Opinions wanted BF Goodrich AT KO2 vs KO3

[EdGs]

2015 Ram 1500 SLT QC 5.7L 8SPD 3.21

211,000 miles

Getting to needing new shoes on the girl.

Currently have Nitto DuraGrappler HT
P265/70R17 just under 40k miles, NOT impressed with them at all.

Had Cooper Discoverer A/T LT's 'E' rated.

Loved them, got 83k miles. Cooper since bought by Goodyear. Discoverer still available, no more OWL, which sucks, IMO.

Looking seriously at BFG KO2 or KO3 'E' rated

I know KO2 are excellent for longevity, but no clue about KO3. Online info indicates better wet traction and grip than the KO2, but softer rubber.

Anybody running KO2's or KO3's???

Opinions???

TIA

 

[16WhiteQC]

1st Question - you live in FL, do you really need an AT tire?

2nd Question - if you want an AT have you looked at all the latest reviews here? - https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests/taking-off-road-tires-on-road?ttid=337

FYI - These seem to be the best tire you can get for mileage for a "truck tire" - https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tire...=2016&autoModel=1500 4WD&autoModClar=Quad Cab

Tire Rack

The Dura Grapplers you are running were originally meant for Diesels that haul all the time on the highway.

 

[EdGs]

1st Question - you live in FL, do you really need an AT tire?

Yes, and an LT as well. No P tires.

2nd Question - if you want an AT have you looked at all the latest reviews here? - https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests/taking-off-road-tires-on-road?ttid=337

No, I have not checked all the reviews yet.

FYI - These seem to be the best tire you can get for mileage for a "truck tire" - https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Michelin&tireModel=Defender+LTX+M/S2&partnum=76HR0DLTX2XL&vehicleSearch=true&fromCompare1=yes&autoMake=RAM&autoYear=2016&autoModel=1500 4WD&autoModClar=Quad Cab

I will look into those Michelins

Durability is key, the debris in the road down here is terrible, especially with all the construction.

The Dura Grapplers you are running were originally meant for Diesels that haul all the time on the highway.

If these POS tires are meant for diesels, they suck, with a capital BLOW.


They cannot possibly be for diesels, being a Passenger tire.

Thank you for the tip on the Michelins.

I was mainly interested in the KO2/KO3 because I know a few instances where people have gotten 80k miles out of them at least on the KO2's, I wasn't aware of the KO3 until I began looking.

 

[16WhiteQC]

Yes, and an LT as well. No P tires.

No, I have not checked all the reviews yet.

I will look into those Michelins

Durability is key, the debris in the road down here is terrible, especially with all the construction.

If these POS tires are meant for diesels, they suck, with a capital BLOW.
View attachment 582596View attachment 582597

They cannot possibly be for diesels, being a Passenger tire.

Thank you for the tip on the Michelins.

I was mainly interested in the KO2/KO3 because I know a few instances where people have gotten 80k miles out of them at least on the KO2's, I wasn't aware of the KO3 until I began looking.

What I mean was that the Duro's were originally designed with Diesels that tow on the highway a lot in mind. That was many years ago when they were first released, it appears they now make them for 1/2 tons & SUV's as well.

Take a hard look at the new Nitto Terra G3's in the review link I above if you are set on an AT. You don't need to worry about snow so they might be perfect & 70K warranty.

I run XL tires on my truck and have had no issues, I honestly would run the Michelin's but I don't put that kind of mileage on my truck so they would dry rot before I wore them out.

 

[EdGs]

Ahh, understand now. The Nitto's weren't terrible, just barely at tread life, rubber too soft, IMO.

My FIL had a pair of EXPENSIVE Nittos (I believe they were Terra's) on his 2013 Tundra XSP-X LT285/55R20 I believe, and their tread life also barely made 40k, about like mine.

He had BFG KO2's previous, and got 80k on those. Plus, they looked sharp with the white letters.

Actually got a little money crunch, so likely gonna go with the Cooper Discoverer AT.


They're 'E' rated, but no more OWL (boooo!)

Not 10 ply either, I think, but my last Discoverers were excellent.

