Jeep Wrangler 31 Inch Tires: The Complete Guide
The Jeep Wrangler is famous for its rugged design and off-road abilities. Many owners want to upgrade their vehicle for better traction, looks, or performance.
One of the most popular upgrades is switching to 31 inch tires. This size hits a sweet spot: it’s larger than stock, but doesn’t require major changes to your Jeep.
Whether you’re a weekend trail explorer or just want a bolder look, understanding your options is key. This guide explains everything you need to know about 31 inch tires for your Jeep Wrangler.
Why Choose 31 Inch Tires For A Jeep Wrangler?
Choosing 31 inch tires is popular among both new and experienced Jeep owners. These tires offer several advantages:
- Improved ground clearance: You can clear rocks, roots, and ruts more easily.
- Stronger appearance: Your Jeep gets a tougher, more aggressive stance.
- No major modifications needed: Most Wranglers can fit 31s with little or no lift kit.
- Balanced handling: This size offers stable on-road driving and solid off-road grip.
However, not all 31 inch tires are the same. There are differences in tread, durability, and performance. Let’s look at 31 popular options for Jeep Wrangler owners.
31 Best 31 Inch Tires For Jeep Wrangler
Each tire below has its own strengths. Some excel off-road, others are quiet on highways. Consider your driving style, budget, and local terrain before choosing.
1. Bfgoodrich All-terrain T/a Ko2
A legend among all-terrain tires, the KO2 offers tough sidewalls, excellent off-road traction, and long tread life. It’s a favorite for both daily drivers and serious off-roaders.
2. Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac
Known for its aggressive tread pattern and snow performance, the Duratrac provides a comfortable ride and impressive grip on mud and loose surfaces.
3. Falken Wildpeak A/t3w
This tire stands out for its wet-weather handling and durability. It handles rocks, sand, and snow well, making it a solid all-season choice.
4. Cooper Discoverer At3 4s
Designed for comfort on pavement but still strong off-road. The AT3 4S offers good mileage and balanced traction on most surfaces.
5. General Grabber Atx
This tire has a reputation for quiet road manners and strong sidewall protection. It’s reliable on gravel, dirt, and light mud.
6. Toyo Open Country A/t Iii
Perfect for those who split their time between city and trails. It’s built for responsive steering and reduced road noise.
7. Yokohama Geolandar A/t G015
Offers long tread life and excellent wet traction. It’s a smart pick for commuters who want to hit the trails on weekends.
8. Mickey Thompson Baja Atz P3
With a hybrid tread pattern, this tire blends mud-terrain toughness with all-terrain versatility. It’s well-known for grip on rocks.
9. Nitto Terra Grappler G2
A strong choice for mixed driving. The Terra Grappler G2 is quiet on highways but can handle moderate off-roading.
10. Firestone Destination A/t2
Affordable and reliable, this tire provides stable handling in rain and light snow. It’s a favorite for daily drivers.
11. Hankook Dynapro Atm Rf10
The Dynapro ATM delivers a smooth ride, long wear, and good off-road performance. It’s a value option with solid reviews.
12. Maxxis Bighorn Mt-762
If you want a true mud-terrain tire for deep trails, the Bighorn is a great pick. It’s aggressive, durable, and affordable.
13. Pro Comp Xtreme A/t Sport
This tire offers reinforced sidewalls for extra protection and strong traction on gravel and rocks.
14. Kumho Road Venture At51
A budget-friendly tire with decent snow and mud grip. Good for Wranglers that see diverse weather.
15. Bridgestone Dueler A/t Revo 3
Engineered for comfort and all-weather traction. It’s quieter than most all-terrain tires.
16. Dick Cepek Trail Country Exp
A great hybrid for daily use and off-road fun. The Trail Country EXP handles sand, gravel, and wet roads.
17. Sumitomo Encounter At
This tire offers long tread life and reliable dry/wet grip at a reasonable price.
18. Ironman All Country A/t
Known for its affordability, it’s a solid entry-level all-terrain tire for Wranglers.
19. Milestar Patagonia A/t R
A newer option with unique tread design. It balances quiet road performance with moderate off-road ability.
