33x10.50r15 vs 33x12.50r15

[aglinks]

Hey all,

It’s that time again to get tires. I’ve been running 33x10.50’s on 15x8’s for the last 7 years but I’m looking at 33x12.50’s due to cost and availability. I have a 4” BDS suspension lift and stock axles with beefed up internals. Has anyone switched back and forth between these two sizes? Do the wider tires make it handle worse? Do the 33x12.50’s rub?

 

[Manic Mechanic]

I switch between 10.5 & 12.5 all the time. I use the wider tires for off roading and the narrower ones for street use. My narrow ones are an all terrain and the wider are mud terrain

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[aglinks]

I switch between 10.5 & 12.5 all the time. I use the wider tires for off roading and the narrower ones for street use. My narrow ones are an all terrain and the wider are mud terrain

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How do the 12.50 mud terrain's do on the highway?

 

[Patrick]

I switch between MT and slightly narrower AT tires also. The only noticeable difference is the higher rolling resistance and noise with MT’s. Ironically, I get better grip with MT’s on road during aggressive acceleration. Brand name MT’s have evolved significantly, and they are ok on the highway. Fuel efficiency in my opinion is the main trade off.

My Jeep is strictly open top year long and not driven in rain, so I could not comment on wet road tire manners.

 

[Manic Mechanic]

They are a bit noisy but that is inherent of all MT's I have no issues switching I understand that a narrower tire does better in the snow than wider. Also with less mass there is less stress on the steering components. I use the wider 12.5 strictly off road

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[aglinks]

They are a bit noisy but that is inherent of all MT's I have no issues switching I understand that a narrower tire does better in the snow than wider. Also with less mass there is less stress on the steering components. I use the wider 12.5 strictly off road

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I will probably stick with my 10.50's then since the jeep sees snow every now and then.

 

[DC712001]

I put 33x12.50 R15 A/T’s on my ‘79 CJ5 20-years ago and have used them continuously since. I mostly drive on-road and rarely in snow. The Jeep seems stable and handling is fine.

One of the best investments I made over the years, was Rancho 9000 shocks. Made a huge difference.

In the past, I put new shocks (Monroe, Rancho 5000, etc) and no noticeable difference and poor ride quality; but switching to the adjustable RS 9000’s, the Jeep has much better ride quality. Some porpoising still, but even that has much improved.

 

[Colorado Yeti]

33 x 12.50's are terrifying on a CJ if you do any amount of winter driving. I used to run 12.50's on my previous 1976 CJ7 and had many narrow encounters on the road. I switched to 10.50" BFG all terrains and couldn't believe the improvement. They don't look as cool but who cares.

 

[Mrpeter63]

12.5" tires should really go on a 10" rim for best wear and performance. Yes you can put them on 8" rims, but it sucks your side walls in and distorts your tread, It's something like for every 1/2", it effects your tread by 2/10". So 12.5" on a 8.5" rim, you will have 1.6" of tread not fully contacting the road. You can adjust with air pressure but then you have less sidewall strength.... Anyways, if your running 8" rims you are better off with an 11.5" or a 10.5"

 

[aglinks]

12.5" tires should really go on a 10" rim for best wear and performance. Yes you can put them on 8" rims, but it sucks your side walls in and distorts your tread, It's something like for every 1/2", it effects your tread by 2/10". So 12.5" on a 8.5" rim, you will have 1.6" of tread not fully contacting the road. You can adjust with air pressure but then you have less sidewall strength.... Anyways, if your running 8" rims you are better off with an 11.5" or a 10.5"

With all this feedback I am going to stick with 33x10.50r15. I am really curious to try the General Grabber X3 mud tire in this size. I will likely buy a set this spring when I start getting the jeep out more.

 

[Lumpy Grits]

I've run 33 1250 BFG A/T on 8" rims for better part of 30 yrs on my CJ7 .
No issues....
Just keep your tp around 24-25 psi.
Gary

 

[aglinks]

Just an update. I went with the Grabber X3 33x10.50r15 and so far I love them! I have only been wheeling once since all the changes I have made this year (AX15 swap and tires) but I am loving the traction and lower first gear!

 

[Patrick]

Narrow tires have their merit. Early CJ’s can attest to it. They are less likely to rub at full steer lock and also are lighter. Good choice.