Selecting the correct tire size for your Jeep Wrangler involves balancing your driving style with the physical limits of your vehicle for safety. This guide explains how to choose tires and which hardware upgrades are necessary. The Goodyear Wrangler Adventure is a top choice for its tread life warranty.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. This post contains affiliate links – if you buy through them, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
What Actually Matters
Tire Tread Design
Tires feature different tread patterns for specific environments. Aggressive patterns with open blocks excel in mud and snow but may generate more noise on pavement.
Load Rating and Durability
Toughness depends on sidewall and tread materials. Kevlar or reinforced rubber compounds help resist punctures and cuts from trail debris.
Wheel Offset and Clearance
The offset of a wheel dictates how far it sits from the hub. A negative offset pushes the wheel outward for more clearance. Before choosing, measure your current setup to see if you need extra inner clearance to avoid rubbing during turns.
Calibration Requirements
Changing tire size requires a computer update for speedometer accuracy. Without calibration, shift points and speed readings are incorrect. A handheld module adjusts these parameters to ensure correct operation.
1. Goodyear Wrangler Adventure Kevlar 255/70R18 113 T Tire
Best for: Reliable all-terrain traction and long-term tread life.
This tire uses a rubber compound infused with DuPont Kevlar, which helps resist sidewall cuts and punctures during off-road use. Its biting edges provide traction on wet or icy roads, while the open shoulder blocks help clear mud and snow effectively.
Pros
- Features durable DuPont Kevlar construction.
- Includes a 60,000-mile tread life warranty.
- Designed for superior wet and icy road traction.
- Open shoulder blocks clear mud and snow.
Cons
- Tread life warranty applies to select sizes only.
2. Goodyear Wrangler Territory AT 265/70R16 112 Tire
Best for: Versatile year-round performance on various surfaces.
The Territory features multi-angle tread sipes that maintain traction throughout the seasons. Because it’s an original equipment tuned tire, it’s designed to balance off-road capability with a comfortable ride on paved surfaces. It’s a straightforward option for those who want a predictable tire that handles daily commuting as well as light weekend trail use.
Pros
- Balanced construction for on and off-road use.
- Multi-angle sipes improve seasonal traction.
- Designed for a comfortable daily ride.
Cons
- Not specialized for extreme off-road terrain.
3. RockTrix RT105 18 inch Wheel Compatible with Jeep Wrangler JK
Best for: Increasing inner clearance for larger tires.
These wheels feature a negative 12mm offset, which provides up to 2 inches of additional inner clearance compared to some factory rims. The matte black finish includes a clear coat for weather protection, and the design fits tires ranging from 30 to 37 inches. You’ll need cone seat lug nuts for proper installation.
Pros
- Provides extra clearance without needing spacers.
- Durable matte black finish with clear coat.
- Compatible with a wide range of tire sizes.
Cons
- Extends past the fenders on most models.
4. WARN 106685 Epic Wheels
Best for: Off-road enthusiasts requiring certified durability.
WARN Epic Wheels are designed for off-road performance and meet SAE J2530 certification standards for strength. They feature a 0 offset and are compatible with factory lug nuts and TPMS sensors, making the installation process more familiar. They’re sold individually, allowing you to buy exactly what you need for your build.
Pros
- Meets SAE J2530 certification for durability.
- Compatible with factory lug nuts and TPMS.
- Designed specifically for off-road performance.
Cons
- Sold as individual units only.
5. Mammoth Boulder Wheel in Black 16×8 Aggressive Styling Rim Fits
Best for: Aggressive styling on JK models.
The Mammoth Boulder Wheel features a five-spoke design with a matte black finish that provides a distinct, aggressive look for 2007-2018 Jeep Wrangler JK models. Its one-piece aluminum construction and hub-centric design ensure a proper fit against the vehicle’s hub. This wheel is a direct aesthetic upgrade for those who want a tougher stance.
Pros
- Aggressive five-spoke styling.
- Hub-centric design for a precise fit.
- Durable one-piece aluminum construction.
Cons
- Limited to 2007-2018 JK models only.
6. 17″ 17×7.5″ Factory OEM Silver Aluminum Alloy Wheel Rim
Best for: Replacing a damaged factory rim.
This is a reconditioned factory aluminum alloy wheel designed for 2018-2023 Jeep Wrangler models. It serves as a direct replacement for damaged or worn stock wheels, ensuring your Jeep maintains its original look. It doesn’t include tires, sensors, or lug nuts, so you must transfer these from your existing wheel or purchase them separately.
Pros
- Direct fit for 2018-2023 Wrangler models.
- Reconditioned to original factory specifications.
- Maintains the stock vehicle aesthetic.
Cons
- Doesn’t include any hardware or sensors.
