16" vs 17" wheels for TopEnd trip

[raffs]

G'day all,

Building up the 07 Wrangler Unlimited Auto Petrol for a Top End trip in Aug/Sep/Oct this year.

It currently has 17x7.5 wheels (sourced by previous owner in 09) running Wrangler AT 265x70 R17 tyres. (Tyre plate says they should be 255x70 R16).

I will be getting muddies for the trip. I'd like 35"s or 305x70's if the budget stretches but may end up with 285x70's if it doesn't. I know that I will need at least an 8" wheel (preferably 9") to run the 35"s so I will definitely need to get new wheels to run the larger tyre, although I can run the 285x70 on the 17"x7.5" wheel.

My question is do I get 16" rims to make it easier to source tyres reasonably quickly if I need them in the middle of nowhere?
I'm planning on taking 5 wheels and 6 tyres, no trailer.

I've heard I might be waiting awhile if I want tyres for 17" rims, while it is more likely i will be able to source a tyre for a 16" rim thanks to the plethora of Prado's and the like that use that rim. Is this true?

Also, any tips on where to source the wheels from?
And finally, any tips from people that have done a similar trip with same vehicle about things I need to think about getting done to the Jeep before leaving?

Cheers
Raffs

[dhard]

Personally if they fit get the 16"s and fit 285/75 16 as this is the most popular replacement size fitted to alot more modern 4wds and a spare will be quickly and easily sourced should you happen to need one. Though i'm sure a 16" inch 35" tyre could be got out to you there is little chance that the bloke coming through next will have one to get you out of the shit if happen to have bad enough luck to exhaust your spares, they might have 285/75 16 though and be willing to do a deal.

[flexytj]

run 17s and use 265/70/17 or 285/70/17 as they are pretty common fitments now