Having a comprehensive idea about your vehicles always comes in handy, and knowing in-depth about your Jeep Wrangler tire sizes can save you all sorts of trouble and ensure you the smoothest of experiences with your ride. Be it a long drive on the highway, or a two day journey into off-road terrains, fitting the right tire should give you the benefit of an ideal adventure.
But the question remains, which tire sizes fit perfectly to specific models of Jeep Wranglers? How would you pick a ride for particular expectations and come short in fulfilling them after finding out they don’t accommodate your desired size of tire?
We offer a solution to that with this article. We’ve not only classified the most prominent Wranglers that came out in the past four decades with specific tire sizes, but also included a detailed breakdown of the tire size indicators and the reasons knowing tire sizes are important.
So before you hit the turmac or the mud with your Wrangler fitted with the wrong tires, scroll down till the end to learn everything that’ll help you smoothen out your Wrangler experience and pick the ideal ride for your desired tire sizes.
What Do The Numbers Mean In Jeep Wrangler Tire Size?
You may often run into a series of numbers assigned to a particular set of tires that goes like: 205/60R16 95H. It may confuse you at first glance, not knowing what they might indicate. But the thing is, this series of numbers tell you exactly what you need to know before you buy your tires for your Jeep Wrangler. Let me explain.
Width: The first number, in this case: 205, indicates the width of your tire in millimeters. So you’ll get a precise idea about how wide or narrow your tire is going to be.
Aspect Ratio: The second number, 60 for instance, is the aspect ratio. This is the ratio between the height of your tire from the rim, with the width of your tire. 60 ratio should tell you that your tire height is 60% of your tire’s width. If you want to mathematically figure it out, then it would be 60% of 205, or 123 millimeters in our scenario.
Construction Type: You’ll notice there is an alphabet after the aspect ratio. This tells you the construction type of your tire. This can be indicated with alphabets such as B, D, R etc. B stands for Bias Ply, D stands for Diagonal Ply and R stands for Radial Ply.
What they mean is, the architecture your tire follows. Radial tires are commonly seen in consumer vehicles, and these tires are convenient because: they have lower rolling resistance, offer better grip on road, overall lasts long and gives you comfort while driving.
Diameter: The number immediately next to the construction alphabet is the wheel diameter. This is usually given in inches, and in this case, this tire has a 16” diameter.
Load Index: What comes next is the load index, and it’s not always present in tire numbers. The load index implies the amount of weight your tire can withstand when fully pumped with air. Here, it has a maximum capacity of 95 kilograms
Speed Rating: Lastly, the final alphabet in the end indicates the speed rating. H means it’s made for high-speed drive and can comfortably perform up to 210 km/h of speed on even surfaces.
Jeep Wrangler Tire Size Classifications
Over the years, Jeep Wrangler has introduced their top of the line models from the production that had won over millions of hearts in the consumer level. I am no different, and the Jeep Wrangler will always keep a special place in my heart due to its unmatched diversity for off-roading capability.
However, assessing your plans with your Wrangler and matching it against the size of its tires is of utmost importance, because the correct selection will give you all sorts of convenience and the incorrect choice – all sorts of trouble.
The enormous array of tire sizes that the different Wrangler models & versions include them as stock tires, it’s very easy to get lost and confused, and make your time difficult to find the right fit. We are here to aid you in this regard, as our article categorizes based on the tire sizes instead of the car model.
Such classification will let you assess your needs, understand the size of tire you need for your Wrangler, be that on-road driving or off-road adventures, and then find the models that come with the preferred tire size. For your ease, we have included the rim sizes, tire sizes, Jeep Wrangler models and their versions, giving one glance at which will give you a comprehensive idea about which one you should purchase.
205 Millimeter Tire
This size of tires have been the most prominent choice of the previous generations of Jeep Wrangler models. These would cost very little, took less time to inflate and were better for driving on even surface.
Rim Size
The 205 millimeter tire comes with only one rim size of 15 inches. The tire size indicator reads: 205-75-15.
