Falken Wildpeak AT3W

Falken Wildpeak AT/3W Tires

7/8/2018

After a few months of behind-the-scenes work, I'm excited to announce a new partnership with Falken Tires. The WK2 now has the OEM Goodyear Adventure tires replaced with the new Wildpeak AT3W all-terrain tires. While the Grand Cherokee can actually fit a larger tire than what I went with, I wanted to keep the appearance aggressive but not overdone, so I chose the less-popular 265/65R18 size, equivalent to a 31.6" tire. It's about an inch and a half larger in diameter than the factory tire, and has a great aesthetic and functional improvements for the Jeep.

I brought the Jeep to a local Firestone Tire center and for the whopping cost of $79 had the four main tires swapped, as well as the 5th OEM rim I bought back in April mounted up with the new spare and TPMS sensor. A Jeep friend bought the factory tires from me for his wife's WK2, so they're off to a new home!

Initial impressions with the AT3W are stellar... After taking the Jeep up to New Hampshire for some wheeling in the woods the weekend we had them installed, I got 24-25 MPG during the two hour ride up, and I know without a doubt that the Wildpeaks gave us better traction than the Goodyears ever could have on more difficult terrain than I've ever taken the Trailhawk on.

I'll give a long-term review as the time comes, but for now here are some photos of the install...

WK2 Ride Height Settings: 265/65 R18
Click images to enlarge.

ONE YEAR REVIEW:

It’s been almost a year since I teamed up with Falken and installed the Wildpeak AT3Ws on the Trailhawk. The 265/65 size looks aggressive and feels great underneath her, and they’ve handled everything I’ve thrown at them. With a thousand miles traveled off pavement last summer, a road trip to OverlandExpo East, and weeks of this winter spent up in New Hampshire’s snow-covered White Mountains, time and time again they’ve proved the worthiness of their accolades and the three-peak mountain snowflake rating. If you're in the market for a phenomenal All Terrain tire for your overland rig or daily driver, be sure to give these guys a look before defaulting to the options that the legacy tire manufacturers like B.F.G and Goodyear offer.

I’m always happy to answer any questions about them in the comments or via any of the social media avenues. Let's chat!

55 Comments

7/19/2018 23:59:01

Like it ... and am thinking of running with the same size (265/65R18) but was considering the Nitto Ridge Grapplers. You're running spacers right? They are illegal here in Australia ... so was wondering if you think that the tyres would rub without the spacers?

Ryan McKee link

1/4/2019 09:34:44

AJ, so sorry for the delay here. Yes I am running 1.5" spacers (there's a writeup in the Mods/Installations section) and have been running them since the OEM tires were installed. I don't think they would rub without spacers, as it's the same width tire and only a bit taller by 1.2" or so.

Dan

3/5/2024 22:05:55

Hey Aj, love the how the Trailhawk looks, man! Really nice. Question- you mentioned you think you didn't need the spacers? Have you tried those wheels without them? Also, I have the Mopar Extended Warranty. I'm concern if these wheels will void my warranty. Thank you!

Ian

8/24/2018 09:44:45

Looks great! Glad to hear you are getting better value from the tires over the Goodyears. I'm running BFG AT KO2's, but thinking of switching out for something less... noisy... Love your build, and thinking about going with the Falkens you're running.

Ian Borella link

12/15/2018 15:25:02

I am looking to do the same tire on my 18 TH in White. Do you wish you went bigger?

Thank you

Ian

1/4/2019 09:37:12

Hey Ian,

Truthfully, no, not at all. I love this tire size both for looks (I think it's the perfect upgrade versus factory, filling out the wheel well perfectly without "overstuffing" it) but also for function... no rubbing, even at the lowest suspension setting.

When I first installed this size there was very little documentation of it, but since I did and more people have seen it, I've seen a LOT of WK2 owners moving to this instead of the larger 75/85 sizes.

Did you already make your purchase? What size did you end up with?

Ryan

Jason

5/31/2021 19:55:02

Hey Ryan when you mentioned "no rubbing, even at the lowest suspension setting" did that include the park mode? Or are you talking about the standard ride height?

1/4/2019 10:04:27

Nothing yet, I'm waiting to complete my trailer build to match the wheels and tires there.

Thanks for the input.

Ian

Robert Gurney

1/31/2019 18:53:35

Love the look of your rig, I'm planning on going same size tires, probably Nitto Ridge Grapplers on a Moto Metal wheels with +18 offset. Should look close to your setup.. with your 1.5inch spacers. Thanks for all the installation info. Love it. Roof rack and light bar look awesome too.

joris

3/3/2019 11:17:25

Looking to do this on my 2018 GC TH.
Dd you lift the suspension at all?
Does a spare tire in this size still fit in the trunk compartment?

Kristian Andersen

9/16/2019 00:30:36

I'm also very interested in knowing if the spare still fits (ok to be deflated as I have on-board air).

Sheldon

5/7/2019 20:34:21

Just ordered these tires for the wife's 2017 Grand Cherokee.

Jim Boyles

6/15/2019 18:51:40

How do you find the traction in winter on paved roads? Also do you think the tire-road noise is more or less with new tires. Last, did you consider getting steel wheels rather than the OEM alloys?

