Why 37-Inch Tires Are the Sweet Spot for Off-Road Enthusiasts

For Jeep Wrangler owners and drivers of other rugged SUVs and trucks, upgrading to 37-inch tires is one of the most effective ways to transform on- and off-road performance. These larger tires offer a significant jump over factory-sized rubber, providing the ground clearance needed to crawl over rocks, push through deep mud, and roll over fallen trees without bottoming out. The added diameter also increases the contact patch, which improves traction in loose terrain and enhances braking stability on the highway. However, selecting the right set of 37-inch tires requires balancing on-road comfort, tread life, noise, and off-road aggression. Below, we compare the most popular brands to help you make an informed decision.

The Benefits of 37-Inch Tires

Before diving into specific brands, it’s worth understanding why 37-inch tires have become the gold standard for serious off-road builds:

  • Ground Clearance: A 37-inch tire adds about 2–3 inches of lift over a 35-inch tire (depending on axle clearance), allowing you to navigate larger obstacles without hitting the undercarriage.
  • Improved Traction: The larger footprint distributes weight more evenly, reducing sinkage in sand, mud, and snow while providing more biting edges for rocky terrain.
  • Aesthetic Presence: Many enthusiasts choose 37s for the aggressive, purposeful stance they give a Jeep Wrangler or truck, especially when paired with aftermarket fenders and beadlock wheels.

However, fitting 37-inch tires often requires suspension modifications, re-gearing, and careful backspacing. We’ll touch on fitment considerations later in this guide.

Top Brands of 37-Inch Tires Compared

We’ve evaluated five of the most trusted tire manufacturers producing 37-inch options. Each brand offers distinct strengths, from all-terrain versatility to hardcore mud-terrain traction.

1. BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 (37x12.50R17)

The BFGoodrich KO2 is arguably the most popular all-terrain tire in the off-road community. It strikes a well-tested balance between daily-driver comfort and weekend warrior capability.

  • Construction: Features a tough sidewall with a reinforced rubber compound that resists punctures from sharp rocks and debris.
  • Tread Design: The interlocking tread blocks provide excellent traction on gravel, dirt, and pavement. The mud-phobic bars eject mud to maintain grip in soft conditions.
  • On-Road Manners: Quiet and stable at highway speeds, with a 50,000-mile treadwear warranty (35-inch and smaller; check specific 37-inch warranty as it may vary).
  • Snow Rating: Carries the Three Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) rating, making it a solid choice for year-round use in colder climates.
  • Best For: Jeep Wrangler Rubicon owners who want a do-everything tire that handles mild trails, daily commutes, and occasional snow.

Visit BFGoodrich’s official site for detailed specs on the KO2 in 37-inch sizes.

2. Nitto Trail Grappler M/T (38x13.50R17 – available in 37-inch sizes)

Nitto’s Trail Grappler is a hybrid tire that sits between an all-terrain and a dedicated mud-terrain. Its aggressive tread pattern delivers serious off-road bite without the drone of a full M/T.

  • Dual Sidewall Design: Three and four-ply sidewall options (depending on size) offer extra cut resistance for rock-crawling.
  • Traction: The staggered shoulder lugs and deep tread voids provide excellent grip in mud, sand, and soft dirt.
  • Noise Level: Nitto uses variable pitch tread blocks to reduce howling on pavement, making it one of the quieter mud-terrain tires.
  • Load Range: Most 37-inch Trail Grapplers come in E-load range, suitable for heavy vehicles like trucks and full-size SUVs.
  • Best For: Drivers who frequently tackle moderate to challenging trails but still drive their vehicle to work daily.

Check the Nitto Tire website for sizing and fitment guides.

3. Goodyear Wrangler MT/R with Kevlar (37x12.50R17)

Goodyear’s Wrangler MT/R is engineered with DuPont™ Kevlar®, providing unmatched puncture resistance for extreme off-road conditions.

