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...

[Grasshopper]

My new tires are 1lb heavier than the last ones -- 4lbs total. That should have no effect on fuel economy. The KO and KO2 are rated the same on fuel economy (which is, to be fair, not particularly good to begin with)...I'll see if I have any mpg change over my next few tanks.

What have you now concluded regarding MPG change (if any) with your new 10-ply BFB KO2s?

[chumley]

@Grasshopper
Mileage is down between 0-2mpg depending on driving conditions. Rarely as good as it used to be, but most often in the range of 1mpg less.

Is it the weight? I don't know. I also bumped up the tire size, so the circumference is now larger too. Plus the truck is getting older, etc. etc.

I usually get around 17mpg now, whereas it was closer to 18 before. Not once have I ever ran a tank at 20mpg, and never ever under 15 either. So remarkably consistent overall for a truck with 120k on it. This includes trips hauling a full load of firewood, predominantly in 4wd, and trips that are 100% 2wd highway.

I also don't drive like a granny.

[rcorfman]

Is that taking into account that the recorded mileage is less than before due to the increased circumference?

[chumley]

@rcorfman
nope

[CannondaleKid]

Is that taking into account that the recorded mileage is less than before due to the increased circumference?

Also, since the effective axle ratio will be slightly higher the engine has to work harder, which is usually the main reason for mileage loss.

[Grasshopper]

Yes !! for BFG new design All Terain KO2s.. I decided to take the plunge due to a combination of always having had good results from the previous LT Load Range C KO design, ASUAviator & Chumley bought/like the new KO2 design, and CannondaleKid does not like BFGs..

[ASUAviator]

Nice! I've pushed mine hard over the past couple months of hunting season. Many trails I wish I had my quad for... And they've continued to impress. The tires have been on for 15k, show no sign of the abuse, and have maybe lost a 1/16 of tread. Good choice!

[Sredfield]

I just had to replace a Wrangler Kevlar, it had at least three cactus spines in it, all leaking. As much as alacarte pricing infuriates me, I have accepted that tires are to purchased with the warranty. This is the second one that Big O has replaced. I'll look into the KO2.

[ssk44]

Goodyear Wrangler AT Adventure Kevlar

I have a fairly new offering to bring to the table.. It took some guts on my part to role the dice on something new. I'm glad I did. I'm using the new non-LT Goodyear Adventure Kevlar All Terrain on my 2015 4x2 Ford F150 (245/70/R17). It comes in both standard load p-metric and LT variations. Both versions have the Kevlar tread layer. That's the key ingredient. I wanted to stay with a p-metric design. I didn't want to give up ANY millage or ride quality for my daily work use. A heavier LT tire of the same size would have adversely effected both. That cannot be avoided. Not everyone needs an LT tire. It all depends on your use. This new premium Kevlar p-metric is really a game changer in all terrain tire design. In the past you had to go with LT for rugged back road use. P-metric tires sucked for the most part. I can honestly report that this tire works. My use is everything from the typical maintained gravel forest road to mild/moderate rocky two track back roads. Basically roads that don't require low range crawling. I've been hard on these tires for about 12,000 miles. A large park of that 12K was on dirt roads. The tread isn't tearing up in the rocks, the sidewalls are resisting cuts and tears, and the Kevlar tread layer is holding back the sharp rocks. I'll add the my truck also has the factory rear locking differential. Locking differential's are great but there hard on tires in the rocks. The inside tire can really take a beating while making turns on rocky roads. There even holding up well to that! I'm impressed with this tire. It's smooth and quiet on the pavement and holds up well on rugged forest roads. These tires will safely get you to most trailheads around the state and will not take away your smooth quiet factory ride and original millage. If your travels keep you off nasty low-range jeep trails, you just might want to give this new Goodyear a look if it comes in your size. I'm very happy with mine.

https://www.goodyear.com/en-US/tires/wr ... -adventure

[outdoor_lover]

Although I haven't had a Flat or a Sliced Tire with the Yokohama Geolander ATS Tires, I will not get them again. My Stock Michelin Street Tires had more Traction on Dirt Roads than these do and they didn't ever fail from Rocks either....Buyer's Regret on these and the last time I swore at them probably won't be the last time I swear at them....I can't afford to replace them until they're done....

[skatchkins]

I like my Goodyear MT/R's with Kevlar. But to be honest I buy used tires to save money so I have MT/R's in the front and BFG KM2's on the back.

[DixieFlyer]

I was pricing out some BFG KO2 tires, and for some reason a set of 265-70-R16(my current size) is $270 more than a 265-75-R16. I can't figure out why the smaller size tire is so much more expensive. I'd prefer to keep the same size tire that came on the vehicle.

[chumley]

@DixieFlyer
If it's the OEM size on a popular vehicle there is far greater demand for it, and therefore a higher price can be obtained. #capitalism

For the past 3 sets of tires, I've gone one size up from the OEM and saved $55/tire (prob about $270 for the set when all the extras are figured in). It doesn't rub and I get an extra 1/2" of clearance.

[DixieFlyer]

@DixieFlyer
For the past 3 sets of tires, I've gone one size up from the OEM and saved $55/tire (prob about $270 for the set when all the extras are figured in). It doesn't rub and I get an extra 1/2" of clearance.

I am pretty sure that going from 70 to 75 aspect ratio would not cause rubbing issues for me, but the speedometer and odometer would be off by 2-3%...plus the fuel efficiency would be a bit worse. Such a small change in the aspect ratio would not likely cause any other significant unintended consequences, but I am not certain of that. The extra clearance would be nice though

[The_Eagle]

@DixieFlyer
With the 75 aspect, acceleration would be slightly worse with the added 12lb of un-sprung weight also.

[Sredfield]

Ten ply, regardless of the brand, is what it takes. Mileage be damned, no flats, rock crawling beasts.

[Pivo]

The Best All-Terrain Tires to Put on Your Truck in 2022 according to Outdoor Life.

https://www.outdoorlife.com/gear/best-a ... ain-tires/

[RedRoxx44]

I have 37 inch 10 ply Coopers on the Jeep and 33" equivalent BFG K02 10 ply on the FJ and have no complaints as to ability to hold up off road. The Coopers have such thick rubber I run 23lb-25lbs pressure pretty much all the time and have noticed no wear but I suspect already sucky gas mileage is worse, but I don't care. I turned my TPMS on the Jeep off. The Yota I run about 30 which seems ok for not triggering the low pressure warning.

[chumley]

@RedRoxx44
I don't know if the FJ is the same, but the TPMS sensor on the Taco is user-adjustable by a button under the dash. Set it to 15 if you want and you'll get a warning when they're at 30 for running too high!

[CannondaleKid]

Finally! (I have an appointment with the tire guy tomorrow).HAZdecal.jpg

While you may not regularly drive on rough/rocky roads, all it takes is once and a lesser tire could fail.
That said, I would recommend going with an E Load Range tire.
From my experience with a set of Cooper Discovers, a set of Goodyear Wranglers and now three sets of Pro Comp A/T's (1 with the Cherokee, now 2nd with the 4Runner) I'd go with Pro Comp A/T's again.