tyres are everything. when i bought my patrol it had 35" all terrains.
tyres were brand new, but all terrains. i got left behind by a hilux on 33" muddies. since then i have switched to 35" BFG KM2's and havnt gotton stuck. your uncle doesnt know what he is on about saying a 31" muddie will take you anywhere. ill go further in just rear wheel drive on 35's then you will on 31's