I can't tell if you're asking why an 18" in instead of a 17" or instead of a 20". I don't want to go bigger than 35s, and I personally don't like the looks of 20s on 35s (not enough tire sidewall). For 17s, I like the look of the bronze better than the gold in the Method 315s, and they only make the bronze NV in a 17 in a 0 offset. I don't want to risk rubbing, which is why I'm looking for a positive offset. My other wheel choice was the AEV Salta, but I think the NV is going to look a little better just because it's going to stand out more (I see a lot of PWs posted with the Saltas).
I would never in a thousand years recommend a 20-inch wheel. Also, you'll want 37's some day.
Interesting... from what I've been seeing the KO'2 don't last long on the heavier trucks but with the 1500's you can expect around 60,000. I find it interesting that you switched to the Cooper's because the one knock I've seen on them is that they wear pretty fast. How many miles you have on yours? I do put quite a few miles on a year and want to find something that will last a little bit.
That's pretty common, they don't do well. Unpopular opinion that is going to rub some wrong. People getting 60k out of their tires run them bald.
I really like my General Grabber 35x12.5's they make the ATX and the MT. I have the ATX and could not be happier.
General Grabber ATX has been a fantastic winter tire. I'm really happy with them myself. I ran the X3's this year in Moab. They were ok in Moab. Great in mud, good traction in the sand. Good on slick rock.
But I have observed, both the ATX & the X3 seem to like more air pressure for highway than my Toyo MT's did. They get soft and the sidewall will bulge fast. 18psi on the Toyo's was nothing. These tires, that looked scary.
I liked the looks of the Grabber X3 with red letters, but I won't be running them again. I easily blew a sidewall out on the Morrison Jeep trail where I shouldn't have IMO. I know the Toyo's would have been fine because I've run the Toyos in that crap before.
That being said, if you travel a lot on road, and want a quiet tire that handles the rain, snow, sleet, and ice really well, (and is an actual 3 peak rated snow tire) the General ATX is a solid affordable choice.
Two winters, still going strong. I do run winter/summer tires.
But I think I'll be keeping the General ATX's for some time as my road-trip/towing tire.
I just recently drove from Boise to Portland in all kinds of crazy winter weather, and these tires were just fantastic and confidence-inspiring.
They are good enough for dirt roads, but I wouldn't expect great performance in mud or for them to be very sticky on the rocks. They are an AT after all.
If you want an indestructible MT and aren't too concerned about wear and cost, buy a Toyo MT
I've run the sheeee-it out of those. My only complaint about the Toyo MT is that I just didn't get any real longevity out of them.
Right now I'm testing out BFG KM3's but I don't have enough miles or off-road time to give anyone an opinion about them, other than they're nice around town, lolol
I ugh, run a lot of tires. There are Nitto Trail Grapplers, Toyo's, KO2's and Falken's in my garage.
I want the best across the board.
Sidebar
A while back, I ran the Toyo Open Country AT/II's in 35x12.50R17
They're alright. I never really was that impressed with them. I do think the Generals are better overall. As the Generals have better sipping and can accept studs.