Should I go 33x12.50, or 10.50 (I'm in Colorado)

[mizedog]

Hey all. I've searched and read that many people agree that a 33x10.50 is the way to go for a daily driver. But, I want opinions from those living in Colorado.

My Jeep:
4.5" Rusty's (may raise a little later).
4.56 gears
Rear 8.25 w/ ARB
32x11.50 ATs
15x8 Cragar D window steelies
Rusty's flares (would stick out wider than 10.50s - would this look dorky?)

I commute from Falcon to north Colorado Springs (23 miles round trip - or more if I go through Black Forest). Most days it's an easy drive with few curves. But it can get pretty icy for a day or two here and there. Most days are dry. In the summer I'll do some medium trails with Chinaman being near the limit.

I like the wider look on the 12.50s but am concerned the 8" wheels would make the tires wear out in the center. Plus, I read that 12.50s lack traction on packed snow and ice.

So, what would you all suggest? I'm looking at KM2s. I did consider the Duratracs, but am concerned about sidewall strength in the rocks.

Here's how it looks now:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y272/Mizedog/P1010053.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y272/Mizedog/P1010071.jpg
I've already told Discount to get me the 10.50s. But, it's not to late to switch. Thanks for input

[alwaysxj]

i would say just send that front bumper to me and you should be just fine.

[mizedog]

i would say just send that front bumper to me and you should be just fine.
Ha! Thanks for the complement. You take my old stock bumper...;)

By the way, a couple of people on another forum who are in Colorado Springs voted for the 12.50s. So I called Discount Tires and told them to switch the order to 4 33x12.50s and one 33x10.50 (for a spare). I'll post up in the next couple of days.

[alwaysxj]

that is what i would go with. then when you air down in the co snow you will have a wider track.

[muddeprived]

How can you expect us to answer your question when all we can do is stare at your jeep and drool?



Wide tires are good for snow. The key is flotation. A 10.5 and 11.5 tire can do very well in snow if you air them down enough.

I never liked 12.5" wide tires. They seemed to slip alot on road driving compared to 10.5's.

Let us know how it works out and maybe a little more........or ALOT of pictures. :)

[mizedog]

Thanks a bunch for the info (an complement Mud).
I took a hard look at the wide flares and just didn't want the tires that far inboard of the flare. Unfortunately, the only spacers I found were 1.25" which would have pushed the 10.50s out too far.

I got the 12.50s and with one day's experience, this is what I've noticed:
1. Darn, they seem heavy!

2. They are AT LEAST 2" taller than the "32s"

3. Dang the Yokahama's sidewalls were thin and flexy (compared to the old Bridgestone MT spare)

4. These BFG KM2s are soooo much quieter than the old Yokahamas!!! It's amazing.

5. The KM2s are super stable over bumps and around corners (I guess what I thought was a horrible short arm kit was really horrible Yoks wobbling around)

6. The KM2s don't have the flat wide steam roller look at all. Instead, the look just like I wanted, nice rounded sidewalls tucked in toward the wheel.

7. Dang, I should have gone 4.88s

8. I'll feel much more confidend off road with these.

No snow/ice experience yet, but he sipes are nice and deep. I took new pics this morning and will post later. Now I wonder if my wife will notice I'm having to fill up more often...

[Mudderoy]

Thanks a bunch for the info (an complement Mud).
I took a hard look at the wide flares and just didn't want the tires that far inboard of the flare. Unfortunately, the only spacers I found were 1.25" which would have pushed the 10.50s out too far.

I got the 12.50s and with one day's experience, this is what I've noticed:
1. Darn, they seem heavy!

2. They are AT LEAST 2" taller than the "32s"

3. Dang the Yokahama's sidewalls were thin and flexy (compared to the old Bridgestone MT spare)

4. These BFG KM2s are soooo much quieter than the old Yokahamas!!! It's amazing.

5. The KM2s are super stable over bumps and around corners (I guess what I thought was a horrible short arm kit was really horrible Yoks wobbling around)

6. The KM2s don't have the flat wide steam roller look at all. Instead, the look just like I wanted, nice rounded sidewalls tucked in toward the wheel.

7. Dang, I should have gone 4.88s

8. I'll feel much more confidend off road with these.

No snow/ice experience yet, but he sipes are nice and deep. I took new pics this morning and will post later. Now I wonder if my wife will notice I'm having to fill up more often...

I've been very happy with my BFG 32x11.5 MT My next set will be the new KM2 and 33x12.5 unless I can convince myself that the 35x12.5 will be ok. I'd really like to do the 35's.

