Jeep Wrangler Tires Size Chart – Everything You Need To Know

Do you own a jeep wrangler? Is its tire in good condition?

Do you want to replace its wheels? Do you know what kinds of material you can choose?

When looking for jeep wrangler wheels, you can either opt for steel or aluminum wheels. Note that, aluminum wheels are lighter and costlier than steel wheels.

These two types have differences, and you can choose either one as per your preferences. Wheels are also available in different sizes. You can get 20" Wrangler wheels, 18" Wrangler wheels, 17 "Wrangler wheels, 16" Wrangler wheels, and 15 "Wrangler wheels.

Jeep Wrangler Standard Wheels

Jeep Wrangler Standard Wheels

Though you can get the standard wheel of a jeep in multiple pieces, in most cases they are available as one-piece. Others come with bead locks.

A jeep wrangler wheel will consist of a mounting plate/surface, outer and inner lip, and central drum.

Difference Between Wheel Offset and Wheel Backspacing

Difference Between Wheel Offset and Wheel Backspacing

To get the functionality and elegance you need on your jeep wrangler. You have to purchase the right wheels. This can only happen by considering certain things.

Herein, you must know the wheel backspacing, the wheel offset and available sizes that can work with your jeep wrangler. Read on to understand further.

The Wheel Offset

wheel offset

The wheel offset is typically the distance between the inner components of the jeep and the wheel itself.

In layman’s language, the wheel offset is how far the wheel actually sits off the centerline. You must use the wheel offset regardless of whether the wheel to be tight or wider.

There are two types of offset; the positive and negative wheel offset. The positive offset is what is responsible for pushing the mounting surface to the road. This is what causes low deep dishes and stows.

The negative offset does opposite of the positive offset. It pushes the wheel far the offender.

The Wheel Backspacing

wheel backspacing

The wheel backspacing is somehow simple to explain. It is the distance between the mounting surface and the inner lip of the wheel.

This distance decides whether the wheel back touches the inner components of the Jeep (stabilizers, shock absorbers, inner wings, etc.). Using spacer or adapters, you can play with the offset to move the wheel farther out.

Unlike the wheel offset, which is measured in millimetres, the wheel backspace is measured in inches.

So Why Should You Know The Offset And Backspace Of The Wheel?

Now that you know the difference between wheel offset and backspace, how are they important?

A new wheel comes with a specific offset and backspace. As explained above the wheel offset (whether positive or negative) is the distance between the mounting surface and the centre of the wheel.

It plays a very important role by defining how far in or out the wheel will sit in its fenders.

The wheel backspace as I stated before is the distance between the mounting surface and the inner lip of the wheel.

This defines whether the back of the wheel touches with the inner components of your jeep wrangler such as shock absorbers, stabilizers and inner wings.

If your wheel sits too much beyond the mudguard, you can reduce the mounting surface and will reduce the wheel misalignment. By reducing the mounting surface, the wheel backspace will not have been changed. The only change is how the wheel positioned under the fender.

Speed Rating

Speed Rating

Today you can get jeep wranglers wheel rated at 75mph or more. However, with today's technology, you can adjust the speed of the tire to the maximum speed of the vehicle.

Understanding Jeep Wrangler Tire Dimensions 

Have you gone to buy jeep wrangler size and got them labeled as 33", 35" or, 37''? Do you know what it means?

These are the most common wheel sizes for jeep wranglers that you can easily get. To understand these labels is a challenge as jeep wrangler wheel manufactures uses a combination of standard measurements and metrics.

To let you understand the tire sizes and make your work easier when buying one for your jeep wrangler, let's talk about an example.

Say you found a wheel labeled 315/220/17 what does 135, 70 and 17 stand for?

Well, here is an explanation.

  • The number 315 stands for the millimeters width of the tire.
  • The second number which 220 as per my example standards for the height of the sidewall. It is usually the 70% of the width. Therefore, for my example, the 70% of 315 is 8.6 inches or 220 millimetres of sidewall height.
  • The last number stands for the rim diameter in inches. For my example, the rim diameter is 17 inches.

Now, to get the estimated size of the wheel in inches, you will have to multiply the height in inches by two. Then add the rim diameter in inches.

For the above example (8.6’’X2)+17=34.2

So when you see the size 35’’, know that where it has come from.

To make your decision for buying jeep wrangler tires straightforward, below is a jeep wrangler tire size chart.

Jeep Wrangler Tire Size Chart

The size of the

rim in inches

The size of

tyres

Compatible

Models

16

245-75-16

Unlimited Sport and Sports

17

255-75-17

sports, Unlimited Rubicon, Rubicon, and Unlimited Sport S

18

255-70-18

Unlimited Sahara and Sahara

Let’s Answer Some Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is load Index and how is it important?

The load index is what the tire can support to the maximum. You should try to use tires that have a similar load capacity as the tires that came with the vehicle or the recommended index in the manual. The higher the number, the higher the supported load.

2. How can I know the tire speed rating?

It is usually located on the side of the tire. The speed rating is the letter that is usually near the end of the digits you will see on the tire side and it refers to the maximum speed your tire is capable of.

3. What is a Contact patch?

It is the part of the wheel that gets in contact with the road. In most cases Jeep Wrangler tires are much wider and therefore have a larger contact surface, giving them extra grip when cornering and accelerating faster.

4. How can I recycle Used Tires?

There are many outdoor applications for tires as well as some practical, some fun and some just for aesthetic purposes, like; construction of technical landfills and flood defences.

5. What are the determinants of tire prices?

There many tire price determinants. The speed rate, index load, and size being the mainstream.

Concluding Thoughts

As you will be going to purchase your jeep wrangler wheel, you will need to put in mind your preference and standard specifications. Always buy wheels that can be mounted and be balanced in your car.

Specifications to consider include tread life, its size and speed rating that can identify the kind of wheel you have to purchase. You can refer to your owner's manual and the present tyres of your vehicle. Prefer the recommended speed rating and size. Thanks for visiting our Toolstastico blog.

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