires, but less floatation too. Less chance of contact with control arms or suspension parts and less rocks thrown in to sides of Jeep. I've launched rocks from tires that ended up landing on hood of my Jeeps in past due to wider tires. Almost took out my own windshield a time or so.
Might need wheel spacers (not likely with JT on stock rims) but can be needed or nice but not on hubs.
Another thread on like subject:
https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/forum/threads/10-5-vs-12-5-wide-tire.32612/

 

[Gvsukids]

Or https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/...choose-tire-width-10-5-vs-11-5-vs-12-5.38700/

I was looking at the Toyo but got a good deal on the Wildpeak M/T that have been a love/relationship.
Toyo thread, https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/forum/threads/toyo-at3.47079/

 

[calnca]

With my old CJ and Cherokee Chief, in Colorado we always went with a narrow tire to get down to Mother Earth and not float on the snow…….old school I know

 

[NachoRuby]

Don't count out the Kenda Klevers at 35x10.5. They are narrower than the stock tires on some trims, but seem easier to get. I haven't run them, but people seem to really like them.

 

[CerOf]

You will have ZERO problems with 12.5” wide on stock rims on the Mojave.

there will be a handful of naysayers that will jump in this thread and tell you that you will explode and die. Ignore them.

35x12.5 on stock wheels:

 

[CerOf]

IMHO: less hydro-plainning with narrow tires, but less floatation too. Less chance of contact with control arms or suspension parts and less rocks thrown in to sides of Jeep. I've launched rocks from tires that ended up landing on hood of my Jeeps in past due to wider tires. Almost took out my own windshield a time or so.
Might need wheel spacers (not likely with JT on stock rims) but can be needed or nice but not on hubs.
Another thread on like subject:
https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/forum/threads/10-5-vs-12-5-wide-tire.32612/

On the Mojave and Rubicon, you don’t need wheel spacers. The tires stay inside the flares as these trims have wider fender flares.
You will not rub.
No modifications are needed.

Shop around, find the best price, then find your closest discount tire and they will price match, mount ‘em up and enjoy!

1” wider isn’t that much more when comparing an 11.5 to 12.5.
Aired down, the contact patch will be just a bit bigger.

I haven’t experienced any unusual hydroplaning vs stock tires. There is going to be some, I’m sure, but no big deal.

 

[Courtsm3]

I had from personal experience both 11.5” currently and 12.5” previous. For me personally and the highways and winter weather conditions I encounter, 11.5” hands down are a winner. Less tracking, less hydroplaning and better snow traction. Not mention less contact patch can generally mean maintained or improved mpg. But this can differ region to region, driver to driver and tire to tire.

 

[bbowsa]

Thanks for all of the input, I think I'm sold on the 12.5". I measured the tread width of the stock Falken 33's that came on my Mojave and it's really not that much narrower than the reported tread width of the 12.5's. I like how my stock 33's drive and it handled very well in the snow so I'm pretty sure the 12.5" width will be much more than adequate for my needs in rain and snow.

Really appreciate the pictures too. I was worried that the wider tires might look like balloons on the narrow stock wheel but after seeing the pics I really like how they look.

 

[ecidiego]

Just for info, why does the tire manufacturer say No WAy BRo on the specs for 12.5s and 7.5" rims?

 

[Mac]

Just for info, why does the tire manufacturer say No WAy BRo on the specs for 12.5s and 7.5" rims?

Tire will not meet the safety, load capacity or other specification on a rim that is too narrow or too wide.

 

[RodRecket]

I have the Toyo 35x11.5 on AEV saltas and they have been a great tire. For me the 11.5 just made more sense. Here was my rational:
-lighter weight
-C rated (on road ride quality)
-3 peak winter rated (I live in MN)
-slightly more narrow, better on road (less tracking in crevice's) and in snow
-solid AT tire, tread wear guaruntee

I was also considering a KO2 and the goodyear ultraterrain. I'm happy with my choice and think they look great too.

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