31-Inch Tires: The Entry Point to Your Off-Road Build
If you’re looking at your stock truck or SUV and thinking it needs a little more presence and capability, 31-inch tires are where many builds begin. It’s a modest step up from factory sizing — usually just an inch or two larger — but the difference in appearance and ground clearance is immediately noticeable. For Sarasota-area drivers who want to improve their rig without a major overhaul, 31s are the gateway to the off-road lifestyle.
At Godspeed Off-Road, we help clients at every stage of their build journey. Whether 31-inch tires are your final destination or just the first step toward a more aggressive setup, we’ll make sure the fitment is right and the truck performs the way you expect.
Which Vehicles Run 31-Inch Tires?
The beauty of 31-inch tires is that most trucks and SUVs can accommodate them with little to no modification. Many modern trucks — including the Toyota Tacoma, Ford Ranger, Chevy Colorado, Nissan Frontier, Jeep Wrangler, and even some full-size trucks — can fit 31-inch tires with just a leveling kit or sometimes on completely stock suspension. This makes 31s the most accessible tire upgrade for drivers who want better looks and mild trail capability without committing to a full lift and regear.
Do You Need a Lift for 31-Inch Tires?
In most cases, a simple leveling kit (1 to 2 inches) is all you need. Some vehicles with generous wheel wells can fit 31s on stock suspension with no modifications at all. We always recommend a test-fit at the shop — we’ll mount the tires and check clearance at full turn and full suspension compression before you commit. No surprises, no rubbing, no headaches.
Do You Need to Regear with 31-Inch Tires?
For most vehicles, regearing is not necessary at 31 inches. The diameter increase over stock is small enough that your factory gear ratios can handle it without significant performance loss. You may notice a very slight decrease in acceleration and 0.5 to 1 MPG change in fuel economy, but nothing that warrants the investment of a full regear. If you’re planning to eventually move up to 33-inch or 35-inch tires, that’s when regearing enters the conversation.
Recommended 31-Inch Tire Brands
- BFGoodrich KO2 — Available in multiple 31-inch sizes. Exceptional durability and all-terrain performance.
- Falken Wildpeak A/T3W — Outstanding value with excellent wet-weather performance. A favorite among daily-driven rigs.
- Toyo Open Country A/T III — Long treadwear warranty and genuine off-road capability make this a smart investment.
- Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S — Excellent all-season capability with a comfortable highway ride.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are 31-inch tires good for off-roading?
31-inch tires are great for light to moderate off-roading — forest roads, sand trails, mild mud, and gravel. They provide a noticeable improvement over stock tires in ground clearance and traction. For more serious trails with rocks, deep mud, or significant obstacles, stepping up to 33-inch or larger tires gives you more capability.
How much do 31-inch tires affect gas mileage?
Expect a change of 0.5 to 1 MPG compared to stock. The modest diameter increase means minimal impact on rolling resistance and drivetrain load. This is one of the advantages of 31s — you get better looks and mild capability improvement with very little trade-off.
Can I install 31-inch tires myself?
While mounting and balancing tires is a job for a shop with proper equipment, the overall upgrade to 31s is straightforward enough that most of the work is a standard tire swap. If you need a leveling kit, we recommend professional installation to ensure proper torque specs and alignment.
Ready to Upgrade to 31-Inch Tires?
Whether you’re stepping up from stock or exploring your first off-road modification, Godspeed Off-Road is here to help. We’ll recommend the right tire for your vehicle and driving style, handle the installation, and make sure everything is dialed in before you leave.
Call us at (941) 706-0071 or visit us at 2858 Clark Road, Sarasota, FL 34231.