Off Roading Tires on 21 inch wheels
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2023
Posts: 43
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Mercedes G63 AMG
Off Roading Tires on 21 inch wheels
Hello,
I wanted to see if anybody with the OEM 21 inch wheel was able to find off-roading tires that do not rub. There are plenty of options for the 22 inch so possibly thinking about swapping to that but would preferably like to keep the 21s. Please advise, thanks
I wanted to see if anybody with the OEM 21 inch wheel was able to find off-roading tires that do not rub. There are plenty of options for the 22 inch so possibly thinking about swapping to that but would preferably like to keep the 21s. Please advise, thanks
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From: Colorado
G550
If you're planning serious off-roading, you might want to consider down-sizing your wheels substantially, going with more tire sidewall and not trying to squeeze as much rubber as possible into your wheel wells.
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From: Baltimore County, MD
'13 s212 63 p30. '06 LX470
As long as you dont increase tire height or width, there would be no difference. If looking for more height or width you may be able to do one or the other depending on clearance. When trying to increase height and width, you would likely need a spacer, and/ or small lift. Reducing the wheel size as mentioned allows more rubber height but not usually width.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2023
Posts: 43
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Mercedes G63 AMG
Yeah planned on staying the same size, the problem is that I am not seeing any off-roading options for that sizing. Wanted to see if somebody else found a good option and I am just missing it. thanks for the input!
MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: Colorado
G550
21" is still a difficult size to shop for, although selection is improving every year. If you downsize to 20", you'll not only get another half inch of sidewall cushion, but you'll also find the selection in off road tires is much larger.
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G63, G65
If you want an offroad tire for a more aggressive look you will need a different size wheel. 20", 22", or 24". There are a good number of options for 20" and 22" wheels. Not as many for 24" that will actually fit under a G Wagon.
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Joined: Jun 2025
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From: USA
Hey,
Finding off-road tires for the 21-inch wheels can be tricky since options are limited compared to the 22s. Some folks have had success with slight modifications or sticking to specific sizes to avoid rubbing, but it’s hit or miss. Swapping to 22s might give you more tire choices if you’re set on off-roading. Let me know if you want recommendations for either setup.
Thanks.
Finding off-road tires for the 21-inch wheels can be tricky since options are limited compared to the 22s. Some folks have had success with slight modifications or sticking to specific sizes to avoid rubbing, but it’s hit or miss. Swapping to 22s might give you more tire choices if you’re set on off-roading. Let me know if you want recommendations for either setup.
Thanks.
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2025
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From: USA
Finding proper off-road tires for the OEM 21s is tough most aggressive treads will rub. A few guys run Pirelli Scorpion ATRs or Continental TerrainContacts in stock sizing (285/50R21), but they’re more all-terrain than true off-road. If you want serious grip, swapping to 18s or 20s opens up way better options (BFG KO2s, Toyo Open Country). The 22s have more tire choices, but sidewall height is still limited for real off-roading. If you’re set on keeping the 21s, stick with mild A/Ts and expect some compromise.
