Jeep Patriot Forums banner

Biggest size tire that will fit with 17 inch rims?

30K views 30 replies 18 participants last post by  heckler  
#1 ·
I want to appologize ahead of time if there is already a thread that asks this question. I was just wondering if anyone knew the biggest size tire you could put on a FDII with the 17 inch rims without it rubbing. I want to put bigger tires on it in the near future and was just wondering if any of you guys knew the best route to go? Thanks.
 
#5 ·
Alas, new posts are starting to point out that 235's do, indeed, rub.

Which is a problem - I don't think there are any good tire sizes for 17" rims with less than 235mm width.
 
#4 · (Edited)
There can be a slight rub at the locks either way with the 235s, but it is insignificant and won't cause damage. My lift on the 4x2 rubs, but I am talking only a few mms.
 
#6 ·
#8 ·
So you have.

Say, how badly did those Yokohama's rub? I've been thinking of getting them myself, but how much work would it be to stop them from rubbing? (Without using spacers, that is.)

(I'm trying to find posts where you might have mentioned this before, but so far haven't come across one.)
 
#9 ·
I'd like to know too. I am looking at some 235/65-17 and every post I've read said they don't rub even without the lift. I do know one person on here who has the yokohamas without a lift and got no rubbing. I just can't remember who it was. If the rubbing is on the plastic inner fender liner could it be that those experiencing the rubbing have liners that are a little out of wack. Since they are plastic and can expand and contract a little with changes in temperature.
 
#13 ·
they rub only on full lock left or right and its very slight.
Where exactly does it rub?

Oh and by the by, is this with the Jeep wheels or did you get aftermarket ones?
 
#11 ·
I think it depends alot on the 235's, such as make, model, etc. For instance, a Bridgestone 235/65R17 may be slightly different in circumference than a Yokohama the same size. Even though they are technically the same size, there will always be a slight difference in dimensions.

And about the wheel spacers, I would say it would only make matters worse. While they may move the tire away from the spring guard, they will also increase the turning arc, so that the tire has more of a chance to rub or even hit the rear of the front fender liner or the front of the fender wheel opening.
 
#15 ·
So it's rubbing on just the plastic? Sounds like that could be fixed with a heat gun. :)
 
#17 ·
The tire thing is crazy with these vehicles!
It's ridiculous Jeep would put stock tires on a supposedly Trail Rated vehicle without considering decent tires. The only options for are stock fit with 215/65/17 are little car tires. I've actually had some Jeep people tell me the vehicle isn't intended for anything but pavement so the fact that only car tires are available is reasonable (of course they don't say stuff like that when trying to make a sale). I defy this! Having done some pretty big winter driving, high berms, deep gravel beds, steep hills and creek crossing, it's obvious these vehicles need to optimize all the have which means a good tire with aggressive tread is critical. But of course, as we know, Jeep designed it so the only spec fit spec on a FDII Patriot are wimpy little care tires. The closest aggressive tread tire is the Geolander A/T-S but requires a slight alteration in size which some Jeep people say will void the warrantee.

I've got a Jeep guy who seems to think a slight altering should be ok. We measured and at full lock there's about an inch. Therefore, I think 225/65/17 is about as big as it could go and remain safe. This makes the tire one inch larger and slightly alters the calibration but should be well within safety. The Geolander A/T-S in 225/65/17 should make a big difference for this winter and the summer to come...that's what I'll be getting unless anyone else has a better idea.
Cheers!
 
#19 ·
The tire thing is crazy with these vehicles!
It's ridiculous Jeep would put stock tires on a supposedly Trail Rated vehicle without considering decent tires.
Jeep seems to put ridiculous on-street only tires onto every vehicle they make - just look at pictures of brand new Wranglers some time.

Therefore, I think 225/65/17 is about as big as it could go and remain safe.
Well, if you are willing to do a little re-arranging with a heat gun, 235 wide tires should fit with relatively little work. Although I am not 100% convinced that so wide tires would be the optimal choice - at least for me, for what amounts to mostly on-road driving.

Also, I am still hoping that 225/70/17 will fit under there. :) Get some air under that Jeep. Of course, they would be illegal over here... Unless I can get the 215/65/17 size onto my car registration form. But worst case scenario, I would need to keep my winter tires a tad smaller, and just make sure I've got those under my Jeep when I take her to the yearly inspection... :Na_Na_Na_Na:
 
#18 ·
check out Pirelli Scorpion ATR in the 225/65/17 size...also in 235/65/17 check out the Bridgestone Dueler A/T D695, Kumho Road Venture AT KL-78,
Bridgestone Dueler A/T Revo,Firestone Destination A/T,Fuzion XTi, Michelin LTX A/T 2,Pirelli Scorpion A/T,Pirelli Scorpion ATR, Yokohama Geolandar A/T-S. cooper discover ATR.
 
#20 ·
#21 ·
Whaaaaa...? :wow:

When I looked at BFG tires I couldn't find any sizes for 17" tires! This is neat. :) Assuming it fits, of course...
 
#22 ·
#23 ·
FDI vs FDII with 235/65-R17s

I have an FDII without a lift kit and I put 235/65-R17 BF Goodrich Long Trail T/As on it without any problems. There is a slight rubbing when fully locked, but it is not objectionable. Will try the heat gun trick when it is a little warmer.

Everyone keeps asking what are the biggest tires that fit the 17" rims and never mentions whether they have an FDII with the 17" rims or a Limited which also has 17" rims. It probably makes a big difference as the FDII has 1" more lift when stock.

Elliot
 
#25 · (Edited)
Wow, never saw the MTR in 235/65/17, I"ve been wanting to get a nice off-road(Mud) tire but will have to go down to 16's for that and that will cost extra $ now that I know these exist my choice is much easier.
 
#26 ·
Here is my Patriot with a RRO lift and 235/65R17 Yokohama Geolander ATS
Image

Image
 
#28 ·
A measurement would be nice, but it looks to me like there is no room to fit a 29.5" tire under that ledge! Mounting 225/70/17 tires would mean using different wheels, then.
 
#27 ·
Jake is lookin' good! How do you like the tire over the puny SRAs?
 
#30 ·
The Geolander ATS's are awesome, and I'm happy I went with them.

The Geolander AHS (highway tires) looked pretty good too in the same size 235/65R17, for those whose stay on the hard ball.
:smiley_thumbs_up: