Pros and Cons of Bigger Tires?

[DesertApprentice]

I just called Timbren, for anyone thinking about the same thing, here is what I have learned:
1. Don't even think about 37" tires with the any Timbren axle less suspension, will not work.
2. A 33" inch tire requires Timbren HD (Heavy Duty) option. If I want to use the original Jeep factory tire/rim, I have to use this hub with 5-5 bolt pattern https://timbren.com/i-30498040-3500-lb- ... ttern.html
These two restrictions limit my choice only to one https://timbren.com/i-30497992-1-tonne- ... ndles.html (without the 4" lift).
That's a 2200 Lbs suspension.
He warns me the full loaded camper should not exceed 80% of weight limit, which means my 5x8' camper should never weigh more than 1760 lbs (everything included).

Is it common for a 5x8' teardrop fully loaded to exceed 1760 lbs?

 

[Socal Tom]

I just called Timbren, for anyone thinking about the same thing, here is what I have learned:
1. Don't even think about 37" tires with the any Timbren axle less suspension, will not work.
2. A 33" inch tire requires Timbren HD (Heavy Duty) option. If I want to use the original Jeep factory tire/rim, I have to use this hub with 5-5 bolt pattern https://timbren.com/i-30498040-3500-lb- ... ttern.html
These two restrictions limit my choice only to one https://timbren.com/i-30497992-1-tonne- ... ndles.html (without the 4" lift).
That's a 2200 Lbs suspension.
He warns me the full loaded camper should not exceed 80% of weight limit, which means my 5x8' camper should never weigh more than 1760 lbs (everything included).

Is it common for a 5x8' teardrop fully loaded to exceed 1760 lbs?

It really depends on you. My empty trailer weighs in at about 900 lbs. The frame is about 340, the rest is estimated based on weight of materials. From there add the weights of all the stuff you will be bringing. Water is 8lbs per gallon, so 12 gallons adds about 100 lbs. Are you carrying a spare tire? How about tools? an Awning, how much will your food, clothes etc weigh? On my typical trip I'm at about 1300lbs, on weekends that my son brings 2 friends it increases to at least 1500, and it might even go over that, with 2 more chairs, twice as much food and water, 2 more sleeping bags an extra table....

 

[MickinOz]

This thread is very helpful as I'm still designing my 5x8' teardrop. I upsized my 2018 JLU Rubicon to 37" tires. I want to use the factory 33" tire for the teardrop.

2) Is there any value for the camper to have higher clearance than the Jeep?
My Rubicon has ~12" clearance. Depends on which Timbren suspension I choose, with my 33" tires, the camper clearance can range from 12" to 24".
Lower clearance will allow more cabin height, roof fan etc and still allow the camper to go inside my garage.

There is a little value in having slightly higher clearance than the Jeep.
A theory over here is that dingoes' heads are the widest part of their body, so where the head fits the rest can follow.
I guess the idea applies to a car/trailer combination.
You do want the trailer to not be the limiting factor - you want it so that if the Jeep gets through, the trailer will follow.

But actual vertical clearance height is possibly not the issue.
I don't know what they call it in the US, but here in Oz we talk about approach/departure angles.
Those need to at least match your jeep, I'm thinking.
The angles are influenced by the clearance height, but also by the length of your overhangs.
It's why you see a lot of off-road trailers with the an angled cutaway at the bottom rear.

Consider the breakover angle too - a long draw bar (tongue?) on the trailer reduces the breakover angle between the Jeep and the trailer.
Of course a too short drawbar isn't good either.

I borrowed the attached drawing from a Quora post - hopefully they won't mind.

 

[DesertApprentice]

thank you SoCal Tom and MickinOz! The feedbacks are very valuable, appreciate it!

 

[gudmund-TNT]

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[Tom&Shelly]

and more

This fellow needs to be banned. My guess is he's Russian, and trying for a blitz before he gets cut-off from western currency.

Tom