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.