A realistic outlook: Differences between 30x9.50, 31x10.50, 33x10.50

[geocrasher]

Unfortunately most of my driving is on road, in my 1987 Mitsu/Dodge Raider. When I go off road, I don't do anything technical. I do hit some very poor roads, serious ruts and every so often a ledge I have to climb up. I have 30x9.50x15's right now and they have proven sufficient. I need new tires though, and am trying to determine whether I should bother going up in size as the subject noted. The only reason I can think to do the 33's is so that I can air way down without losing ground clearance. It would sure help on the all-rock roads we have here in Nevada.

But other than that, will it *really* matter what size I get?

Lets leave gearing out of this discussion, if we can. I am clearly aware of the issues raised with getting bigger tires. I'm just not sure I even need bigger tires on this little rig- so far its been just point and drive for everything I've done.

Thanks!!

 

[scrubber3]

You know the old saying "if it ain't broke, don't fix it"? If what you have on there know is working, I don't see a reason to change it. If you want to air down a bit, My guess is that a 31 would probably suffice without costing much more in terms of money or the performance that you are used to.

 

[seely]

On a 2.6l SWB, I'd say that 30x9.5 is probably better than adequate. I had 31's on my SWB and with the short wheel base I found it extremely capable. With my last LWB, the extra clearance of the 33's was a must since its so much easier to get hung up with all the extra length.

That being said, I don't really see a reason to *not* go to 31's. They cost about the same, and will give you slightly more clearance and sidewall (more float if you air down, in theory).

 

[xkid]

33s.Piece of mind.I guess I overbuild a bit,but less worry in a situation.

 

[SOFpirate]

Realistically ...


If you move from the current 30's to 31's ... you'll gain .5". A half inch? Really?

I say 33's. That way you actually gain some true ground clearance. Going from 30's to 31's just to air them down ... you'll probably lose a slight amount of clearance. At least with 33's you might break even if you want to look into the true nitty gritty of the dimensions vs. height lost when running lower psi. The only issue is, there's not many tires (I've only found 3) that are made in 33x10.50x15. Unless you fellas out there know where to get some ...

Plus ... 33's look cooler.

 

[RttH]

When I had my 89 SWB Montero I went to 32's and loved them. It did fine on highway going up into the mountains. Offroad here in Colorado it struggled, but I need clearance for the rocks here. My 2000 Montero has 33's and I love them too, but as a daily driver I contemplate going back down in size. Not sure if this helps you....

 

[rxinhed]

I have used the 30, 31, 32 and 33(x12.5) tires on my Raider. I had the most fun with the 33s.

My Raider was only driven hard and over varying terrain for about 100 thousand miles. For the grading jobs I was on, the 33s were appropriate. For trips up and down the Sierras, the 31s allowed me to slow down. I can parade all the photos again of my Raider with all the tire sizes. Like other things, tire size is a consideration based upon numerous factors.

 

[bitoy]

Let's see the pics again! :wings:

 

[XJCamper]

Ok, On my 99XJ I have run all of the sizes that you are looking at. Started with 235/75 in fact. Now I am running a 33x10. There are pros and cons to all of them. This all depends on what you are looking for and what you use your vehicle for daily. You will absolutely love the height, look, and clearance of the 33. But, do you really need it. There is a lot sacrificed when going to this large size without 'the word I am not supposed to use... Re-----'. I was most happy on the road with my 31's. I am now most happy on the trails on my 33's but probably not needed 98% of the time. I ride with lots of guys that can go anywhere I do with 31's. I will say that I don't worry anymore about where my pumpkin is for the most part due to the clearance I have.
Overall, I would go with what makes you happy. IMO, A 31" tall tire is probably all you will ever need until you get into really nasty trails.

 

[geocrasher]

My genuine thanks go out to everyone for your input and ideas on this. I've decided to go with 31s'. I can't see needing 33's often enough to justify them. I know I said I wanted to leave gearing out of the discussion, and I appreciate the tire-only responses. So far I'm seeing that 33's will be overkill for what I want to do. The reality is that gearing DOES come in to play, and since I don't see the 33's as an actual need (want, sure!) I'll stick with 31's when I get new tires.

Thanks so much again, this was very very helpful!

 

[scrubber3]

Glad to know you've made your choice. Now what brand/ type will you be getting?

 

[off-roader]

Yeah if your doing mostly NV desert trails you should be fine with 31s.

 

[rxinhed]

Let's see the pics again! :wings:

Here are several, various rim & tire size combos I've used on my Raider. :ylsmoke:

 

[geocrasher]

Glad to know you've made your choice. Now what brand/ type will you be getting?

Yikes- I have no idea yet. Heck I don't even know if I'm going to get aggressive all terrains or all out mudders yet!

Thanks rxinhed for posting the pix of your Raider in its configs. LOVE the "Prospector" emblem- we had a truck with that on it when I was a kid. Might have to get one now

EDIT: Looking at tirerack.com for 31's of a reasonable price, I found these Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac's. They look about right for what I want. Anyone have any comments on those?
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires...eModel=Wrangler+DuraTrac&partnum=105QR5WDTOWL

 

[SOFpirate]

I run Firestone Destination A/T's. Not a bad tire in 31x10.50

Duratracs are good, but if I were you ......

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires...5GEOMTPL&vehicleSearch=false&fromCompare1=yes

But that's me trying to live vicariously through you. Another good choice are the Khumo Road Venture A/T's.