Hiking Vehicle Tires

[chumley]

I just got new BFGs today. I learned that at the end of last year BFG introduced a new tire, the AT KO2, replacing the very popular and successful AT KO (of which I have had several sets over the years).

Two things-- the new KO2 features longer tread life, and a really impressive shoulder, dropping the tread well down onto the sidewall. It LOOKS super beefy now!!

AND if you're shopping for a bargain, the "old" KOs are available in limited quantities from some sources at big discounts (example: formerly $238 tire is now $169).

I'll let you know if I have any problems but I can't foresee the newer KO2s performing any less well than the old KOs I've been using all these years. Something about a 10-ply tire on these rocky Arizona roads that provides peace of mind...

[big_load]

@CannondaleKid
Yep, E range tires coming up. I'm going stock size for the first round. I'll start changing things according to where I can't get to.

[Alston_Neal]

The fine line between tread, highway noise and MPG. I liked my Wranglers, first aftermarket up grade on the 07 FJ. Then went back to my old standard that I ran on my 82 Bronco. Bf Goodrich AT's.

[Pivo]

@Alston_Neal
The Falken Wildpeak AT check all of those boxes for me. I do see lots of them in Colorado.

[Alston_Neal]

@Pivo
Well by far you have the coolest hiking vehicle on here.

[Pivo]

@Alston_Neal
Perhaps the best MPG, the coolest is debatable.

[The_Eagle]

@Pivo
I put the Falken Wildpeak AT on the Subi. No regrets here. I lost a little mpg from the oem's, but they were much lighter than the other options for a lighter vehicle.

[Pivo]

@The_Eagle
I lost 2 MPG, when you get 43, it’s not a big deal.

[big_load]

@Alston_Neal
The Falken Wildpeak AT check all of those boxes for me. I do see lots of them in Colorado.

It's going to be Wildpeak A/T3W (the E range version) for me.

[xsproutx]

Wildpeak A/T3W (the E range version)

I had these (the SL version though) on my last subie and was a big fan. Will likely replace with the heavier duty version when the tires on the new subie need a change if I can make the fit work

[big_load]

Tires are on! The transmission notices the extra weight.

New tires

[LosDosSloFolks]

@big_load
Rotating unsprung weight is 2-3x more difficult to accelerate than sprung weight.

[hikeaz]

@big_load
14% more weight E over SL with that tire & size.

[big_load]

@big_load
14% more weight E over SL with that tire & size.

It was fun wrestling the spare out of the cargo bay and stowing it back underneath. It didn't feel horrible compared to the factory tire, at least not commensurate with impact on uphill acceleration.

[hikeaz]

Do I understand that you installed 5 of the E rated tires? The wheel weight may be in play if the spare uses a wheel different than the other 4. Merely a thought.
The percentage I used (difference is 6.5# +/- btw) was the SL rated Wildpeak A/T3W vs. the E rated one; NOT the E rated W.P. vs. your STOCK tire.

[big_load]

Do I understand that you installed 5 of the E rated tires? The wheel weight may be in play if the spare uses a wheel different than the other 4. Merely a thought.
The percentage I used (difference is 6.5# +/- btw) was the SL rated Wildpeak A/T3W vs. the E rated one; NOT the E rated W.P. vs. your STOCK tire.

That's right. The spare is a steelie, although I may eventually replace it with a matching wheel. I wouldn't drive on the spare any farther than I have to because of that mismatch, but I wanted to be sure it would survive all the way back out from wherever I had to put it on. (And yes, the weight difference between E-rated and stock is big number)

[hikeaz]

@big_load
I run nothing but 'E' on my suv's. Most tires (even on trucks/suv's) that are provided on new vehicles are sub-par; especially if you may encounter rugged conditions.

[RowdyandMe]

Recaps!!!!

[Alston_Neal]

Recaps!!!!

Oh yeah man, nothing but the best on our 68 Ford 150 Space Ranger!

[big_load]

After I day of on-road driving in mixed conditions (suburban, Interstate, stop-and-go state highway), I'm quite happy. The Wildpeaks are just a tad noisier than the OEM road tires, gas mileage was at most 1 mpg worse, and the vehicle was only a tad more sluggish. On the other hand, I can feel the increased momentum in the wheels when turning or decelerating. That will affect how I drive. I'll start coasting sooner when a slowdown is inevitable or even likely, and I'll accelerate more gently as well. I was already doing that to a lesser extent, compared to how I drive my Outback.

[sneakySASQUATCH]

Anybody have +/- opinions on Falken WIldpeak MT01’s? Was planning on ordering them already after dialing in Yertle, but dealing with bureaucratic FAA BS at the moment. Going up a size from 235 85 16 to 255 85 16 to give me a little lower rpm’s at highway speed weight similar not extremely aggressive and shouldn’t really suck down gas mileage. Had the KO2’s on old Nissan one size up from stock liked them, but they really sucked down gas mileage. They also last time I checked don’t come in a 255 85 16. I know people running 285 75 or 85 16, but that is over kill for 712 Pinz. And he goes 15 mph slower up the pass I live in. The 255’s are the sweet spot and will give me 19-20”clearance at the axle.
No plans for changing out stock tires or upgrades until I wear out the stock tires on the Nissan which although are not E, seem to do pretty good. Also yanked off the stupid pro 4x steps which are completely unnecessary and get in the way of off roading and look stupid. They decrease clearance by at least 2” and stick out really far. I kind enjoy the 21 mpg overall and 25-26 I’m getting on the highway when I commute with the stock tires.