7/24/2019 13:31:21

Just got these on my wife's 2017 Grand Cherokee Limited, and they look fantastic. Thanks for the pictures.

Kristian Wysocki

11/14/2019 08:16:15

Do you have pictures?

11/14/2019 10:32:39

http://imgur.com/a/rpyfjeY

- they are awesome. No spacers. No Rub. Great in the first snowstorm of the season.

Ryan P - 2017 WK2 Trailhawk

3/24/2023 10:05:22

Thank you very much for posting this photo. I know for sure what tires I'm getting for my trailhawk.

Nikki

3/4/2020 10:58:40

I have 2017 Grand Cherokee Limited 4x4 wanting to go up in tire size to 265 65 18 like these. Any rubbing issues yet with your wife's? I don't have air ride suspension so I want to make sure before I buy the tires. The just look so much better!!!

Dane

4/21/2022 20:31:04

What did you do for a spare, just ordered a set of these...thinking of getting an OEM steel wheel but afraid it won't fit in the rear compartment. Thoughts?

Ryan McKee

4/21/2022 21:46:06

Hey Dane. If you check out my write up on the Wilco Hitchgate Solo, you’ll see I purchased a matching 18” OEM wheel and run a full size 5th wheel.

Matt

10/27/2019 13:27:59

Did you have to install the spacers prior to the Falkens? Im looking to pick up the falkens this week. If i don't have to spend the extra cash on the spacers at this time that would be great!

Thanks for your help!

Ryan link

10/27/2019 14:28:46

Hey Matt! I did have the spacers on prior to the Wildpeaks being installed. From what I've heard via feedback from readers and social media subscribers, the spacers are NOT required for this tire size, and they haven't had issue with rubbing. Hopefully that's encouraging go you! I put the spacers on with my OEM tires just to give the WK2 a better stance and wider track width for off-road.

Thanks for reading,

Ryan

Jim

12/4/2019 14:19:51

Did you need to re calibrate the computer for speed and odometer?

sheldon

12/9/2019 17:23:03

I did not, as I was led to believe that you can't on these Grand Cherokees....if you find out different, post here!

Justin Dean

2/14/2020 06:40:39

You can adjust speedo to tire size with the AlphaOBD app and most any OBDii connector.

Cris Arnett

5/15/2020 13:56:06

Curious if you recommend going with an E load rating or if you find ST to be sufficient?

Rick

5/26/2020 21:54:00

Hi, you inspired me an I put them on my ‘19 Trailhawk. Curious what PSI you run them for regular use. I realize the car specs show 33/33 on the standard tires, but that seems soft on these. Let me know please. Thanks

10/19/2020 11:19:35

Hey Rick - I run them at about 38-40 PSI for regular use. Just from personal experience, no studied reasoning.

5/27/2020 12:35:33

Curious, would you recommend jumping up to the 275/65 to have an E load rating? Do you feel the additional protection and lower air pressure ability is worth it?

Tom

6/27/2020 03:26:51

I reckon they look perfect, just wondering what you did about the spare?

10/19/2020 11:18:36

Hey Tom - I agree, best looking size option for these WK2s! I bought a full size spare rim to match and it's mounted on my Wilco Hitchgate swing-out tire carrier.

Robert Odwyer

7/29/2020 01:50:32

Hi All. I just put these on my 2018 WK2 TH. No spacers and no issues. They fit just fine but I'm also running aftermarket 18" wheels with a different offset. I wrestled with deciding if I should go up to 32's but after much reading and seeing so many conflicting accounts (some say no rubbing while others had issues with tires rubbing) I decided to play it safe and go with the 265/65/18. No regrets thus far, but...I'm not sure if the larger tires is affecting the transmission shift points. Can't tell if its in my head or an actual issue, but I think the shifting might be a little bit off. Anyone else experience this and if so, have you remedied the issue?

Alex N. Jose

10/19/2020 11:11:38

Did you find a solution to the altered gear shift ratio? Were you able to remedy it?

10/19/2020 11:17:26

Just chiming in here - I've never once noticed an issue with the 265/65 tire size affecting shift points/transmission issues.

Jaren

8/5/2020 00:08:02

Do you have the standard or high clearance Wilco?

10/19/2020 11:16:23

Hey Jaren - I've got the high-clearance version!

Jarid

9/10/2020 21:33:30

Yes sir love the look up your jeep wanted to go down to 17 inch wheels should I stay with the 265 65

Marc

2/1/2021 13:04:52

If you wanted the equivalent tire size in a 17" wheel - the 265/70/17 is the same height width - comes available in BFG at a C ply which keeps the softness of ride.

Charles

12/11/2020 17:17:06

Hi All.

I love the look of this Jeep with this setup. Its not overly aggressive, but looks like it definitely can hold its own. I have a 2013 GC Overland and I am looking to down size my rims to get this tire to work on my Jeep. However, I do have air ride suspension and I'm worried ill have to play with the height of the Jeep in order to prevent the tire from rubbing. Has anyone put these on a Jeep with air ride suspension? Any pointers would be appreciated.

