Aloha,
Recently picked up a new to me slightly modded 2000 XJ and looking for some advice on tire options best suited for Colorado trails and possibly, hopefully trips to Moab.

85-90% of the time will be on surface streets with very little highway driving besides getting to trails.

Talked to a few buddies for suggestions and narrowed it down to these 4 choices so far and I'm open to others.

Pro comp 33x12.5R15, Xtreme MT2
BFG 33x12.50R15LT, Mud-Terrain T/A KM2
Goodyear Wrangler MT/R with Kevlar 33's
Nitto Trail Grapplers 33's

Posted here since use will be specific to the region so hopefully mods don't take it down.

 

If 85-90% of your driving will be on pavement, you might want to look at A/T's instead of M/T's.
You will be much happier, with much better road manners.
Most of the trails here are dirt/rocks. There is some mud, but nothing a good A/T can't handle.


I'd be looking at:
BFG A/T KO's
G/Y Wrangler Duratrac's
Cooper Discoverer S/T Maxx

 

+1 for duratracs. Great all around tire. Keep in mind that a lot of mud tires aren't that great on snow and ice.

 

Duratrac are supposed to be good in snow around here esp since they don't salt / plow areas occasionally. I have some Hankook ATMs and they are pretty proficient in the snow.

 

x2. Most jeep guys here have a M/T tire and cant stand driving when it snows. Id go with an A/T tire and more specific the Dura.

However this time around on my jeep Im going with a Cooper tire. Got a pretty good deal on some 31s. Just under 500.00 shipped with extra warranty.

 

I drive trucks running BFG A/T KO's and G/Y Wrangler Duratrac's as well as a jeep xj on Pro comp 33x12.5R15, Xtreme MT2.

First, BFG A/T KO's on 98 tacoma feel awesome on highways, so far no problem in snow, just ok on dry dirt/rock but tires were at normal psi but never caused any issues that throttling out couldn't solve. No road noise but tires are 32s

Second, G/Y Wrangler Duratrac's on 2004 F150. I have only driven these tires in dryer/desert settings so i can't help with snow but they ride great on the road/road noise isn't bad, have great traction in sand/dry dirt BUT they wear fast IMO.

Last but not least, I have had Pro comp 33x12.5R15 on my 96 xj for the past 5 years. Not a DD so don't get too excited, but its no trailer queen either. I drive it when the snow is too deep or am off to my next outdoor adventure that takes me across CO. I have never had any complaints but also it's a jeep and will never ride like sedan! However, the tires are awesome during the summer and on any trail CO will throw at you. Noise isn't too bad for an aggressive tire either. I have not had any major issues in the snow but once again this jeep rarely visits snow packed roads that are over 40 mph, so maybe someone else can help with that.

Either way, these three tires are all awesome and will not disappoint in CO terrain.

 

I have also read that Duratracs wear faster than other stuff, probably why they get such good snow ratings. That's why I didn't go with them, because the snow on the road never lasts in CO anyways.

 

if you don't have a lot of money look into Treadwright.com i have ran 6 sets of these tires on various vehicles and love them i will continue to buy them when this set runs out!

 

Are these tire Pro-Comps 33x12.50R15LT, Radial Xtreme A/T or are they the mud tires? I have been considering the A/Ts , Mud tires are awful on the pavement.

 

ive heard only good things about the coopers. I have BFG A/T's and i wish i had coopers.

 

I have a set of BF Goodrich M/T's that I put on for the trails and a set of BF Goodrich A/T's that I use to get to the ski resorts and around town. Both '35s. As Dogger15 mentioned, M/T 's in packed snow/ice are miserable, but the A/T's aren't lugged or tough enough for the rocky trails in the area.

 

Which versions are you running?
I currently have Guard-Dogs on mine. I am going to be looking for an A/T this time around.

 

Thanks for the input and info guys. I had a friend come through with a set of skins that will get me by

Now to get this thing on the rack and ready for some trails this summer.

 

Nice good luck

 

I had my Hankook Dynapro m/t's siped and they work better in the snow, but it takes a careful foot to keep it in a straight line whenever there is snow.

In 4wd its fine but 2wd with a detroit locker in the rear loves to slide.