Skinny tires on a Gen 3?
- Thread starter magoh76
- Start date
4D55 Performance
Explorer
If you are looking at the KO's you may also want to consider the BFG Rugged Terrain. The Rugged Terrain is BFG's newest design and came out about 18 months ago and I have been so pleased with them I have already bought 3 sets, all of which are 235/85r16's. I have owned 3 different set of KO's over the years and they are good tires, but they have a tendency to wear funny if your vehicle is not perfectly aligned. Not that it matters to you but the Rugged Terrains are better in the snow and ice. They are also more quiet on the roac and handle better. BFG knocked it out of the park with the Rugged Terrain.
My stash of 8 BFG Rugged Terrain 235/85r16's on Hutchison Beadlocks 0492's
Last edited:
4D55 Performance
Explorer
The Rugged Terrain is an AT tire. Last weekend I drove over 300 miles offroad with them in the high desert and they were fantastic. The 2 weekends before that I had them out deer hunting in the snow and mud and they performed great in that situation as well.
I think this gen III has the OME HD lift. I have seen a few Gen III Monty's with 235/85r/16's and they look great. It's the best tire size for that vehicle in my opinion.
-
4D55 Performance
Explorer
About 4-5 years ago I was all about lifts and big rubber but the older I get the more I realize that big rubber and ground clearance are over-rated. I have been able to do some of the more difficult trails in Moab with 30" tires and no lift while not scraping or rubbing. The current trend is big rubber with a minimal to zero lift. Personally I believe in no lift, adequate rubber, sliders, lockers, skids and driving skill. I think with some 31-33" tires on a gen III and the appropriate traction aids and body protection you would be more than happy.
jeep-N-montero
Expedition Leader
This is part of why I'm selling both Jeeps and buying a Montero.
off-roader
Expedition Leader
I agree that you can have a ton of fun in Moab and many other trails systems with smaller tires. My only caution for those unsure about what to buy is to think long and hard about the impact (body damage, drivetrain damage, etc.) of having a smaller tire where a bigger tire is needed. If you think there's even a remote possibility that you'll want to run these 'more technical' trails, then I would suggest it's more prudent to err on the side of caution.:ylsmoke:
4D55 Performance
Explorer
Tires are kinda like women, the skinnier the better:victory:
Without getting too technical this article is a good read and should answer all your questions.
http://www.expeditionswest.com/research/white_papers/tire_selection_rev1.html
Last edited:
4D55 Performance
Explorer
It is critical that you buy tires according to the terrain that you travel the most frequently. I travel frequently in desert and mountain terrain because I live in Utah. We don't have anything that really represents jungle terrain. So I prefer the 85% aspect tire to provide extra clearance in the mountains and a tire with close lugs and small shoulders for the deserts. I have had very good luck with the new BFG Rugged Terrain. Most tires like the Duratracs are far too aggressive for my needs. The large shoulders on a tire like the Duratrac would just get me into trouble in the sand. The Duratracs are a great choice for you because you live in the wet Northwest.