They're $37 more per tire than my last Cooper's, and $ for install/warranty, etc.

 

[rzr6-4]

I had KO2s on my Sierra for years, I don't remember exactly but I probly got around 50k out of them and still had decent tread left when I sold them. Grip was "fine" but I never really tested them.

My issue was them throwing rocks, you could hear them sandblasting the rockers and leading corner of the bed, same thing happened on my dad's Sierra when he ran the KO2s as well. We both drive on gravel a lot, maybe it's not such an issue if you are on pavement most of the time though.

 

[EdGs]

I had KO2s on my Sierra for years, I don't remember exactly but I probly got around 50k out of them and still had decent tread left when I sold them. Grip was "fine" but I never really tested them.

My issue was them throwing rocks, you could hear them sandblasting the rockers and leading corner of the bed, same thing happened on my dad's Sierra when he ran the KO2s as well. We both drive on gravel a lot, maybe it's not such an issue if you are on pavement most of the time though.

I definately can understand the rock slinging. I really do like the way the KO2's look as well.

 

[Burla]

I currently have bfg's load E, bullet proof and clunky, even with lowering air they are stiff. Always had good luck with bfg, basically has always been my replacement tire coming from Ford where they are legendary. If I had to do over, I didn't need load E, that's on me. Great in snow and mud for me, many decades of snow trips many 4x4's. My worst set the ones I have now, if you must have load E might wanna try something else, but load D's or C's I really dig them. 6 ply is the way to go unless you need 10.

 

[RamDiver]

I definately can understand the rock slinging. I really do like the way the KO2's look as well.

I've used KO1s & KO2s since 2008 as winter wheels, switching to Michelin Defenders in Spring, most seasons. I have E-rated KO2s currently for winter only. I have no experience with KO3s.

KO2s are fantastic for deep snow, mud, and all-around use in the first couple of winter seasons, but they become less useful in wet or icy conditions as they wear.

If you run them in warm conditions or at lower pressures, they won't likely last. That was my experience.

I'm convinced that most tire reviews are based on new-tire condition and rarely account for normal aging, regardless of the manufacturer.

.

 

[EdGs]

I've used KO1s & KO2s since 2008 as winter wheels, switching to Michelin Defenders in Spring, most seasons. I have E-rated KO2s currently for winter only. I have no experience with KO3s.

KO2s are fantastic for deep snow, mud, and all-around use in the first couple of winter seasons, but they become less useful in wet or icy conditions as they wear.

If you run them in warm conditions or at lower pressures, they won't likely last. That was my experience.

I'm convinced that most tire reviews are based on new-tire condition and rarely account for normal aging, regardless of the manufacturer.

.

I've noticed the wet grip is lacking on most tires I've run, especially when it's only rained a little.

Combined with the lightness of a 1500's a$$ end, and a Hemi driving it, I've had some slippy times....lol

 

[joesstripclub]

I am a big fan of Michelin tires, ran them on my old 1500 and was very happy with them. Performed well in Colorado in both the wet and snow and towing a cargo trailer and SxS all over the place. They didnt make them in the size I wanted in a 35 for the PW so ended up with a Continental A/T.

 

[RamDiver]

I've noticed the wet grip is lacking on most tires I've run, especially when it's only rained a little.

Combined with the lightness of a 1500's a$$ end, and a Hemi driving it, I've had some slippy times....lol

The Michelin Defenders (265x55R20) I've used for the past 4 summers, not installed for '26 yet, are still spectacular for wet conditions, even while driving somewhat crazy.

I tend to mostly drive like an old fart, very conservatively... mostly.

I was late to meet the GF on her way to work last fall.
The conditions were cold 45°'ish, and post-rain wet on the empty rural roads.

I pressed the limits of tire adhesion and my comfort level on that fast, normally 8-minute drive.
The tires never broke free, although they felt close.
I'm not sure if that freaked me out more than driving like a maniac on the small paved rural roads, leading to the highway.

I've always felt very confident during any level of wet with those tires, and this experience has reinforced that sentiment.

I've read reviews of people using these tires in the snow, but having procrastinated installing my winter wheels more than once, that would be a HARD NO for me.