Models
Some of the most classic models of Jeep Wranglers used this particular size tire as their stock. These work perfectly well with Jeep Wranglers ranging between 1987 model to 2003 model, only leaving out the 1996 Jeep Wrangler model in the middle.
Versions
The specific versions that 205 millimeters tire can accommodate perfectly are as follows:
Sahara, SE, Sport, X, Sahara (1999 mid-year release), Rio Grande, S, Renegade, Islander, Base, Laredo.
215 Millimeter Tire
Much like the 205 millimeter tire, the 215 millimeter tires serve similar purposes as well, and are a good fit for the classic Jeep Wrangler models.
Rim Size
This diameter of tire can contain only 15 inch rims and the tire size reads: 215-75-15.
Models
This tire comes as the stock with the range between 1987 Jeep Wrangler to 2006 Jeep Wrangler, only exception is the 1996 Wrangler.
Versions
This sized tires support a few more Jeep Wrangler versions than the 205 millimeter tire, and they are listed below:
65th Anniversary Edition, SE, Sport, Sport RHD (Right Hand Drive), Unlimited, X, X Rocky Mountain Edition, Sahara, Sahara (1999 mid-year release), Renegade, Base, Islander, Laredo.
225 Millimeter Tire
This is one of the standard sized tires for your Jeep Wrangler that has resurfaced in the modern generation after its initial decline back in the 90s. An ideal choice for hitting the streets, this tire size is of a high degree of convenience to the regular users.
Rim Size
The 225 millimeter tire comes in two sizes of rim, making it a diverse choice for your Jeep Wrangler. The rim sizes are 15 inch and 16 inch, and the tire sizes include: 225-75-15 and 225-75-16.
Models
This particular Jeep Wrangler tire size had been prominent in the 1987 to 1989 Jeep Wranglers, the 1992 Jeep Wrangler and has recently landed on the market with 2017 Jeep Wrangler as well as 2018 Jeep Wrangler JK as their stock tire.
Versions
This tire fits perfectly with a number of Jeep Wrangler models and they are listed below:
Sport, Unlimited Sport, Unlimited X 4×2 (C & S Pkg.), Unlimited X 4×4 (C & S Pkg.), Unlimited X 4×4 RHD, X (B, C & X Pkg.), X RHD, 65th Anniversary Edition, SE, Sport RHD (Right Hand Drive), Unlimited, X Rocky Mountain Edition, Sahara, Sport, Rubicon, Sahara (1999 mid-year release), Rio Grande, S, SE Sport, Renegade, Base, Islander, Laredo
245 Millimeter Tire
The 245 millimeter tire is one of the most popular choices in the modern generations of Jeep Wranglers. This comes at a sweet spot between affordability and grip that gives you a win-win situation. This tire will not only be a wise choice for the regular streets, but can also retain traction in tricky situations.
Rim Size
This handy tire comes with two sizes of rims, one being a 16 inch and the other a 17 inch. The tire sizes will read: 245-75-16 and 245-75-17.
Models
The models that fit this tire as their stock range between the 2003 to 2008 models of Jeep Wrangler and the more recent the 2018 Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler JK.
Versions
This tire size can work in harmony with a broad choice of Wrangler versions. They are:
Sahara, Rubicon, Sport, Sport S, Unlimited Rubicon, Unlimited Sport, Unlimited Sport S, Freedom Edition, Golden Eagle, Rubicon Recon, Unlimited Freedom Edition, Unlimited Golden Eagle, Unlimited Rubicon Recon, Unlimited Sport S, Unlimited Willys Wheeler, Unlimited Willys Wheeler W, Willys Wheeler, Willys Wheeler W, 75th Anniversary, Unlimited 75th Anniversary, Unlimited X 4×2 (C & S Pkg.), Unlimited X 4×4 (C & S Pkg.), X (B, C & S Pkg.), X RHD.
