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]

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.

That will be one my next moves, too, but not for a while. I haven't seen the MT01 in person, so I can't comment. I'm really happy with the A/T3W on the road. My first round of off-road training is scheduled for 9/2.

[chumley]

Apparently I'm a few months behind the curve on this one, but when I started this thread 9 years ago, it was when BFG introduced the KO2. That 2nd generation tire has lived its best life and is now being being replaced by the K03. This change will be phased in over nearly 2 years for all the (100+) sizes but the most common sizes should all be available in KO3 in the next couple of months.

A couple of quick reviews I've read indicate that this new generation will vastly improve wet road traction (the primary negative of the KO2), and cold weather ice/snow grip, while increasing tread life, and maintaining its legendary durability. It's a percent or two lighter weight (offering better fuel economy), and at least for the time being appears to be only 2% more expensive.

My taco isn't even close to being in the market for a new set of shoes, but when that time comes around, I will be curious to know more about the real world performance of these new tires.

[big_load]

@chumley

Yeah, a lot of tires are coming out in new generations this year. Falken updated the Wildpeaks to the AT4, which (almost unbelievably) is even heavier than the AT3.

[sneakySASQUATCH]

Pleasantly surprised with Falken Wildpeaks MT 01’s for Yertle particularly on wet/snow roads. Rated higher for these than other off-road tires and rated for longer wear. Also about $100 dollars cheaper per tire than other options in the size I needed. Also significantly lighter. Draw back sipes and tread pick up rocks like crazy when driving on dirt road approaches. Price was biggest factor when you need 7!

Following this thread because I’m going to need new tires for the Frontier in the next 20,000 miles. Not interested in loosing my gas mileage as I’ve been able to get to all trailheads with stock tires despite the fact that most of the approaches are nastier than the 14er hikes with all the trail improvements the last couple of years. Losing the steps has made a difference and I like the 21-25 mpg for the commute. Of course I had to break a step to figure this out. If the road sucks like Lake Como road which I have to go back to I will just take Yertle.

[DixieFlyer]

I was wondering if anyone is using Goodrich KO3 tires? I have KO2's now and need to get a new set. I was thinking of getting some KO3's, but they are only D rated instead of E rated for my size. I like the extra puncture resistance of an E rated tire, so I may get another set of KO2's, even though it looks like the KO3 has some improvements over KO2's.

[LindaAnn]

@DixieFlyer
I put KO3s on one of my trucks in May. They seem to be fine. Better handling on wet surfaces. Pricey. My jeep and other truck still have the KO2s, but I’ll switch to KO3 when they are due for new tires. I’ll do the same for my daughter’s truck.

[xsproutx]

One of the benefits of the KO3s is that they're a lot quieter than the KO2s. The KO2s annoyed me with that on a previous vehicle. I'll probably be switching to the KO3s on the new 4runner when it's time

[RedRoxx44]

KO2 on the Toyota; the Jeep has Cooper STT pro both 10 ply. For what I do can't have less. On the second set on the Jeep ran a piece of rebar into one of the rear tires at an old mine site and drove it home including interstate without realizing it. ( TPMS is off on the Jeep, what an annoyance). The tire held up despite loosing quite a bit of air. Fortunately was under warranty and had a new one on without having to fork it out. When I took it to the tire shop with a big piece of metal sticking out of the tire there was no question.

[outdoor_lover]

Replaced my stock Michelins with KO3s in April on my truck. The Michelins were fine for the time I had them because I wasn't doing much, but now that I'm back in a 4x4 and am doing a LOT, I wanted that good ply, especially for the sidewalls. So far, so good. My truck didn't come with an Off-Road package though, so ended up having to replace Ford's stupid stock skid plates a month or so ago.