7. 18″ 18×7.5″ Factory OEM Gloss Black Aluminum Alloy Wheel Rim
Best for: Matching existing gloss black factory aesthetics.
This reconditioned 18-inch gloss black alloy wheel matches the factory finish found on many late-model Jeep Wranglers. Like the silver version, it’s a direct replacement part designed for 2019-2023 models. It’s a practical solution if you have damaged one of your existing black rims and want to restore the uniform look of your vehicle.
Pros
- Restores the factory gloss black appearance.
- Fits 2019-2023 Jeep Wrangler models.
- Quality reconditioned finish.
Cons
- No hardware or sensors included in purchase.
8. Mopar 82215355 Jeep Wrangler Oversized Spare Tire Carrier Modification Kit
Best for: Safely mounting slightly larger spare tires.
This kit provides a vehicle-specific modification to the factory spare tire carrier. It’s designed to handle the extra weight of an oversized spare, which is crucial to prevent damage to the rear door hinges. It’s a simple, effective way to ensure your spare is secure without replacing the entire carrier system.
Pros
- Vehicle-specific fitment for reliable installation.
- Prevents damage from oversized spare tires.
- Simple modification to the factory carrier.
Cons
- Limited to smaller oversized tire ranges.
9. JK Adjustable Carrier
Best for: Mounting spare tires up to 40 inches.
This carrier allows for adjustable height and depth, accommodating spare tires up to 40 inches. It’s built from high-thickness steel and features an anti-rust coating for longevity. The design uses existing factory screw holes for installation, which the manufacturer states can be completed in about 20 minutes.
Pros
- Fits spare tires up to 40 inches.
- Adjustable height and depth for fitment.
- Uses existing factory screw holes.
Cons
- Requires heavy-duty installation for larger tires.
10. SuperChips 3571 Flashcal Handheld Module
Best for: Calibrating the speedometer after tire changes.
The Flashcal Module updates your vehicle’s computer for new tire sizes, ensuring accurate speedometer and shift points. You can revert to stock performance at any time by simply unplugging the module.
Pros
- Corrects speedometer for new tire sizes.
- Simple plug-and-play installation.
- No permanent changes to the vehicle.
Cons
-
Doesn’t offer engine performance tuning.
-
Winch Carrier Fit Jeep Wrangler: A heavy-duty adjustable option for JK models up to 37 inches.
- Adjustable Spare Tire Carrier Wrangler: A bracket-style mount for JK/JKU models supporting up to 37-inch tires.
- Adjustable JL/JLU Unlimited: A high-clearance carrier for JL/JLU models that fits tires up to 40 inches.
Who Should Buy Which
If you drive your Jeep daily and want a reliable, long-lasting tire, choose the Goodyear Wrangler Adventure. Owners wanting a simple, balanced option should look at the Goodyear Wrangler Territory. For those upgrading to larger tires, the RockTrix RT105 Wheels provide the necessary clearance, while the SuperChips Flashcal Module is essential for correcting the speedometer. If you have damaged a stock rim, the OEM Silver Alloy Wheel or OEM Gloss Black Wheel are the best choices for a factory-standard repair.
Mistakes That Catch Buyers Out
- Assuming any tire size will fit without checking for fender or suspension rubbing.
- Prioritizing aggressive tread patterns over the quiet ride quality needed for daily highway driving.
- Forgetting that larger tires require a speedometer calibration tool to avoid incorrect shift points.
- Choosing a wheel based only on its appearance without verifying if the offset matches your clearance needs.
Related guides
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my new tires will rub?
Check for clearance between the tire and the fender liners or suspension components at full steering lock.
Do I need to replace my lug nuts?
It depends on the wheel. Some aftermarket wheels require cone seat lug nuts, while others are compatible with factory hardware.
Can I install a 37-inch tire on a stock carrier?
Usually, no. Stock carriers aren’t built to handle the weight of oversized off-road tires, which can damage your tailgate hinges. Use an adjustable carrier to support the extra weight.
Will changing tire size void my warranty?
Modifying your vehicle with non-factory tire sizes can affect your factory warranty coverage for suspension and drivetrain components. Check your owner’s manual or speak with a dealer service representative to understand your specific warranty terms before making major changes.
Is it necessary to calibrate the computer?
Yes, calibrating is necessary to ensure the speedometer, odometer, and automatic transmission shift points remain accurate after changing tire sizes. Use a tool like the SuperChips Flashcal Module to perform this update.
Conclusion
Choosing the right rubber shouldn’t feel like a chore, so take your time and pick what fits your lifestyle best. Once you’ve settled on a set, head to a local shop to get them balanced and aligned. You’ll be ready to hit the trails with confidence and enjoy the ride.