255 Millimeter Tire
The 255 millimeter Jeep Wrangler tire size is arguably the perfect one for the users who not only prefer to stay on the road, but often take off-road ventures as well. The wider tire size gives you supreme control over your Wrangler without compromising any risk of tire leaks that wide tires are vulnerable to. Overall, this should be your ideal choice if you are a street driver who often opt to take your Wrangler in tricky terrains.
Rim Size
This tire comes in two rim sizes of 17 inches and 18 inches. A higher rim size with a wider tire means it offers more traction and better handling in off-road situations. The tire sizes are namely: 255-75-17 and 255-70-18.
Models
Almost all the modern generation of Jeep Wrangler include this tire size as their stock. The models are 2007 to 2018 Jeep Wrangler and the 2018 Jeep Wrangler JK.
Versions
For the off-road flexibility, this tire size comes equipped with a huge number of Jeep Wrangler versions:
Unlimited Sahara, Freedom Edition, Golden Eagle, Rubicon, Rubicon Recon, Sport S, Unlimited Freedom Edition, Unlimited Golden Eagle, Unlimited Rubicon, Unlimited Rubicon Recon, Unlimited Sport S, Unlimited Willys Wheeler, Unlimited Willys Wheeler W, Willys Wheeler, Willys Wheeler W, Altitude, Sahara, Unlimited Altitude, 75th Anniversary, Unlimited 75th Anniversary, Polar, Unlimited Dragon Edition, Unlimited Polar, Moab, Rubicon 10th Anniversary, Unlimited Rubicon 10th Anniversary, Unlimited X 4×2 (S Pkg.), Unlimited X 4×4 (S Pkg.), X (B, C & S Pkg.), Unlimited Sahara 4×2, Unlimited Sahara 4×4
265 Millimeter Tire
The Wrangler Unlimited versions are significantly larger than the regular ones, and they demand a wider tire size than usual. Thus, the 265 millimeter stands as the prime choice for these unique Wranglers that you may prefer over the slightly smaller ones.
Rim Size
This tire size features 17 inch rims and the size tag says: 265-70-17.
Models
Only two models of Wrangler utilize this size of tire – the 2018 Jeep Wrangler JK and the 2013 Jeep Wrangler.
Versions
The Wrangler versions that prominently include such wider tire sizes are:
Freedom Edition, Moab, Rubicon, Rubicon 10th Anniversary, Sport, Unlimited Rubicon, Unlimited Rubicon 10th Anniversary, Unlimited Sport, Golden Eagle, Rubicon Recon, Sport S, Unlimited Freedom Edition, Unlimited Golden Eagle, Unlimited Rubicon Recon, Unlimited Sport S, Unlimited Willys Wheeler, Unlimited Willys Wheeler W, Willys Wheeler, Willys Wheeler W.
29×9.5 Millimeter Tire
This size of your Wrangler tire is quite unique as it only featured a handful of models back in the early 90s. A wider tire with smaller rim renders it into such a combination that users with particular needs can find it handy with their Wranglers.
Rim Size
The 29×9.5 millimeter tire features a 15 inch rim and the tire size is: 29×9.50-15.
Models
This tire size can fit only the 1991 to 1994 models of Jeep Wrangler due to the uniqueness in their compatibility.
Versions
The Wrangler versions that accommodate this tire size are:
Renegade, S, Sahara, SE, Base, Islander, Sport, Laredo.
30×9.5 Millimeter Tire
Similar to the 29×9.5 millimeter tire, the 30×9.5 millimeter tire serves a similar purpose because of its distinct ratio, but it is more efficient & effective than the former. This tire size is the best choice for climbing rocky terrains or traveling on difficult surfaces. Longer exposure to flat and even surface may result in puncture, and it particularly caters to your off-roading necessities.
Rim Size
The only rim size this tire fits is a 15 inch one and the tire size is: 30×9.50-15.
Models
Almost two generations of Jeep Wrangler models include this size of tire as their stock, and the models are 1997 to 2006 Jeep Wranglers.
