Well I just had my third child and now know that the xj is gonna be a bit small for long trips. I need new tires SOON. Of course I would like to go bigger, currently 3" lift and 31's, want to do 33x10.5 on my stock rims. I really don't like using the roof rack unless i have to. So that made me think... TRAILER! Wait a minute. I have no real budget, just had a third kid, duh. Tax return! Well even then I can only choose one so... so I am looking for opinions. Should I go for the bigger tires or build a trailer and stick with 31's?
trailer or bigger tires on my xj?
- Thread starter ijeep_2
- Start date
BIGdaddy
Expedition Leader
I have three kids in an XJ. my thoughts
-same question as above: Are you getting stuck on 31's? if not, don't worry about 33's unless it's a looks thing, (which I completely understand, btw.)
-Check out roof top storage boxes from thule/yakima. they add a ton of cargo space. I can fit our tent, sleeping bags, camp chairs privvy shelter, sleeping pads, etc up there, and leave enough room in the back for a well stocked kitchen.
-Next to the long cargo rack is enough space to carry quite a bit of firewood, though it's a lot of weight to put up high, (something to consider). I'd also look into getting a hitch mounted cargo rack. you can load it up with firewood and then just drop it when you get to camp.
-shop for a good, solid spare tire carrier to get it out of the load area, if you haven't already. Good brands are JCR, AJ's offroad, Detours USA, Logan's Metal works, ARB, etc.
That mod will allow the tire to be placed outside as well as create a spot for fuel/water can(s) or storage box on the swing-away.
-Invest in a Trasharoo once you get the tire carrier for even more storage hanging off the tire.
If you do all those things, choose compact or space saving equipment (think backpacker's gear) and still need more room, then definitely look into a smaller utility/military trailer.
-same question as above: Are you getting stuck on 31's? if not, don't worry about 33's unless it's a looks thing, (which I completely understand, btw.)
-Check out roof top storage boxes from thule/yakima. they add a ton of cargo space. I can fit our tent, sleeping bags, camp chairs privvy shelter, sleeping pads, etc up there, and leave enough room in the back for a well stocked kitchen.
-Next to the long cargo rack is enough space to carry quite a bit of firewood, though it's a lot of weight to put up high, (something to consider). I'd also look into getting a hitch mounted cargo rack. you can load it up with firewood and then just drop it when you get to camp.
-shop for a good, solid spare tire carrier to get it out of the load area, if you haven't already. Good brands are JCR, AJ's offroad, Detours USA, Logan's Metal works, ARB, etc.
That mod will allow the tire to be placed outside as well as create a spot for fuel/water can(s) or storage box on the swing-away.
-Invest in a Trasharoo once you get the tire carrier for even more storage hanging off the tire.
If you do all those things, choose compact or space saving equipment (think backpacker's gear) and still need more room, then definitely look into a smaller utility/military trailer.
BEVAN
Adventurer
I'm not good with math but...
33's = more money than 31's + more lift (unless you really want to cut) + Slightly higher chance you will break something+ lack of power sucks.
or
31's + Trailer = Cheaper, require NO more $$$ mods to your jeep, plus you can use your old 31's for off-road trailer tires !
33's = more money than 31's + more lift (unless you really want to cut) + Slightly higher chance you will break something+ lack of power sucks.
or
31's + Trailer = Cheaper, require NO more $$$ mods to your jeep, plus you can use your old 31's for off-road trailer tires !
I tried to respond to this 4 times today at work on my phone couldn't get it to post though... anyone? bad service there may be a contributing factor.
I have to admit that the 31's have been adequate but keep in mind that for most of their life the xj was just my wifes runabout. I had the rubicon on 35's. Of course I do see the two vehicles completely differently. Now that the rubi is gone and the xj is moving to more of a primary trail vehicle role, I am more concerned with its capability than I was before. That being said, I don't ever expect the same from the xj that the rubicon was. I could live with 31's again if that is where my decision takes me.
Fuel mileage was not something I had considered when debating this in my head, thanks for bringing it up. I do have a commuter car though so it does rank pretty low in the debate. guess that's why I didn't think of it.
I do plan to move the spare outside no matter which tire size I decide on. Already have a rack built to organize the cargo area, and a cargo barrier cut to protect the little ones in the back seat. Just need to weld it together. Just haven't decided if I am going to build my own bumper/tire carrier or buy one.
