17" TRD wheels with mud tires vs 20" Limited with Duelers for muddy trails?

I recognize variations of this question have been asked a number of times over the years, but am struggling to find a specific answer.

I have a 2015 Limited that I am looking to take off road. The trails in my part of the country are predominantly mud with essentially no large rocks.

I have the standard 20" Limited Rims with Dueler tires. Can I handle muddy trails with the standard wheels?

I've also looked at adding the 17" TRD wheels with a mud tire. Would this be a substantial upgrade in my ability to go off roadon muddy trails?

Thanks in advance for any responses. Yes, I'm very new to this......

 

The short answer is tires will matter more than wheel size. The stock tires will not perform as well as MT/AT tires off road. As for wheel size there are benefits to smaller diameter wheels. You get a taller sidewall with the smaller wheel which can aid when off road or airing down tires. If you have the ability/means to have the second set of wheels and tires just for off road use then have them standing by for when you want to go

 

Thanks wmdtech. I recognize this is a subjective question, but how much mud can the standard tire handle before it's a problem?

One minor correction to my previous post; my tires are Dueler H/L Alenza in P245/60R20.

I can buy new rims/tires, which I am fine doing, just trying to get a feel for if that is necessary or if I'm being overly cautious.

 

Never chanced it but honestly I can imagine stockers and mud are not friends.

 

I don't think they'll handle much. I would opt for better tires. Even a set of AT/MT on the 20" wheel would be better. I didn't do much more than gravel with the stock tires (still don't do much more KO2)

 

If you can get a cheap set of 17" wheels and good tires you'll have a much better time