Versions
The tire size goes nicely with some of the most hardcore versions of Jeep Wranglers, and they are as follows:
65th Anniversary Edition, SE, Sport, Sport RHD (Right Hand Drive), Unlimited, X, X Rocky Mountain Edition, Sahara, Sahara (1999 mid-year release).
285 Millimeter Tire
This is the widest set of tires that is made for modern day models of Jeep Wranglers. This tire size too is made for off-road journeys on uneven, rocky or muddy surfaces and you’d be wise not to burn your mileage with this on regular streets. It is one of the most popular choices among consumers who take their stock tires into the wilderness and have a better chance at managing their grip in the most adverse situations.
Rim Size
This unique tire size includes a 17 inch rim, which makes it a quality choice for your off-road journey. The tire size reads: 285-70-17.
Models
Only one model of Wrangler features this tire size as their stock, and it is the 2018 Jeep Wrangler.
Versions
The Wrangler versions that support this tire are mostly sporty & off-road centric, and they are:
Rubicon, Sport, Sport S, Unlimited Rubicon, Unlimited Sport, Unlimited Sport S.
Why Is Knowing The Right Jeep Wrangler Tire Size Important?
You might wonder, what would you do with the information on Wrangler’s tire size? This section of this article will tell you exactly that, so that you can understand the relation between your Wrangler and its tire sizes better.
Suitable Surface
Different road surfaces demand specific tire sizes for better handling and traction. Also, your tire size determines the average to top speed you’re allowed to maintain. Narrower and smaller tires are often best-suited for even surfaces while bigger tires set you up for tricky terrains. So you must assess the type of surface you’re going to drive on before making a tire purchase.
Off-road Capabilities
Not all the tire sizes for Jeep Wrangler are made to cope well with off-road tracks. Wider and bigger tires will help you get superior tractions in rocky situations or conditions that need you to climb difficult & uneven slopes. Pick the tires that are capable of giving you such performance before going on to an off-road expedition.
Cost
The bigger your tires are, the more money they’ll cost you. So blindly going for larger tires can hurt your pocket significantly. You have to find a sweet spot between your requirements and your budget to find the optimum outcome overall, and see your Wrangler perform up to its full potential.
Prone To Damage
Whether you know it or not, experimenting with different tire sizes can hurt your vehicle. Larger tires without proper support have the potential to damage your suspensions permanently. Also, increasing your ride height with stock tires can create a vacuum of information between your speedometer, mileage reader and actual performance due to the incoherence of expected size and reality. It can impair your Wrangler’s electronics and have you run to your mechanic, not to mention costing a lot of money.
FAQ
To give you further insight into this dilemma of tire sizes for Jeep Wrangler, we’ve answered some of the frequently asked questions online in this section.
Q: What size tires can I put on my Jeep Wrangler without a lift?
A: You can put tire sizes between 205 to 285 millimeters tires, such as 285-70-17 on your Jeep Wrangler perfectly without installing a lift kit.
Q: What size are standard Jeep Wrangler wheels?
A: Currently, the 17 inches and 18 inches wheels are the standard choices for your Jeep Wrangler. These reduce chances of puncture, increase durability and offer better handling in every situation compared to the rest.
Q: What is the biggest tire for a stock Jeep Wrangler?
A: The biggest stock tire for Jeep Wrangler is the 285-70-17, and no model of Wrangler comes with a stock tire bigger than this one.
Conclusion
Information on tire size can be somewhat overwhelming initially, thus we have attempted to break down every complex concept into simpler ideas for your effective understanding. All the tire sizes listed here are stock tires that come fitted with the Jeep Wrangler, or you can purchase them to fit without any concern of damage.
However, stock tires don’t always precisely cater to all your needs, and you might require larger tires for certain situations. If that is the case, we recommend getting Jeep Wrangler lift kits to allow your vehicle the ground clearance required for larger tires without doing any harm to the suspension or the bodywork.
Now that you know everything you need about the tire sizes for your Jeep Wrangler, don’t wait out long before driving off with your friends into the off-road scene!