20. Federal Couragia M/t
If you often drive in mud or loose dirt, the Couragia M/T offers deep lugs for superior traction.
21. Atturo Trail Blade A/t
A newer brand making waves for its value and durability. Good for mixed terrain.
22. Pirelli Scorpion All Terrain Plus
This tire is built for comfort and longevity on paved roads, but can tackle mild trails.
23. Kelly Edge A/t
Budget-friendly and dependable. It’s a good fit for light off-road use and city driving.
24. Pathfinder All Terrain
Exclusive to certain tire retailers, it’s a cost-effective option for Wranglers on a budget.
25. Mastercraft Courser Axt2
Offers all-weather grip and solid value for money.
26. Uniroyal Laredo Cross Country Tour
Known for quiet ride and decent treadwear, it’s best for mainly on-road driving.
27. Continental Terraincontact A/t
This tire stands out for its wet grip and fuel-saving design.
28. Michelin Ltx A/t2
Famous for comfort and longevity. It’s more for highways but works on mild trails.
29. Radar Renegade A/t5
Affordable and versatile, it handles gravel and light mud well.
Designed for harsh conditions, it’s rugged and long-lasting.
31. Westlake Sl369 A/t
A budget option with surprisingly good off-road performance for the price.
Key Factors To Consider When Choosing 31 Inch Tires
Not all 31 inch tires are created equal. Before buying, think about:
- Tread pattern: Aggressive treads grip better off-road, but may be noisy on highways.
- Load rating: Heavier tires support more weight but might impact gas mileage.
- Sidewall strength: Important for off-roading to prevent punctures.
- Warranty: Some brands offer up to 60,000 miles; others much less.
Many Jeep owners make the mistake of buying the most aggressive mud tire, only to find it noisy and rough for daily use. Always match the tire to your driving habits.
Will 31 Inch Tires Fit My Jeep Wrangler?
Most stock Jeep Wranglers (YJ, TJ, JK, and JL generations) can fit 31 inch tires without major modifications. However, a few things to check:
- Rubbing: On full turns or big bumps, the tire might touch fenders or suspension. Aftermarket wheels with different backspacing can help.
- Lift kits: While not required, a 1-2 inch lift can give extra clearance.
- Speedometer change: Larger tires can cause your speedometer to read low. Consider a recalibration device if accuracy matters.
Performance: On-road Vs. Off-road
Jeep owners love 31 inch tires for their flexibility. Here’s a quick comparison:
| Condition | Performance with 31″ Tires | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Highway | Stable, slightly less fuel economy | Choose all-terrain for less noise |
| City | Good traction, easy handling | Check parking/curb clearance |
| Off-Road | Improved clearance, better grip | Best with aggressive tread |
| Snow/Mud | Depends on tread type | MT or AT tires recommended |
Tire Lifespan And Maintenance
Proper care makes a big difference. Rotate your 31 inch tires every 5,000 to 7,000 miles. Keep pressure at manufacturer recommendations (usually 28–35 psi for Wranglers). Misaligned wheels or low pressure can cut tire life in half.
A common mistake is ignoring tire balance and alignment after installation. This leads to uneven wear and vibration, especially at highway speeds.
Popular Wheel Choices For 31 Inch Tires
Pairing the right wheels with your 31 inch tires can improve performance and looks. Here’s a quick overview:
| Wheel Size | Backspacing | Fitment |
|---|---|---|
| 15×8″ | 3.75–4.5″ | Classic look, easy fit |
| 16×8″ | 4–4.5″ | Modern style, more options |
| 17×8″ | 4–5″ | Stock JL/JT fitment |
Wider wheels give a more aggressive stance but can slightly reduce turning radius.
Gas Mileage And Speedometer Effects
Switching to 31 inch tires usually results in a 2-5% drop in gas mileage. The larger diameter means your Jeep’s engine works a bit harder, especially if you haven’t re-geared the axles. Your speedometer will also read slightly slow (for example, at 60 mph, you might be going 62–63 mph).
