Need help selecting my next tire please.

[MVOffroad]

My Jeep: XR Rubicon on 35x12.5xR20 Toyo open Country R/Ts (previous owner put these on and I didn't know that 17s were best at that point). Tires are still in great shape.

Me: New to the offroading world. I will be using this as a daily driver but I bought the car so I can offroad and explore on the weekends.

Location: Colorado (ice, snow, rain, mountain terrain)

So far I like the Toyo Open Country R/Ts but I don't really have a frame of reference. I did get some slippage driving around on icy roads on these tires, but not too bad. The reason I'm thinking about switching tires is to go to 17s and potentially 37s. Still debating on going with the 37s or just sticking to 35s untill I feel the need for bigger tires. I feel like since my 20 wheels are not all banged up yet, it might be smarter to sell them now and switch to 17s before I get up in the mountains and scrape them on some rocks.

Right now I'm looking at either getting the same tire again in 17s, nitto ridge grapplers, Kenda R/Ts or potentially going to an A/T since I hear great things about the falken wildpeak AT3ws and some of the others.

1. Do you think I should go to A/T tires for my purposes or stick with some R/Ts since that's what I already have? How well would A/Ts do up in the mountains?
2. Should I use this opportunity to bump up to 37s or stick with the 35s for now?
3. What tire would you recommend?
4. Should I just stick with the 20s for now to save some cash till I really need to replace them?

Any tips or advice is greatly appreciated!

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[hoch]

20’s on a Rubicon is a travesty. I’d save up for some proper 17” wheels and either 35’s or 37’s. As a daily driver, I’d probably stick to 35’s unless you need 37’s offroad.

I’m next door to you in Utah and have always liked KO/KO2’s.

 

[TheBirdie72]

35” Falkens FTW ?

 

[GATORB8]

If you plan to wheel, I would 100% do 37/17s if you replace them, especially since your already starting with 4.56s.

You’ve got some time until you play in the rocks up there. I’d consider listing the set high on FB MP and seeing if you get a bite.

 

[Old Dogger]

I suggest that you go with the 17” wheels. My vote is for the Falken Wildpeak AT3W. These are the best tires that I have ever run. Plus they are snow rated.

 

[blnewt]

You're are going to get countless recommendations. Might see if you can find a buyer for your 20" setup and take it from there. I wouldn't just get a new 17" setup and have those 20s just getting old in your garage, or selling them for next to nothing.

If you can't find a buyer that's going to pay a reasonable price then just run them til they're worn and then you'll have had plenty of time to do your research.

I would consider a 3peak snow rated if you plan to spend lots of time in the snow, and Mickey Thompson Baja Boss ATs are the most aggressive AT based tread w/ the largest sidewall biters. These will have the deepest tread as well, there are a couple other ATs that have similar tread depth (I believe the Wildpeak AT and Goodyear Duratrac also have that deep tread). All three of those tires would be a good choice if an AT tread is what you're wanting.

 

[ChuckQue]

Falken Wildpeak AT3W’s, hands down. Awesome wear resistance and wet weather handling. They are quiet on the highway and ride really well. My JL is the third vehicle I’ve put them on and I have zero complaints on or off road so far. Plus the price point is appealing.

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