rims and tires

[86jpcj7]

This may sound stupid but if i have 15 inch rims and 33x12.50x15 inch tires and someone else has say 17 inch rims and 33x12.50x17 inch tires. Is the overall height of the rims and tires the same?

Please help and thanks.

 

[thiswontbetooexpensive]

Trying to compare actual tire size to what the size printed on the tire reads can be tricky. Some tire sizes are a ratio while some manufacturers have different meanings depending on rim width and height, this further complicates the matter. Easiest way to tell is with a straight edge and a tape measure. Those always tell the truth and compare apples to apples.

That being said, I'm sure an internet search will find some type of comparison/application chart that will get you close enough!


This won't be too expensive Dear! That's what I keep saying. Over and over again.

 

[IOPort51]

both are "nominally" 33 inches tall.

 

[S76]

The answer to your question is basically yes. They will both be the same height. But as noted, all 33 inch tires are not exactly the same. If you go to the manf site usually you can see the specs for a given brand. Like this:

Mickey Thompson Performance Tires & Wheels

These sites are great because you can see the overall height, the load rating, and the weight of the tire. I too have been searchig tires and most 33 inch tires range from 32.5 to 33.1 inches tall. Not much difference really.

 

[Old Dog]

This may sound stupid but if i have 15 inch rims and 33x12.50x15 inch tires and someone else has say 17 inch rims and 33x12.50x17 inch tires. Is the overall height of the rims and tires the same?

Please help and thanks.

As other have said, the tires should be the same height, but the 17" rims will be 2" taller than your 15" rims.
But the overall height of tires and rims will be the same. The 17" tires will have less sidewall height.

 

[86jpcj7]

Thanks guys now i know what im getting into.

 

[Kane]

General rule of thumb is to have at least double the tire size of the rim size to be able to flex the sidewall enough during offroading. That's what I have read in Petersons 4wheel anyway. I just like 17 inch rims and plan to use them for my build.

 

[Petescj]

The one benefit of the larger 17 in wheel that hasnt been mentioned is that you can fit larger brakes behind them. I think thats the biggest benefit of larger wheels. Personally I'll stick with my 15 in wheels.

 

[BusaDave9]

I agree with Kane.
There's a saying in off-roading: When picking tires and wheels, you want more rubber than steel.
You want your tires to have a diameter of at least twice the diameter of the wheels. In other words don't get 17 inch rims unless you get at least 34 inch tires. Tire flex is good off-road.

On the street it's the opposite. By getting bigger rims and lower tires you minimize flex. That helps street handling

 

[Kane]

On that note my 17 inch rims would be for street cruising and my 15's with 33 inch mudders would be the wheeling set. don't forget the larger the rim the bigger chance of smacking them up on rocks.

 

[86jpcj7]

Thanks guys my curiosity is cured.

 

[CJim7]

A 15" rim will also hold the bead better when aired down....