33x10.5's Vs 33x12.50's Help Me Choose

Post rubicon......I am preparing for future trips. The rubicon rashed my wheels up pretty good and chunked out some tread spots. I love my current aluminum slot wheels and 31x10.5 duratrac tires but want to put together a wheel and tire package that I can throw on for rubicon/ heavy wheeling camping trips. This would preserve my pretty wheels and tires for what my jeep does 75% of the time (daily driving, freeway, ranch dirt roads). The 31" duratrac is only 29" tall @ 18psi and 27" tall when aired down, so the 33" will give welcome diff clearance even when aired down. Changing wheels/tires is only a 10 min job with my tools on hand.

I'm looking at several sets of 33" BFG KM'2s. Tires are used but are all 50% tread and very inexpensive..... whole set will only be $300
I need to make the decision between 10.5 and 12.5 wide. I have a set of 7" wide and a set of 8" wide steel wheels that I wont mind rashing and bashing. My Yj springs give plenty of height to handle the 33" tire.
What width would you guys choose?

 

I would go with the 12.50s if you are only doing the hard wheeling with them

 

I'm planning on going to 33x10. 5 for my next set, I think the wider tires are unnecessary and add extra weight and stress.

 

I agree. My current 33's are 12.5", but my next set will be 10.5".

 

10.5 on 7" rims would be my choice.

 

33x12.5 General Grabber AT's on my tan cj5. throws a lot of mud and water without flares. I'll have 10.5 next time

 

10.5
I’d “hammer to fit, file to clear” a 35, if 12.50 width was a requirement. Especially if it’s going to be aired down a majority of the time using them.

 

The traction increase between a 10.50 and 12.50 is a lot more than it feels like it should be. Their ability to envelop obstacles rather than just ride on top of them is all the difference in the world.

10.50 for street, 12.50 for trail, no contest.

 

I ran 32 x 11.5 before my current 33 x 10.5 and like these better. I have never tried a set of 12.5 but mine rub a bit now and I think the 12.5's would just be worse.
Interested to see what you decide.

 

I'm running 33x12.5......they tore up my rear fenders

 

I prefer the 10.5 but then again, I like to keep the one set going. Given the two sets you can go ultra aggressive on the trail set.

 

Agreed 100%. 33x10.5s look SO good though.

 

33 x 12.5 on mine. They rearranged some sheet metal at the back of the rear fenders before i had custom springs made. I've given up some turning radius adjusting the stops to keep the tread from rubbing the springs.

On the other hand they are great in the desert washes and deep sand. Aired way down it rides like a pillow barge on hard pack, rocky trails.

 

Thank you for the replies guys. All of your individual preferences is the exact reason why I'm so torn. There are pros and cons to both.
When I got my jeep it had 33x13.50's stuffed on 8" rims...... I didn't care for that combo but I'm sure that aired down in the sand it was awesome.

 

The 12.5" tore up your fenders because they didn't tuck in?

 

There's a definite disconnect between Eastern and Western wheeling. Everything is a compromise, what will you do the most of? I'm an Eastern wheeler, I tend to need a somewhat narrower tire and more lift.

 

These are going to be rubicon wheeling and similar type tires. Just like in the videos posted in the rubicon thread.

 

That is why I like the 10.5's. Mine tuck in completely. There may be a little contact at the front of the rear fender at full compression. I am running a very old (24 years) 2.5" Rancho lift though.

 

My 33X12.5X15 on 8" wide wheels still took a few bits out of the rims. (I expected that.)