285 BFG KO2 E load vs. Wildpeaks AT3W SL

[TRD PANTHER]

Going to upgrade my BFG KO2’s in 275/70-17 E load to 285/70-17’s in either a E load BFG KO2 or a Falken Wildpeak SL. It is a buy 3 get 1 free deal. My 275’s weigh 57 lbs., the 285 KO2 weighs 58 lbs. and the Wildpeaks SL weighs 51 lbs. As I have got older I am not doing much off road anymore. 95% on 5% off road. I like the additional protection for everything on and off road of the 10 ply and have had good luck with the KO2’s in the past. I like that the Falken is light and probably provides a better ride.
Which one would you pick between the two?
Thanks

 

[Captain Planet]

Realistically if you aren't offroad in any real capacity, get a road tire.

You're talking about super duty tires when you are 5% offroad. Makes no sense.

Go for it if you want, but it seems silly. Looks, I get it, get a P rated AT/X or something.

 

[TRD PANTHER]

Realistically if you aren't offroad in any real capacity, get a road tire.

You're talking about super duty tires when you are 5% offroad. Makes no sense.

Go for it if you want, but it seems silly. Looks, I get it, get a P rated AT/X or something.

Your correct, looks is part of it, but, my 5% is in the snow and some rocks. That’s why I want something with the snowflake symbol and some AT grip. I am leaning towards the SL Wildpeak.
Probably have them mounted tomorrow.

 

[mustangr2]

I would go wildpeak if not doing a ton of off-roading. I have wildpeaks and they haven’t let me down in the traction department with any road conditions so far. I have lived in from west coast to east coast with these tires

 

[85GT-79FJ40]

I would go C load BFG. That's what I am going with and I have the SL wildpeaks now. The Wildpeaks look great and have decent road manners. If you go with them though make sure your tire shop has LOTS in stock and a road force balancer. Mine are being warranted by Falken I have had so much trouble trying to get them to balance. The 285's in SL at least are made in China.

 

[TRD PANTHER]

I would go wildpeak if not doing a ton of off-roading. I have wildpeaks and they haven’t let me down in the traction department with any road conditions so far. I have lived in from west coast to east coast with these tires

I’m probably going this route.

I would go C load BFG. That's what I am going with and I have the SL wildpeaks now. The Wildpeaks look great and have decent road manners. If you go with them though make sure your tire shop has LOTS in stock and a road force balancer. Mine are being warranted by Falken I have had so much trouble trying to get them to balance. The 285's in SL at least are made in China.

I wanted the C load KO2 as it weighs only 51 lbs also. Unfortunately. they don’t have it in stock and that’s part of the buy 3 get 1 free deal. The shop is only 2 miles from me. After that all the tire shops near me are 15+ miles away. I read your comments before in the Falken thread and I told the dealer last night after hours that I won’t buy the Falkens if they are made in China.

 

[TRD PANTHER]

The 285's in SL at least are made in China.

How can I tell if there made in China? Is it clearly marked on the tire? Or is there a code?
Thanks

 

[02SE]

It will be indicated in the code, AND it should state right on the sidewall where it's made.

Between the two, I'd go with the BFG, simply because they're more likely to be round.

 

[85GT-79FJ40]

It says it right on the sidewall. Honestly it didn't deter me a bit as I loved the way they looked and the road noise/handling is quite good for an AT tire. But with all the balance issues I'm going back to a tire I know and have used many times before. You may not care for a load range E tire on a Toyota. The ride is stiffer and of course they are heavier which will definitely affect your mileage. Might be worth a drive to a different tire dealer.

 

[TRD PANTHER]

Well, they are made in China. But, I do want the lighter tire and the salesperson said he would allow me to test drive them and if I don’t like them, he would order a set of C load KO2’s or give me my money back. The Falkens are going to run me $621 for 4 prior to m&b, fees and taxes. So, I’m giving them a try today.

 

[Xetabur]

How can I tell if there made in China? Is it clearly marked on the tire? Or is there a code?
Thanks

It says it right on the tire.

 

[TRD PANTHER]

I bought and had the 285/70-17 Falken Wildpeaks in the SL rating installed today. I just drove it home 2 miles, so, obviously I don’t have much feedback at this time, except my 4Runner looks better and with the slightly larger sidewall and SL rating seemed a bit smoother over bumps.
Hopefully, no issues on the freeway. Will post some pics in a couple days.
Thanks to all the members who voted and posted.