  • Kevlar Reinforcement: A layer of Kevlar in the sidewall and tread area helps prevent cuts from sharp rocks, while also reducing weight compared to steel belts.
  • Self-Cleaning Tread: The deep, open shoulder design and mud scoops fling debris out of the tread channels, maintaining traction in sticky clay and mud.
  • Highway Performance: Although it’s a mud-terrain, it tracks well on pavement with minimal wandering, thanks to the reinforced center rib.
  • Durability: Built with a tough casing that resists tread separation under heavy loads, making it a favorite for overlanding and towing.
  • Best For: Serious off-roaders who need maximum protection against punctures in rocky, technical terrain.

Learn more at Goodyear’s tire page.

4. Falken Wildpeak A/T3W (37x12.50R17)

Falken has gained a strong following with the Wildpeak A/T3W, an all-terrain tire that excels in wet and snowy conditions.

  • 3D Canyon Sipes: These interlocking sipes maintain stability in all seasons and reduce stone retention.
  • Heat Diffuser Technology: A silica-based compound disperses heat to extend tread life, especially important for heavy 37-inch tires on aggressive off-road rigs.
  • Warranty: Falken backs the A/T3W with a 55,000-mile treadwear warranty (size-specific; verify for 37-inch).
  • Snow and Ice: 3PMSF certified, with excellent stopping distances on packed snow.
  • Best For: Drivers who face a mix of highway miles, rain, snow, and occasional off-road trails, valuing comfort and longevity.

See Falken’s full specs at Falken Tire.

5. Toyo Open Country M/T (37x12.50R17)

No comparison of 37-inch tires is complete without the Toyo Open Country M/T. This tire is renowned for its extreme durability and performance in the toughest conditions.

  • Tough 3-Ply Sidewall: The sidewall is constructed with three layers of polyester cord for side-impact resistance in rocky terrain.
  • Aggressive Tread: Deep, angled tread blocks with large shoulder lugs provide maximum grip in mud, sand, and loose gravel. The tread is also designed to self-clean.
  • Stone and Chip Resistance: Toyo uses a special compound that reduces chipping and stone drilling.
  • Highway Comfort: While noisier than an all-terrain, the Open Country M/T is relatively balanced for a mud-terrain, with straight-line stability at 70+ mph.
  • Best For: Hardcore rock crawlers and mud runners who need a tire that will not let them down in extreme abuse.

Explore the Toyo lineup at Toyo Tires.

All-Terrain vs. Mud-Terrain: Choosing the Right Category

Among the brands above, BFGoodrich KO2 and Falken Wildpeak A/T3W are all-terrain tires, while Nitto Trail Grappler, Goodyear MT/R, and Toyo Open Country M/T are mud-terrain designs. Here’s a quick breakdown of when to choose each:

  • All-Terrain (AT): Best for daily driving, highway trips, light to moderate off-roading, and snow. They offer longer tread life, quieter rides, and better fuel economy. Ideal for Jeep Wrangler owners who only hit the trail every few weekends.
  • Mud-Terrain (MT): Superior traction in deep mud, loose rocks, and sand. They sacrifice some on-road comfort and tread life but provide the grip needed for difficult obstacles and technical crawling. Recommended for dedicated off-road vehicles and those who frequent rock parks or muddy trails.

Hybrid tires like the Nitto Trail Grappler attempt to bridge this gap, but they still lean closer to MT performance.

Comparative Analysis: Key Specifications at a Glance

To help you compare these 37-inch tire options more directly, here is a summary of their most important attributes:

  • BFGoodrich KO2: AT | 3PMSF | 50k-mile warranty (pro-rated) | Good on-road comfort | Excellent puncture resistance.
  • Nitto Trail Grappler: MT/AT hybrid | No 3PMSF | No mileage warranty | Moderate noise for MT | Great mud traction.
  • Goodyear MT/R with Kevlar: MT | No 3PMSF | Limited warranty | Kevlar sidewall for cuts | Best for rock crawling.
  • Falken Wildpeak A/T3W: AT | 3PMSF | 55k-mile warranty | Best wet/snow performance | Very quiet.
  • Toyo Open Country M/T: MT | No 3PMSF | No mileage warranty | Toughest sidewall | Extreme off-road bias.

