33-Inch Tires Are The Hot New Trend For UTV Owners Seeking More Traction

The Rise of 33-Inch UTV Tires

UTVs, also known as side-by-sides, have exploded in popularity in recent years. As these versatile off-road vehicles grow more powerful, owners are equipping them with ever-larger tires. The new hot trend is upgrading from 30-inch diameter tires to massive 33-inch options that offer increased traction and better performance over rough terrain.

Why Bigger is Better

The most obvious benefit of larger 33-inch UTV tires is the increased ground clearance they provide. This allows UTVs to drive over larger rocks, deep ruts, fallen logs, and other obstacles without getting hung up. The greater clearance reduces the risk of high-centering the vehicle and provides more margin for error on challenging trails.

Additionally, the larger contact patch of 33-inch tires supplies more traction. With a bigger footprint grabbing the terrain, there is less tire spin when accelerating or climbing steep hills. More rubber on the ground means more grip, especially in soft sand or mud where UTVs are prone to getting stuck.

Choosing the Right Tire

When upgrading to 33s, most owners opt for aftermarket wheel and tire packages with 12-15 inch wheels. This sizing ensures proper fitment and provides ample sidewall height to absorb impacts off-road. Popular tire options include paddles for maximum traction in sand, dirt-focused treads for trails, and eight-ply radial constructions for durability.

It's important to note that installing significantly larger tires can require lifting the UTV to prevent rubbing at full suspension compression. A 2-3 suspension lift helps provide adequate clearance for hardcore rock crawling or desert running. Upgraded shocks and radius rods may also be necessary to compensate for the heavier rotating mass.

The Quick Change Phenomenon

One unique benefit of aftermarket UTV tire setups is how quick and easy they are to change. Unlike truck tires, most UTV wheels use simple lug nuts that enable rapid mount/dismount. By keeping multiple sets of wheels and tires, owners can swap between trail, sand, mud, and snow configurations in 15 minutes or less.

The ability to "tune" your UTV's traction for different riding areas is a huge advantage over ATVs and dirt bikes. Many top professional racers haul multiple wheel/tire sets to events to adjust to conditions. Carrying spares also provides peace of mind in case of mid-ride flats or damage far from the trailhead.

Riding the Wave

As UTVs gain horsepower and aftermarket support, the demand for 33-inch tires just keeps growing. Early adopters have proven that upgrading from stock 30s to massive 33s is completely transformational. The improved capabilities let UTVs confidently tackle obstacles that used to be off-limits.

For serious off-road enthusiasts unwilling to compromise top performance, 33-inch tires represent the new gold standard. Their unmatched traction unlocks the full potential of modern UTVs. Expect to see more riders joining this high-clearance trend as the aftermarket responds with more wheel and tire options built to withstand harsh riding environments.

FAQs

Do I need a lift kit to run 33-inch tires?

Most UTVs will require a 2-3 inch suspension lift kit to prevent rubbing with 33-inch tires at full compression. The extra lift helps provide adequate tire clearance off-road.

What size wheels should I get?

12-15 inch wheels with 4-6 inches of backspacing are recommended for proper fitment with 33-inch UTV tires. Many aftermarket wheel and tire packages are specifically designed to work together.

How much more do 33-inch tires weigh?

An average 33-inch UTV tire weighs around 40 pounds, so a set of 4 will add 160 pounds versus stock. Upgrading suspension components to handle the increased mass is a good idea.

Will bigger tires reduce my fuel economy?

Yes, the larger size and heavier weight of 33s will likely reduce UTV fuel mileage by 10-20% in most cases. The performance benefits outweigh the efficiency tradeoff for some owners.