Thoughts on tire sizes

[w squared]

I'm going to replace my current 32X10.5R17 (can't remember the metric size) BFG's some time in the next 6 months or so. I know that I want to go with a set of Toyo Open Country MT's, and that I want to go to a bigger tire...but how much bigger?

I know that I can fit and run offroad with 35's without issues - that's how I decided on lift height and bumpstops. My questions is about reliability and on-road handling versus offroad performance.

Toyo makes three size of MT that are in the right range for what I want to do: (all are R17)

295/70, which ends up as a 33.5X12
285/75, which ends up as a 34.1X11.6
35X12.5, which is actually a 34.8X13.2

Given that I will still be using my JK as both a DD and for road trips (with and without off-road components), should I be balancing off-road and on-road performance here?

If there's anyone that's had both 33's and 35's of the same tire on the same rig that can offer input, that'd be great.

I'm also interested in those 34's. They'll give me almost the same clearance as the 35's (only 1/3 of an inch less), but are an inch and a half narrower. Keeping my tires closer to being inside my fenders is attractive...but not if it costs me a pile of offroad performance. The 34's also have a recommended rim width of 7.5 to 9.5, which is helpful because I will initially be using my stock rims with spacers - stock rim width is 7.5.  When funds permit I would like to switch to AEV beadlocks.

[FiEND]

if you dont mind going from 45lbs per wheel to 120lbs 17" toyo on beadlocks are great on road tires.  35 x 17 are nice cause e rated sidewall.  except for the weight, i haven't seen a better on and off road combo in a tire.

[w squared]

All three of those sizes are E-rated - that's one of the biggest selling points for me

 I'm willing to live with the weight.

The input that I've gotten from you, Bnine, and LemonAid Jay is a big part in why I'm willing to spend the money for the Toyos.

[esi]

if you consider side wall profiles the 35x12.5r17 have the same sidewall as a 33x12.5 r15. The 35x12.5s are easier to come by incase you have an iccident with one. The other two sizes are a little more rare, and usually have to be ordered in even by the distributor.

[cLAY]

Are you worried about on road performance and gearing? If so stay with the smaller tire.

[dac]

My vote would be for the 295/70/R17's.  But then again it depends who you want to follow.

If you go bigger you may be wanting to re-gear sooner than later.

[muffintop]

I initially put my TJ on 33's (KM2's)... but not long after... I moved up to 35's (XTerrains) w/ AEV beadlocks and added a ORO Swaylock. On road performance wise... I think the Swaylock more than compensated for the taller tire and even though I don't DD my TJ... I easily could if I had to.

I went with ProComp Xterrains instead of Toyos and personally don't regret it for a second. They were $150 less per tire and have proven themselves to be excellent on-road and off-road (aired down) tires. The money you save on tires... pays for the swaylock  

A few CJA members & execs saw these tires perform very well on "double up" this summer... I am sure most would agree they are equal or at least a close 2nd to the Toyos