Tire Selection Help! (MT on Rubicon)

[DanielM3]

Hey there thanks in advance for guidance on this.

I have a Gladiator LE Rubicon. I love the way it drives but this winter I have a few trips planned that I would prefer to swap the stock AT tires for some MT's. There will be some snow trips in the Sierras, a Death Valley trip and a few others.

I am not wanting to change the wheels or the suspension. I would do a small spacer kit if needed.

The tire I am looking at is the Nitto Trail Grappler MT and there are 3 sizes that could work.

285/75R17 34.09 tall x 11.57 wide E load 66lbs
This tire should have no rub issues as it is only slightly larger than stock, E should be sturdy sidewall, a bit lighter than some of the other options

35x11.5R17 34.76 tall x 11.42 wide C load 72lbs
I really like the sound of this as a bit taller but should not have any rub issues. I am not sure if the C load would be as sturdy offroad but probably helps on comfort and weight.

35x12.5R17 34.84 tall x 13.19 wide E load 80lbs
I know that some run this on a stock 7.5in wide wheel but they seem a bit wide to me. These are also the heaviest.

I am leaning toward one of the first 2 options but would like to hear from you.

Thanks!
Daniel

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[Alaska-HWY JK]

Hey there thanks in advance for guidance on this.

I have a Gladiator LE Rubicon. I love the way it drives but this winter I have a few trips planned that I would prefer to swap the stock AT tires for some MT's. There will be some snow trips in the Sierras, a Death Valley trip and a few others.

I am not wanting to change the wheels or the suspension. I would do a small spacer kit if needed.

The tire I am looking at is the Nitto Trail Grappler MT and there are 3 sizes that could work.

285/75R17 34.09 tall x 11.57 wide E load 66lbs
This tire should have no rub issues as it is only slightly larger than stock, E should be sturdy sidewall, a bit lighter than some of the other options

35x11.5R17 34.76 tall x 11.42 wide C load 72lbs
I really like the sound of this as a bit taller but should not have any rub issues. I am not sure if the C load would be as sturdy offroad but probably helps on comfort and weight.

35x12.5R17 34.84 tall x 13.19 wide E load 80lbs
I know that some run this on a stock 7.5in wide wheel but they seem a bit wide to me. These are also the heaviest.

I am leaning toward one of the first 2 options but would like to hear from you.

Thanks!
Daniel

I would get the 35/11.5’s in the Load Range C. Load Range E is for a 1 ton, way to stiff for light truck. I have 37/12.5/17 Load Range D Trail Grapplers on my JK, great tire. I’ll probably go with the 35/11.5’s when the original tires wear out.

 

[DanielM3]

I would get the 35/11.5’s in the Load Range C. Load Range E is for a 1 ton, way to stiff for light truck. I have 37/12.5/17 Load Range D Trail Grapplers on my JK, great tire. I’ll probably go with the 35/11.5’s when the original tires wear out.

Thanks!!

That is what I was leaning towards as well. It is an less common size but I think it will work for what I am looking for.

Thanks
Daniel

 

[LongTimeListener]

If you plan on driving the real Jeep roads in DV, go with an E-load. Lots of sharp rocks to cut a tire. The guys I know who run C-loads get a lot more flats during desert wheeling.

 

[DanielM3]

If you plan on driving the real Jeep roads in DV, go with an E-load. Lots of sharp rocks to cut a tire. The guys I know who run C-loads get a lot more flats during desert wheeling.

I will probably not be doing super advanced/rough trails but that is what I was going back and forth on.

 

[Trauma PA]

Hey there thanks in advance for guidance on this.

I have a Gladiator LE Rubicon. I love the way it drives but this winter I have a few trips planned that I would prefer to swap the stock AT tires for some MT's. There will be some snow trips in the Sierras, a Death Valley trip and a few others.

I am not wanting to change the wheels or the suspension. I would do a small spacer kit if needed.

The tire I am looking at is the Nitto Trail Grappler MT and there are 3 sizes that could work.

285/75R17 34.09 tall x 11.57 wide E load 66lbs
This tire should have no rub issues as it is only slightly larger than stock, E should be sturdy sidewall, a bit lighter than some of the other options

35x11.5R17 34.76 tall x 11.42 wide C load 72lbs
I really like the sound of this as a bit taller but should not have any rub issues. I am not sure if the C load would be as sturdy offroad but probably helps on comfort and weight.

35x12.5R17 34.84 tall x 13.19 wide E load 80lbs
I know that some run this on a stock 7.5in wide wheel but they seem a bit wide to me. These are also the heaviest.

I am leaning toward one of the first 2 options but would like to hear from you.

Thanks!
Daniel

I like your 2nd choice. I don't need a stiffer walled E load tire and I prefer a somewhat more narrow tire like option 2 as there is less contact surface grabbing onto the imperfections in the road wanting to pull the Jeep in different directions.

 

[DanielM3]

The 35x11.5 should not have clearance issues on stock Rubicon correct?

 

[DanielM3]

Thanks for the input all. I got the 35x11.5s mounted today.

 

[AlwaysRecord]

Thanks for the input all. I got the 35x11.5s mounted today.

@DanielM3 Can you post pictures from side, front and rear. I'm getting the same tires installed this week on a black Rubi. Thank you.

 

[DanielM3]

Here are 2 more for you.

 

[Trauma PA]

Thanks for the input all. I got the 35x11.5s mounted today.

Good choice. Looks really sharp. What are your initial impressions?

 

[Gladicon]

Exactly what I'm looking for, mine a black Rubi, what wheels/size are those?
I want to get the Mopar simulated beadlock n those tires.
Actually are those stock Rubi wheels?

 

[Trauma PA]

Exactly what I'm looking for, mine a black Rubi, what wheels/size are those?
I want to get the Mopar simulated beadlock n those tires.
Actually are those stock Rubi wheels?

Looks like @DanielM3 has Launch Edition wheels on his JT.

 

[DanielM3]

@Trauma PA It is really initial thoughts as I only have about 20 miles and no off road...

Good:

• I really like the size of this tire for the JT (11.5 width fits stock wheel/spare nice and stays under the fenders which I like, 35 fills the space well and does not look too big, gives a bit more ground clearance)
• The C load feels good driving. Sidewall does not feel harsh and weight is up 8 lbs per tires over stock which I cant feel the performance impact too much. (I am at 38 lbs pressure currently and reading I should try lowering some?)
• Road noise is only a small amount louder at this point vs stock
• I personally think they look great. I like the tread and sidewall.

Bad

• They are a MT, so you do feel that some. For example when driving and going around a faster bend in the road, you can feel a little 'buzz' type of feel in the wheel. Not bad but noticeable
• I am sure my MPG will drop
• Will probably get a bit louder over time

@Gladicon they are Nitto Trail Grappler MT 35x11.5R17 and I have them mounted on my stock Launch Edition (and spare) wheels. I ordered them from Discount Tire and had great service (and price match). These are same 17x7.5 wheels as the Rubicon, just different design/color.

 

[AlwaysRecord]

@DanielM3 Thanks for the pictures and feedback. No lift on the JT, correct?

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