Part of the reasoning for a trailer is to keep my COG low. I hate the idea of rolling, especially with my kids inside. The other reason is we like to camp in comfort, keep my wife comfy and she will gladly go. If she has a miserable night she takes a while to get back out there... been there. Plus I like the idea of keeping the trailer packed and pretty much ready to go with minimum prep time.
The cost difference between the 31's and the 33's is reasonably small. I know that the 33's will definitely cost more in the long run though. It will just be a while before I get the gears and lockers that would be an eventual must have with the 33's. I can live with that but it will be a compromise no matter which direction I choose to go.
Thank you all for your comments. I still am unsure what I want to do. I know that the trailer is the practical and more economical path but...
I have to admit that the 31's have been adequate but keep in mind that for most of their life the xj was just my wifes runabout. I had the rubicon on 35's. Of course I do see the two vehicles completely differently. Now that the rubi is gone and the xj is moving to more of a primary trail vehicle role, I am more concerned with its capability than I was before. That being said, I don't ever expect the same from the xj that the rubicon was. I could live with 31's again if that is where my decision takes me.
Fuel mileage was not something I had considered when debating this in my head, thanks for bringing it up. I do have a commuter car though so it does rank pretty low in the debate. guess that's why I didn't think of it.
I do plan to move the spare outside no matter which tire size I decide on. Already have a rack built to organize the cargo area, and a cargo barrier cut to protect the little ones in the back seat. Just need to weld it together. Just haven't decided if I am going to build my own bumper/tire carrier or buy one.
Part of the reasoning for a trailer is to keep my COG low. I hate the idea of rolling, especially with my kids inside. The other reason is we like to camp in comfort, keep my wife comfy and she will gladly go. If she has a miserable night she takes a while to get back out there... been there. Plus I like the idea of keeping the trailer packed and pretty much ready to go with minimum prep time.
The cost difference between the 31's and the 33's is reasonably small. I know that the 33's will definitely cost more in the long run though. It will just be a while before I get the gears and lockers that would be an eventual must have with the 33's. I can live with that but it will be a compromise no matter which direction I choose to go.
Thank you all for your comments. I still am unsure what I want to do. I know that the trailer is the practical and more economical path but...
There are SOOO many reasons to stay with 31s and get the trailer that it would take a LOOOOONG time to type it all but here are a few:
BTW, I have a YJ on 5.5" coilover lift and 35s and my XJ is on a custom 3" lift and 31s. My M416 trailer is towed by both over anything.
- There are only a handful of trails you need bigger than 31s to go on more easily and those will probably require 35s or more plus a TON more mods. Also, they are probably not a trail you will want to take the kids or your wife on.
- 31s are MUCH more comfy to ride on for long trips and are generally more practical for everyday use
- If for ANY reason your wife ever had to use the spare, she will appreciate the 31s weight over the 33s
- And speaking of weight, unsprung weight is an added issue as you go bigger and requires even more mods to maintain reliability
- Low COG is a good rule to go by, especially as you add people and LCOG is easier to achieve (read less expensive) with 31s
- 31s are standard in 10" width and that helps with better all-weather traction (read better on snow/ice/rain)
- Also, even with 33s. you will likely end up needing or using a trailer and matching 31 tires on the trailer will be MUCH easier
BTW, I have a YJ on 5.5" coilover lift and 35s and my XJ is on a custom 3" lift and 31s. My M416 trailer is towed by both over anything.
for what its worth.. Id go with trailer, Keep the 31's and skid plate the bottom. As said before Low COG is important and some trails you take on 33's might not be family friendly. 33's are gonna cost u more in the long run. XJ's are rather capable in stock form. You would be surprised at what you can get through, over, around and in, with 3'' on 31's some armor and skills.
But then again i'm Bias because thats the build i'm going for..... 3'' on 31's , armor and eventually lockers and skills.
Oh and if u ever get another vehicle the trailer is interchangeable. Ur XJ parts, unless it's another XJ...Not so much.
But then again i'm Bias because thats the build i'm going for..... 3'' on 31's , armor and eventually lockers and skills.
Oh and if u ever get another vehicle the trailer is interchangeable. Ur XJ parts, unless it's another XJ...Not so much.
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goin camping
Explorer
If you got the trailer you could fit the kids in the jeep and carry the equipment and comfort items for the Mrs. in the trailer. Easier to take the family camping.