I'd like to know if your gas mileage really changes. BTW, get the new speedo gear. Hmmm I wonder if you need one just moving from 32 to 33".

[mizedog]

BTW, get the new speedo gear. Hmmm I wonder if you need one just moving from 32 to 33".

I've had a 39 toother in there since May. So, now the speedo should be correct. It's weird because it's showing me slower than before and it just doesn't feel right. I think part of it was because I went from 32s that were closer to 31s in diameter.

I did jump on the gas this morning just make sure the Jeep would move and it did. It's just not as quick off the line as it was with "32s". I just don't think I could do 35s with 4.56s because of the altitude here. You may be fine since you're right there at the gulf.

[BlueXJ]

With the weight of our cherokees when you go above 11.50 you tend to get too much flat surface against the roadway, thus you get hydroplaneing. But if a majority of your time is spent on dry roads or offroad then go to 12.50s. Just stuff I have learned from experience over the last 20 years, that it or leave it.

[4.3LXJ]

You mentioned sipes. Are these the factory sipes or added later. If you do after market siping, this will increase your traction on snow and ice and add life to your tread. This is what I am talking about.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/warriorsuspension/IMG_0247.jpg

I have had these tires for about 30,000 miles and I can't wear them out.

[mizedog]

You mentioned sipes. Are these the factory sipes or added later. If you do after market siping, this will increase your traction on snow and ice and add life to your tread. This is what I am talking about.


I asked them to do the center lugs, and just touch the inside edge of the outer lugs. Hopefully this will help me in the snow & ice.

Most of my ice/snow driving is alone so the Jeep is fairly unloaded. I'm not light (280), and have about 50 pounds of tools in the back, but that's still a light load for a 12.50. However, much of my trail riding in the summer are with the family and camping gear in there. So, the weight's up there and my springs show it.
We'll see how it goes.

[mizedog]

So I got the 33x12.50/15 BFG KM2s. I'm very happy with the look and still not sure the 10.50s would have looks right with the flares. Here are some pics:
3/4 view old:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y272/Mizedog/P1010071.jpg
New:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y272/Mizedog/P1010019-2.jpg
Side view old:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y272/Mizedog/P1010065.jpg
Side view new:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y272/Mizedog/P1010013.jpg
Front view old:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y272/Mizedog/P1010053.jpg
Front view new:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y272/Mizedog/P1010016.jpg

[muddeprived]

Oh...that looks so damn fine. :thumbsup:

[4.3LXJ]

no complaints here either

[alwaysxj]

looks much better.

[Switch_knuckles]

Very informative!!!

[TeXJ]

I'd go with the 12.5" wide tires....wait...Am i too late again? Dang it!


....nice jeep :D

[mizedog]

Just got the e-mail notice of an update. I haven't lurked for a while but can give a quick update. Day to day, I would have appreciated the lighter 10.50s for gas savings and acceleration. I like the looks and trail performance of the 12.50s. I've had no problems with the snow and ice performance. They do a great job on snow and ice accelating forward from a stop, or breaking without turns. However, I have to be a little careful hitting the gas or break around corners. This may be due to the orientation of the sipes (straight across the tread). I've been able to drive around the streets in 2wd in as much as 6-8" of snow with no problems. It's possible to float up and spin at times, but no problems around town. I haven't been in deep snow on the trails.

Dry trail performance - GREAT!
I've done Iron Chest in CO - walk in the park as long as I didn't hang up.
Closer to home, Saran Wrap was no problem.
I've also been to Moab and done:
Poison Spider Mesa/Golden Spike/ Gold Bar Rim, Kane Creek, Hell's Revenge, Baby Lion's Back. I really think the sipes helped because with only a rear lockers, I had no problems with these trails other than ground clearance, approach and departure angles, and horrible shock performance (rS 9000s). The BFGs stuck like glue. I eased right up the Golden Stair Case, and the no name hill/ledge. I struggled a little on the hard line up the ledge at on Kane Creek, but that was more a ground clearance issue. Once I got the right line, I went right up.

I can run around 32-34 psi up front, but keep the rears at about 30 psi.

[IMG]http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y272/Mizedog/Jeep%20pics/Moab%202010/th_P1010062.jpg[/IMG"]Image hosting, free photo sharing & video sharing at Photobucket
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y272/Mizedog/Jeep%20pics/Moab%202010/P1010115.jpg

[TeXJ]

i run mine around 25 psi, I still need to do the chalk test.