A good tip: Use a GPS app to check your real speed after installing new tires.
Cost Of 31 Inch Jeep Wrangler Tires
Prices range widely:
- Budget: $120–$160 per tire (Ironman, Westlake, Pathfinder)
- Mid-range: $170–$210 per tire (Falken, Cooper, General)
- Premium: $220–$300+ per tire (BFGoodrich, Goodyear, Michelin)
Installation, balancing, and alignment can add $80–$150 to the total cost. Don’t forget to budget for a matching spare tire.
Off-roading Tips With 31 Inch Tires
- Air down: Lower tire pressure (to 15–18 psi) for more grip on sand or rocks.
- Watch sidewalls: Even tough tires can puncture on sharp rocks.
- Carry a compressor: Always re-inflate to safe highway pressure before heading home.
Many beginners forget to air up after the trail, leading to poor handling and tire damage on pavement.
Real-world Owner Experiences
Thousands of Jeep owners share their 31 inch tire stories on forums. Common themes:
- Noticeable ride improvement over stock tires, especially off-road.
- Minimal rubbing on stock suspension, but trimming plastic fender liners can help.
- Fuel economy drop is real but not dramatic.
- Easier to sell used wheels and tires due to high demand.
Reading reviews and asking for photos on forums can help you pick a tire that fits both your Jeep and your lifestyle.
Installation And Balancing
Professional installation is recommended. Shops have tools to balance large off-road tires. Ask for “road force balancing” for the smoothest highway ride.
Always check that the tire shop sets torque on lug nuts to Jeep specifications (typically 95–115 ft-lbs).
Environmental Impact
Some all-terrain tires are now made with eco-friendly materials and offer lower rolling resistance, which can help slightly with gas mileage. If this matters to you, brands like Continental and Michelin are leading the way.
For more technical details on tire sizing and effects, you can check out the Tire Code Wikipedia page.
Frequently Asked Questions
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“,”visible”:true},{“id”:”faq-question-8fbde0bc333b”,”title”:”Do I Need A Lift Kit For 31 Inch Tires?”,”content”:”No, most Jeep Wranglers can fit 31 inch tires without a lift. However, a small lift (1–2 inches) can help prevent rubbing if you plan hard off-roading.
“,”visible”:true},{“id”:”faq-question-83d41337a0b9″,”title”:”How Do 31 Inch Tires Affect Gas Mileage?”,”content”:”Expect a 2–5% decrease in fuel economy due to the larger size and added weight. Proper tire pressure and alignment help minimize the impact.
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Upgrading to 31 inch tires is one of the easiest ways to boost your Wrangler’s style and ability. With the right tire, you’ll enjoy better off-road adventures and a new look on the street. Choose carefully, maintain your tires well, and your Jeep will take you anywhere you want to go.
“,”visible”:true}]} –>What Is The Stock Tire Size On A Jeep Wrangler?
Most Wranglers come with 29 to 30 inch tires from the factory, depending on the trim and year. Upgrading to 31 inch tires is a common first step for owners wanting more capability.
Do I Need A Lift Kit For 31 Inch Tires?
No, most Jeep Wranglers can fit 31 inch tires without a lift. However, a small lift (1–2 inches) can help prevent rubbing if you plan hard off-roading.
How Do 31 Inch Tires Affect Gas Mileage?
Expect a 2–5% decrease in fuel economy due to the larger size and added weight. Proper tire pressure and alignment help minimize the impact.
Will 31 Inch Tires Affect My Speedometer?
Yes, your speedometer will read a little slow. At a real speed of 60 mph, your dash might show 58 mph. A speedometer recalibration tool can fix this.
Are 31 Inch Tires Good For Snow And Ice?
Performance depends on the tread pattern. All-terrain tires with the “Three Peak Mountain Snowflake” symbol are best for winter. Mud-terrain tires can be less effective on ice.
Upgrading to 31 inch tires is one of the easiest ways to boost your Wrangler’s style and ability. With the right tire, you’ll enjoy better off-road adventures and a new look on the street. Choose carefully, maintain your tires well, and your Jeep will take you anywhere you want to go.
