Tire DIAMETER > WEIGHT

[wayoflife]

I honestly don't know who all the internet experts are that are pimping such really really bad information when it comes to gears and tires but holy hell, they are out there in force! On a regular basis, I get comments like the following that was posted up on our YouTube channel...



So that it's clear, when it comes to gears, tire DIAMETER is the ONLY thing that matters as it is in effect, the final gear in your drive train. Tire weight NEVER matters or at least, when it comes to restoring lost power when running a larger size.

But then, what would I know.

 

[kevman65]

Most people are misguided on where tire weight comes into play. While it will marginally increase wear and tear on various parts, STOPPING bigger, heavier tires is where they should be focusing their attention.

With there being relatively no options for bigger brakes (you can for a price, which would include different wheel size and tires) that's why I looked for the lightest tire possible. Nothing to do with power or MPG's.

 

[Mike Pierson]

My 2021 is still on the original OEM brake pads with 73,000 miles on the odometer with plenty of pad left. I’ve run 37s and beadlocks since 5,000 miles. I think our brakes, regardless of wheel/tire weight, are plenty capable.

 

[wayoflife]

My 2021 is still on the original OEM brake pads with 73,000 miles on the odometer with plenty of pad left. I’ve run 37s and beadlocks since 5,000 miles. I think our brakes, regardless of wheel/tire weight, are plenty capable.

I honestly couldn't agree with you more. Unlike the JK before, where I was going through rear pads on a somewhat regular basis thanks to the overactive ABS system, I have to say that the JL and JT brakes have been holding up surprisingly well, even with 37" and 38" tires.

 

[cozdude]

I think a lot of this silliness is coming from the Overlander crowd. They wanna pack full of gear and then wonder why they can’t stop well since they added bigger skinny tires. They don’t regear for more power or upgrade to bigger brakes to stop safely.

 

[JeepFan]

The only time tire weight is a factor on my Jeeps is when I have to rotate them. Especially the spare! Lol

 

[Mike Pierson]

Also, I made a mistake, I have 77,000 miles.

 

[bobfriesenhahn]

Most people are misguided on where tire weight comes into play. While it will marginally increase wear and tear on various parts, STOPPING bigger, heavier tires is where they should be focusing their attention.

With there being relatively no options for bigger brakes (you can for a price, which would include different wheel size and tires) that's why I looked for the lightest tire possible. Nothing to do with power or MPG's.

When I updated to 35s, I found that I needed to recalibrate my foot when applying the brake. My first few stops were unexpectedly long. More braking pressure was required. 37s would have required more re training.

It seems that Kevman an advocate for skinny, lighter tires.

 

[jeeeep]

Also, I made a mistake, I have 77,000 miles.

100 pushups!