Matching Wheels

Septu

Explorer
Okay, not sure this really deserves it's own thread... but so be it. Having just ordered a set of wheel adapters for my M101 (from stock to 5x5 pattern) I've been looking for a set of wheels. Mainly looking in the lower mainland or northern Washington as I'll be down there next week (and odds of finding anything up used here is next to nil). I'll stop in at a junk yard on my way down, and maybe they'll have something.

My question is how important is it that they're all the same size? Found a good deal on a set of 3 16" wheels for $70 (my JK has 17" wheels).

The price seems to be around $200+ for a set of 4 or 5. I'm not really prepared to pay that when I only want 2 or 3 (undecided on a spare for the trailer at this time). While I hadn't planned on running matching tires (JK is running 33x13.5x17), I had planned on running a matching size (33s). Assuming I can make them fit without it being too tall (I haven't lifted the JK yet).

I'm just curious as to how many are running matching wheels on the tow vehicle. And whether or not running a slightly different size wheel (same model) is a good thing, bad thing, or that it doesn't really matter.

Thanks.
 

Wildcat

Adventurer
One advantage to running the same wheel/tire is you have two/three extra wheels for your tow rig should a major malfunction happen. Otherwise i see no reason they have to be the same. Alot of regular trailers have 12" or 13" tires.
 

Septu

Explorer
One advantage to running the same wheel/tire is you have two/three extra wheels for your tow rig should a major malfunction happen. Otherwise i see no reason they have to be the same. Alot of regular trailers have 12" or 13" tires.

If I'm running a 33x?x16, that would still work on my JK if need be. Same goes for my JK tire... it wouldn't be ideal, but it would fit if needed. I'm just curious if there's any disadvantage to running 33x17s on my JK and 33x16s on the trailer.
 

Bennyhana

Adventurer
Both tires are 33" so there is no problem. As long as the 16" wheels fit over the brakes I'd call it good. The problem is when you have way different size differences and you have to put it on the jeep as a spare, it might freak out the computer and the traction control. Say your trailer is running 29's and the jeep is set up for 33's the computer might not like the difference in wheel speeds.
 

Aspen Trails Trailers

Supporting Sponsor
One 33 is not the same as another 33. Taller sometimes by 3/4 of an inch. Hub size is a the main concern though. The 16's have to fit over the caliper in the front. The main concern for the FJ. Only certain 16 wheels work with proper back spacing and all. Not a wheel expert by any means. Keeping them the same helps on tough trails. On the Carvacer I flatted on the truck and then flatted on the trailer at the completion. Was glad I had the spares. Not likely that will ever happen to me again.

But being out, far away from help should be taken into consideration I think.

Bob

Bob
 

Septu

Explorer
One 33 is not the same as another 33. Taller sometimes by 3/4 of an inch. Hub size is a the main concern though. The 16's have to fit over the caliper in the front.

The wheels are the same make/model other than the size. So that shouldn't be an issue - I hope. If possible, perhaps someone can confirm that with a stock CND M101 and wheel adapters (look to be ~1-1.5" thick) that I should be able to fit a JK MOAB 16" wheel with 6.25" BS.

As for 33s not all being the same size - I agree. However how bad would it be if the trailer (or rig) ran with 1 tire that was 3/4 of an inch off to get off the trail? Other than some crappy wear on the tire (and perhaps the electronics in the JK going nutz) I can't see myself doing serious damage.
 

Aspen Trails Trailers

Supporting Sponsor
No problem if on the trailer, but on the vehicle, you have to remember you are increasing weight, and having it in 4 wheel drive will increase the stress on the bearings. Once you get it off the dirt the problems get worse if it is in the drive area. I doubt you would destroy anything as you said, but it seems easier to just keep everything the same for me. I use take offs from the FJ for my trailer. I will never wear them out on the trailer. I had thought about buying 8 new 35 inch MTR's and forgot about it very quickly. They just keep going up!!!
 

Septu

Explorer
No problem if on the trailer, but on the vehicle, you have to remember you are increasing weight, and having it in 4 wheel drive will increase the stress on the bearings. Once you get it off the dirt the problems get worse if it is in the drive area. I doubt you would destroy anything as you said, but it seems easier to just keep everything the same for me. I use take offs from the FJ for my trailer. I will never wear them out on the trailer. I had thought about buying 8 new 35 inch MTR's and forgot about it very quickly. They just keep going up!!!

I hear you. The issue is that I can get a good deal on the 16s ($70 for 3), or continue waiting for something that's a 17". I've yet to see anything close to that in price. And it's worse, as I live in a remote area that's far from any major center, so it's unlikely that I'll get a deal like this again. Worse case it's $70 down the drain.
 

The General

New member
Where did you order your wheel adapters from and how much were they? I'm in Canada and having a tough time finding any...
 

Septu

Explorer
I actually asked a forum member where he got his, and it turns out he had an extra set that he sold to me (they're in the mail somewhere).
 

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