12/11/2020 18:23:47

Hey Charles! Thanks for the kind words - I agree, it's got that great OEM+ build look without being too much! If you check out the photos above you'll see that this WK2 actually has the air suspension (there are photos of 4 ride heights shown) that should give you a good idea on the wheel well clearance. I have no rubbing issues, except for slight rubbing at lowest ride height when going slowly... aka only in Chick-Fil-A drive-thrus.

Hopefully this is helpful!

Alvaro

1/29/2021 14:09:05

I want my jeep to look like that, what do I need? My jeep already has those rims

Keith G

2/10/2021 23:25:15

Looks awesome. Question: Do the spacers require any maintenance? I am under the impression I need to regularly check and tighten them. What has been your experience?
Thank you.

Kevin

4/26/2021 12:44:25

Looks great! How do you feel about driving on main roads/ highway? I was looking at the Michelin Defender ltx m/s 265/65r18 since I do not anticipate doing much off roading (the SRT seats sell it to me vs going with a Limited/Overland).

Rob

4/27/2021 19:42:41

Hi! Thinking of doing those same tires.. rather than the spacers thinking of going to a bigger rim. I believe it will be equal to having almost a 2” change from stock... (outward) with the new rim
Offset. you mentioned you have1.5” spacers.. do you think you could accommodate the extra 1/2 inch without rubbing? (Aside from park mode) while turning sharp?
Your Jeep looks awesome btw.

5/31/2021 23:03:51

I installed the same size tires... different brand as they didn’t have the Falkens. Toyo Open Country A/T ... similar tire also no rubbing..

Kirill

7/9/2021 07:20:14

Was any trimming needed? I have a 15 limited Diesel, no air suspension. wanted to go with smae size but worried if there will be any rubbing?

Jose C.

1/3/2022 19:24:51

Just wondering if anyone else without an air ride suspension upgraded their tires to the Falkens and did they end up using spacers or not. The look is amazing and it’s something I’d love to do with my 2017 GC Limited .

Charles Sferrazza

1/7/2022 20:16:07

Jose,

I just did the install as described (265/65 R18) with new blacked out rims and no spacers on my 2013 GC Overland. Been driving the jeep the past three days and in snow today and I must say I am super happy so far. No Rubbing or any other issues. I have to admit it looks awesome too. Totally psyched! Would post a picture if I could figure out how

Don Stenger

3/30/2022 09:56:22

I understand that you can buy AirLinks (Simple add-on LONGER 1"? to raise front 1" & all other front-only height settings) for a little more overall lift & clearance. They recommend using the Leveler for the normal resting/driving. They suggested using 275/65 R18 (31.2" Diameter) so you'd have to increase your spare size & probably add a Wilco hitchgate Swingout Tire Carrier - Hi Clearance / Off-roading?
Anyone tried & proven that this larger size doesn't rub fenderwells?
Or require 1.5" spacers??
https://airlinksgc.com/shop/ols/products/2011-2015-jeep-grand-cherokee/v/16-18-JGC-LVL

4/3/2022 10:13:35

Sorry, just getting used to the Forum - I have a 2017 GC TrailHawk w/ Quadra Drive II Air Lift suspension (as I call it). So the links don't apply here.
Don

Donald C Stenger

4/22/2022 12:06:08

I put Falken WildPeak 265/65 tires w/ standard Jeep wheels on my 2017 GC TrailHawk - w/ Quadra Drive II Air Lift suspension because the spare tire fits the well - "Completely deflated", after removing the corner containers - Yeah :) I had to very carefully shift the tire, but it did finnally latch shut the floor cover! I'm considering VIAIR 300P (2.3CFM) & 88P (1.47CFM) Compressors. I also purchased & installed - "Preset for this year & model TrailHawk Leveler AirLinks " Only 0.23" shorter than stock length (3.70" vs stock 3.93") but raised ALL FRONT AirSuspension levels - ( the Jeep is NOW LEVEL ... it now looks like a 4x4, NOT a Stinkbug w/ a butts up rear end). Now for frame is higher & will reduce chance of High-centering when Off-Roading(Yeah!) + this setup also provided close but no rubbing (yet at least) of this size tire on fender shields when stuffing fully turned all the way on a rock.

Jason Brown

5/19/2022 18:33:51

After having the Fallen Wildpeaks for 30k miles, I replaced them with the new Mickey Thompson Bajas. The Wildpeaks we're ok but got loud early. The Bajas are incredible off-road.

Jameel

2/6/2023 11:37:06

Can I use these tires on the oem rims?

Philipp Reker

6/6/2023 16:54:57

Hey - I love the rig you built! I assume it’s the 3.6 V6 based on the fuel economy you are getting. I’m in the market for a used one and I wonder if the V6 is powerful enough with the larger tires, roof tent etc if the V8 is the more appropriate choice?

David Grijalba

10/26/2023 17:59:21

Hello, all! So I'm interested in getting 265/65 R18 tires to upsize just ever so slightly. I've seen some of you say no rubbing while Ryan said rubbing in the lowest setting at the Chick-Fil-A drive-thru. I don't plan on getting spacers and I don't have any AirLinks. Which one is it: Rub or no rub?