I need some advice on tire and wheel size.

[DeSoto]

I have a 2025 Nighthawk. It came with the big wheels, but I do work out in rural areas. What do you guys think is the best wheel size that I can at least get some side pawl and some grip with, without having to mess with any of the technical parts like speed and the other computer crap that you say I have to do if I go through the dealer?

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[Jrgunn5150]

For me, a 17" wheel is it on any 4x4.

 

[D_JT]

17"s are the only wheel size option.

 

[Wheelin98TJ]

17s are the smallest you can go and still clear the brakes.

For tires, some options that are close to your 275/55/20:

275/70/17 - same 275mm width, 1/4" taller.
255/75/17 - 20mm narrower (3/4"), 0.2" taller.

Changing tire size with a programmer is pretty easy. You could open up some options if you'd consider a more popular 285/70/17 size.

 

[S JEEPN]

!7s as mentioned would be your best option. A 285 70 17 tire would get you some more clearance and not take to much power away working with your existing gearing. Get a tire based on what you encounter most a mild AT will be best on road and trail compromise getting you about anywhere you could want to go except maybe some muddy trails, MT if you hit the Mud, rocky, eroded, rutted tree lined wet trails. The AT may float a bit better when aired down in sand but the MT would work nearly as well once dropped in pressure and often has better sidewall biters and may look better if you like a more aggressive tread pattern. Changing the tire size with a programmer may be worth the investment since you can use it for other things down the road and if you later go bigger or back down in size.

 

[LoneWolfUSMC]

I have a 2025 Nighthawk. It came with the big wheels, but I do work out in rural areas. What do you guys think is the best wheel size that I can at least get some side pawl and some grip with, without having to mess with any of the technical parts like speed and the other computer crap that you say I have to do if I go through the dealer?

I would grab a set of Rubicon take-off wheels and tires and then JSCAN and a OBDII adapter and security cable. It’s a pretty cheap way to get to where you want to be.

 

[DeSoto]

I would grab a set of Rubicon take-off wheels and tires and then JSCAN and a OBDII adapter and security cable. It’s a pretty cheap way to get to where you want to be.

Any particular brand that you like?

 

[DeSoto]

If you’re mostly out in rural areas, I’d honestly stick with a slightly smaller wheel setup, something like 18 to 20 inches if you can. You’ll get better side grip and a bit more tire sidewall, which helps a lot on rough roads. Going too big just looks good but usually hurts traction and comfort out there. I’d avoid changing anything extreme so you don’t end up dealing with unnecessary adjustments.

Every once in a while I go four wheeling with my boy who's got a 2000 Wrangler, but nothing too extreme. Most of it is just going into the deep parts of the Native American nations. I do think a little wider would be helpful. Thoughts?

 

[azmojave]

Every once in a while I go four wheeling with my boy who's got a 2000 Wrangler, but nothing too extreme. Most of it is just going into the deep parts of the Native American nations. I do think a little wider would be helpful. Thoughts?

Yes
Here’s an example. I saw another set too. Sometimes you can find them brand new
https://showlow.craigslist.org/wto/d/lakeside-jeep-tires-and-wheels/7923295005.html

https://phoenix.craigslist.org/nph/wto/d/glendale-17-jeep-wrangler-rims-tires/7938004166.html

 

[DeSoto]

thanks!

 

[azmojave]

thanks!

If you’re on FB check marketplace too

 

[azmojave]

https://www.facebook.com/share/18sZa8Mhw2/?mibextid=wwXIfr

 

[azmojave]

I’m on there daily. Never know what you’ll find

 

[LoneWolfUSMC]

Any particular brand that you like?

If you can find a set with BFG KO2, those are great tires. Otherwise, I don’t have much issue with the Falken Wildpeak AT3W that came on mine. They were fine in the snow and ice this winter. I haven’t really had them deep off-road, but they get great reviews.

Having said that, I am going to buy a set of BFG KO3 in 35x11.50R17 this month for the JTR and put the 285 Falkens on my wife’s JLU Sport S because her factory street tires are worn out.

 

[WambliSka]

Congrats on the new money pit! The nighthawk is a nice trim package but I have zero clues why they put 20" wheels on ANY Jeep. Unless someone is buying a strictly street vehicle the loss of the much needed sidewall is crazy and the chances of screwed up rims increases exponentially with any kind of off-road driving.

As has been mentioned before there are tons of take-off Rubicon and Mojave 17" sets of wheels and tires out there. I'd grab a set of those and ride them for a while until you decide which direction you want to go with your vehicle.

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