Tire change question

[salineriverman]

Currently have 2018 wrangler sport unlimited with 18” fuel rims with toyo open country 285/75r18 MT tires . My wife’s knees have been acting up and we’re gonna have to go back to smaller tires to ease her getting into Jeep. Looking at putting 17” rubicon factory 7.5” wide rims and Toyo AT3 245/65r17 - questions? Will these smaller tires affect driving or speedometer of Jeep? Will these tires stick out past fender skirts?
Oversize tires were put on Jeep at dealership when new. So not sure what size was tires and rims from factory? Any suggestions? Thanks Trying to keep wife ?

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[Gaffer]

Steps would be a better choice.

 

[salineriverman]

Steps would be a better choice.

Thanks,I’ve already changed out running boards/bars but didn’t help enough.

 

[Buckster]

Currently have 2018 wrangler sport unlimited with 18” fuel rims with toyo open country 285/75r18 MT tires . My wife’s knees have been acting up and we’re gonna have to go back to smaller tires to ease her getting into Jeep. Looking at putting 17” rubicon factory 7.5” wide rims and Toyo AT3 245/65r17 - questions? Will these smaller tires affect driving or speedometer of Jeep? Will these tires stick out past fender skirts?
Oversize tires were put on Jeep at dealership when new. So not sure what size was tires and rims from factory? Any suggestions? Thanks Trying to keep wife ?

Would have to know the specs on the wheels to determine how much they will or won't "poke". But I would expect the OEM to sit further inboard than the Fuels, and the tires will be 1-1/2" narrower (more narrow?) so you would lose 3/4" there.
Given the tire specs, that will be roughly 2-1/2" lower for entry/exit. Will that make that much of a difference for the wife??
That will be roughly a 15% drop in circumference of the tire so it will definitely affect the speedometer, odometer, shift points etc. Example - If your speedometer is accurate now, then with the new tires you will read 60 mph when you are actually going about 51 mph.
Last thought, going to tire that is that much smaller is going to look goofy AF.

If it were me, I would go with a portable step or just grab her butt and hoist before I would downsize tires/wheels.

 

[Gaffer]

Thanks,I’ve already changed out running boards/bars but didn’t help enough.

This is what my wife uses to get into my TJ with 4" lift on 35's.

 

[salineriverman]

This is what my wife uses to get into my TJ with 4" lift on 35's.

Thanks, we too use one but she has really bad knees and it’s a challenge for her 5’2” frame.

 

[areuriding]

Look at the sticker inside the door, it'll give you tire size and tire pressure.

 

[salineriverman]

Look at the sticker inside the door, it'll give you tire size and tire pressure.

Thanks, I’ll check it out.

 

[salineriverman]

Thanks, I’ll check it out.

It came from factory with 245/75R17’s so I’d bet if I change back to 255/70R17 it should be fine. I plan on talking to salesman tomorrow and see what all they did to Jeep. It was on the lot for a year before we bought it new in July 2019.

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