.

 

[Zoe Saldana]

Yes, and an LT as well. No P tires.

No, I have not checked all the reviews yet.

I will look into those Michelins

Durability is key, the debris in the road down here is terrible, especially with all the construction.

If these POS tires are meant for diesels, they suck, with a capital BLOW.
View attachment 582596View attachment 582597

They cannot possibly be for diesels, being a Passenger tire.

Thank you for the tip on the Michelins.

I was mainly interested in the KO2/KO3 because I know a few instances where people have gotten 80k miles out of them at least on the KO2's, I wasn't aware of the KO3 until I began looking.

DuraGrabbers are meant for higway travel - look at the geomety of the tire - 5 straight lines of blocks with connecting rubber. And they are about 4lbs heavery then the G3/tire For 40K they loog great - you can see all the snipes.

I'm on my second set because I do a lot of highway driving - long lasting and quiet.

If you think they are worn out, you are looking at the wrong bar. The bar connecting the blocks on the outside are for stability not the wear bar.

There are many more miles on those tires.

Being a Florida man, you probably don't know all that.

 

[EdGs]

DuraGrabbers are meant for higway travel - look at the geomety of the tire - 5 straight lines of blocks with connecting rubber. And they are about 4lbs heavery then the G3/tire For 40K they loog great - you can see all the snipes.

I'm on my second set because I do a lot of highway driving - long lasting and quiet.

If you think they are worn out, you are looking at the wrong bar. The bar connecting the blocks on the outside are for stability not the wear bar.

There are many more miles on those tires.

Being a Florida man, you probably don't know all that.

I will check my tread depth. I don't think there's a whole lot of meat left. If they give me a little more life, great. But I'm still not impressed at all.

 

[poopsleeve]

Replaced my ko2, with Ko3 on my Ram 2500 cummins.
They are basically the same. I put 60k on the ko2 and could have went farther.
Got 20k on my ko3 's are they are wonderful also.
Coopers are good too, dont last as long, nittos nice, wear the fastest imo.
Best wishes.
30 years ago I stayed away from bfg on 2500, they were horribly soft back then

 

[Zoe Saldana]

I will check my tread depth. I don't think there's a whole lot of meat left. If they give me a little more life, great. But I'm still not impressed at all.

Take them to Discount Tire ... They will tell you you have many more miles on them.

You canstill see all the sipes on those tires.

 

[CanuckRam1313]

I've had the KO2's in E and while they looked good they are a tire that is not always easy to balance out, even with road force balancing. They are also heavy as well.
Coupled with them not being a really useful tire when it's wet out (light rain that brings up all the road oils, etc.) and when hitting ruts at highway speeds, too.

As I mostly do highway but wanted an E rated LT tire I went with the Michelin Defender LTX M/S in LT295/65R20 (equivalent to 35's) and couldn't be happier. I run mine at 40psi (cold checked and adjusted).

They are excellent in any wet road conditions (light rain or heavy deep rain in ruts) and are a light tire as well (for an E rated tire, that is), and balancing them was great with a range of about 1.5oz to .75oz per tire.

They also have excellent wear ratings and a top level warranty program as well.

Perhaps something to consider when looking at all your options?

 

[WY-Dave]

Went from KO2 to KO3. No wet/snow/mud/dirt road improvement notice. KO2s are getting phased out. I would not buy an KO2s, must be rack sitters.

 

[16WhiteQC]

I will check my tread depth. I don't think there's a whole lot of meat left. If they give me a little more life, great. But I'm still not impressed at all.

As ZOE said, there are a lot of miles left in those tires. I honestly did not even notice the tread depth/remaining tread life at first.

I would say you have an easy 25k+ left on them, especially if $$ is tight.

 

[turkeybird56]

I just run AT4W's on my 2019 RAM. But I am stock ride and height, no suspension alterations. M & S tread more for fields and mud and water than snow. But the Falken Wildpeaks are not stupid expensive nor cheap. These are C ply tires. Add extra $30 per tire for D ply tires and $60 for E ply tires.

There were $248 per, and mount/balance/install/state tax/tire disposal fee: $1150 out the door.