Note that mileage warranties can vary by rim size; always verify with the manufacturer or tire retailer before purchase.

Fitment Considerations for Jeep Wrangler and Other Models

Moving to 37-inch tires is not a simple bolt-on for most vehicles. Here are the key fitment factors to consider:

  • Suspension Lift: A Jeep Wrangler typically needs at least 3–4 inches of lift to clear 37s without rubbing the fenders, control arms, or sway bar. For solid-axle trucks like the Ford Bronco or Ram 2500, a 2–3 inch lift may suffice, but wheel backspacing and offset are critical.
  • Regearing: 37-inch tires are heavy and increase rolling resistance. Most Jeep Wranglers (especially those with the 3.6L V6 or 2.0L turbo) benefit from regearing to 4.56 or 4.88 gears to restore acceleration and maintain transmission cooling. Trucks with higher torque may regear to 4.30 or 4.56.
  • Wheels and Offsets: You will need aftermarket wheels with the correct backspacing (e.g., 4.5–4.75 inches for many Wranglers) to prevent tire rub on the frame or suspension components. Beadlock wheels are recommended for airing down on difficult trails.
  • Braking and Steering: The extra mass of 37-inch tires can strain factory brakes. Upgrading to larger brake rotors or high-performance pads is wise. Steering components may also need reinforcement, especially for heavier mud-terrain tires.
  • Vehicle-Specific Notes: For Ford Broncos (2021+), 37s can fit with a 2.5–3 inch lift and proper offset. For Toyota Tacomas, a full long-travel suspension or cutting of the fenders is often required. Full-size trucks like the Ram 2500 can often clear 37s with a leveling kit, but clearances vary by generation.

Always consult a professional installer or use online fitment databases (such as Custom Offsets) before committing to a size.

Load Rating and Weight Considerations

Not all 37-inch tires are built with the same load capacity. Jeep Wranglers typically weigh between 4,000 and 5,500 pounds, so a Load Range C or D tire (2,500–3,000 lbs per tire) is often sufficient. However, if you plan to tow, carry heavy aftermarket bumpers, or drive a heavy diesel truck, you may need Load Range E tires, which can handle up to 3,800 lbs per tire. Weight also matters: mud-terrain tires are often 10–15 pounds heavier than all-terrains of the same size. That extra unsprung weight affects acceleration, braking, and fuel economy.

External Resources for Further Research

To get real-world feedback and detailed reviews, consider these sources:

  • Tire Rack – Provides professional testing, customer reviews, and side-by-side comparison tools.
  • JL Wrangler Forums – Dedicated discussions from Jeep owners running 37-inch tires, including fitment reports and tire wear photos.
  • 4 Wheel Parts – Offers tire packages with wheels and lift kits, plus installation services.

Final Thoughts on Choosing 37-Inch Tires

Selecting the right 37-inch tire for your Jeep Wrangler or other vehicle ultimately comes down to your driving habits and priorities. If you spend 80% of your time on pavement with occasional weekend trails, the BFGoodrich KO2 or Falken Wildpeak A/T3W will serve you well with low noise, long tread life, and dependable traction in rain and snow. For drivers who live for challenging rock crawls, deep mud pits, or overland expeditions, the Nitto Trail Grappler, Goodyear MT/R with Kevlar, or Toyo Open Country M/T deliver the brute-force grip and sidewall protection you need to tackle the worst terrain.

Remember that fitting 37-inch tires is a commitment that extends beyond the tires themselves. Proper suspension, gearing, and wheel setup are essential to maximize performance and avoid drivetrain damage. When in doubt, talk to a respected off-road shop or consult community forums where owners share their real-world experiences. With the right combination, 37-inch tires will unlock a new level of capability for your vehicle, making every adventure feel like you can go anywhere.