Are 35s The Best Beginner Tire?

There is a saying that has been floating around about tire size, 40s are the new 37s, 37s are the new 35s, and 35s are the new 33s. And there is a lot of truth in that. If you look at the manufacturers, they have been pushing larger and larger tire size offerings, and 35s fit the perfect offering for an off-road vehicle. At least five models over three brands offer a 35-inch tire in stock format. A couple of years ago, there was only 1, the Ford F-150 Raptor. 

Currently, Ford, Jeep, and RAM are the only three manufacturers offering an off-road vehicle with a 35-inch tire. Ford Bronco with the Sasquatch package, Jeep Wrangler with the Xtreme Recon package, Ford F-150 Raptor, Ram 1500 TRX, and the Ford F-250 Tremor package. We will mainly look at some of our favorite builds, which are the Ford Broncos and Jeep Wranglers, as they are primarily the ones that go off-road.

Why do I like having manufacturers offer 35in tires? One reason I love it is that the individual does not have to modify their vehicle to accommodate the larger tires. I remember when Jeep first offered the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon in 2003. Then, 31in mud tires were huge compared to smaller street tires on the Jeep Wranglers. Another reason I love it is that everyone needs to start on smaller tires to learn their vehicle and to understand how to off-road. I have seen individuals jump straight to 40in tires and need help to place their tires or trail etiquette. That is why I love starting people out with smaller tires, and they can grow in the sport while slowly increasing tire size. 

Let us explore some of our favorite REVKITs on 35s. First up is FroncoBronco, a first-edition 2021 Ford Bronco. Ford limited the first edition to just 7,000 units, so you have something special if you are lucky enough to get one. Froncobronco is one unique Ford Bronco, and he has set up his rig to not only tackle any terrain but to be able to camp out in the wilderness also. 

Even if you don’t get a vehicle equipped with 35s from the factory, it doesn’t mean it takes much to fit the tires—case in point with DirtSeeker. Equipped with a Rock Krawler 3.5in lift and Motobilt inner fenders, help clear those 35in tires.

I love off-road packages like the Sasquatch from Ford and the Xtreme Recon from Jeep. Willy2.0 fits this perfectly as a 2022 Jeep Wrangler Willys Xtreme Recon. Modest additions like adding LED lights and different front bumper help fit the off-roading and exploring that Willy2.0 likes to do. 

What do you get when you buy a Jeep Wrangler 392 and want to race it at KOH? You get RK-Pandemic, a purpose-built King of the Hammers class 4600 race Jeep that can still be driven on the road. Per the rules for class 4600, a 35-in DOT tire has to be used. Rock Krawler uses off-the-shelf parts that anyone can put on their Jeep and soon Ford Bronco. 

Last but not least, Love 62 is a self-proclaimed beginner in the Jeep world, but they bought arguably the most capable Jeep Wrangler ever offered, a 2021 Jeep Wrangler 392 Xtreme Recon. And yep, you guessed it, it comes factory with 35-in tires. Modifications have begun with a Warn Platinum winch and KC Gravity Pro6 Light bar. 

Whether you are new to the world of off-roading or barreling down a race course at 100+ mph, the 35-inch tire has been the go-to tire for years and will be the standard that even manufacturers start their builds.