Anyone switch from the BF Goodrich K02 and...

[Plannerman]

I tried Cooper Discoverer A/T3s on my Tacoma after running the KO2s. They definitely performed better than the KO2s: quieter, better handling, better braking, better acceleration, better cornering. But the KO2s look cooler.

I'm shopping for Coopers for my 4Runner now to replace the Dunlops

 

[Adventurer]

I don't see how anyone can find fault with the 265 C load KO2 tires. I just got mine and I can't believe how smooth and quiet they are at 75 mph. I would even say they are smoother than the stock Bridgestone duelers. I am amazed actually. The traction is incredible both on and off road. And when I say smoother, I mean also smoother on broken up old roads and chunky/rocky 20 mph dirt roads. I think they are worth every penny spent and yes it is a damn expensive tire so I guess that is the only "bad" about them. I don't know why you would need a quieter tire and don't see how anything else could perform better than these tires.

 

[mcox522]

I don't see how anyone can find fault with the 265 C load KO2 tires. I just got mine and I can't believe how smooth and quiet they are at 75 mph. I would even say they are smoother than the stock Bridgestone duelers. I am amazed actually. The traction is incredible both on and off road. And when I say smoother, I mean also smoother on broken up old roads and chunky/rocky 20 mph dirt roads. I think they are worth every penny spent and yes it is a damn expensive tire so I guess that is the only "bad" about them. I don't know why you would need a quieter tire and don't see how anything else could perform better than these tires.

I hear ya, I am completely satisfied with them. But this is the same argument as "what's better, the trail or pro". Which ever model you have will be your favorite. However, I doubt that if the price of the KO2 was cheaper not nearly as many people would complain, just human nature.

 

[Jetboy]

I think this is just a question of what you want to do with the vehicle. If you want to drive across Africa - I'd want a bias ply super swamper or Michelin XML type tire for that, something indestructible. If you want to go rock crawling, a sticky compound KM2/IROK would be my first choice. If you're purely highway driving - a highway tire like a Michelin LTX Cooper H/T Plus would be a better choice. I have 2 sets of wheels/tires, so I have a highway set and a dirt set. Both do their respective functions better than the KO2. Neither set would perform both functions as well though.

If you want to drive 95% highway and 5% offroad like most 4runners do, I think the KO2 is a great choice. The only terrain they are below average at is mud. If the 34x10.50x17 wasn't so gawd awfully expensive, they could probably replace both sets of tires I have. That's the only real downside - cost.

 

[Glandnut]

My only gripe with the last set I had (Tacoma)was the fact that they got a little squirrely in the rain. Likely going Cooper AT3 soon.

 

[johnbt]

"If you're purely highway driving - a highway tire"

Good for beach driving too. The factory Bridgestones at 18 psi work just fine on the Outer Banks' beaches. I just want better thunderstorm and ice traction at home. At this point I have no use for either stiff sidewalls or aggressive tread.

John

 

[Friggin Idiot]

12 - 29983 mi - Bridgestone Dueler 684 II P265/70R17 SL (Stock)
29983 - 51533 mi - BFG KO2 LT275/70R17 E Load
51533 - current (~66500) mi - Cooper Discoverer AT3 LT275/70R17 C Load

Stock - Highway tires, decent on-road traction, did fair dry off-road but some spinning in loose dirt. Most impressed with deep snow performance. Overall lots of bounce, lean, and nose dive. Absolutely not for mud or ice!

KO2 - All terrain, glacial treadwear. Noise was good for an AT, more of a whirr than a whine, and not noticeable without the windows down. Great on road traction reduced nosedive. Initially good performance in snow, decent on ice, good traction in water, but threw a lot of spray. After first 2/32 of tread were gone the performance in damp and wet condition handling deteriorated, ABS kicked in more frequently, wheel spin and slipping occurred more often. Over all a mixed ride, properly inflated was stiff and slightly rough, slightly under-inflated was mushy and sloppy in turns. In the end I decided E Load was not my liking, and the degrading wet weather performance was a concern as I have to get to work in all hours and conditions. Had the tire performed at 20kmi as it did at 0mi then I would have probably just dropped to stock sized C-load.

Disco AT3 - Almost bought these instead of the KO2, but was seduced by the grand reviews and sexier look. Should have ignored the KO2 hype and stuck with tried & true performance.
All terrain, good all around tire. Low noise, smooth ride, agile, good traction. Do very well in rain, snow, mud, or sunshine both on and off road. Not as aggressive as the BFG KO2 or Falken AT3W but good performance for the daily driver who also does trails. Not necessarily my pick for the Rubicon or Baja, but I'm not running those trails.

I've got a good long while yet to run on my Disco AT3's, but in the future my other considerations may include in no particular order:
Cooper Discoverer AT3
Firestone Destination AT
Falken Wildpeak AT3W
Dick Cepek Trail Country
Dick Cepek Fun Country (I had the older FC-II on my 92 Bronco which was only lacking in on ice)

 

[Throwback]

Man, I just cannot understand how y'all must be driving to have your ABS kicking on and spinning tires with a stock rig on KO2s. And what noise? Mine are just as quiet as the stock tires were.

I have like 25k miles on mine and they've performed wonderfully on wet roads, muddy roads, rocky roads, dry roads, etc. I'll run 80mph for hours on the interstate, smooth as butter. Or slinging down winding mountain roads at 55mph in the rain staying just as planted as you please.

I drive to stay with, or in front of, traffic, which means not like a grandpa.

I'm making a mental note to try to see what it takes to break a tire loose on my truck when it rains. Coming off a hard stop I have to get on the gas pedal heavy just to overcome the spongy OEM TPS programming. I'm sure as heck not spinning tires off every intersection.

The performance of the KO2 isn't "hype." They're a great performing tire in everything but gumbo mud. They happen to look great and be expensive too, which seems to draw a lot of hate.

:llama:

 

[Calif-4runner]

Second this. Love the AT3's.

Third the love!

I tried Cooper Discoverer A/T3s on my Tacoma after running the KO2s. They definitely performed better than the KO2s: quieter, better handling, better braking, better acceleration, better cornering. But the KO2s look cooler.

I'm shopping for Coopers for my 4Runner now to replace the Dunlops

^^^ This ^^^

Even though mine is a 4th gen (hanging out here as I'm buying a 5th gen this month) I've really been impressed with the AT3s. They replaced Duratracs that had 12K miles on them and were freaking ice skates in the rain. I would slide through intersections if I hit the brakes late.

My new Runner will go from the dealer to tire installation of AT3s right out of the gate.

 

[Calif-4runner]

Man, I just cannot understand how y'all must be driving to have your ABS kicking on and spinning tires with a stock rig on KO2s. And what noise? Mine are just as quiet as the stock tires were.

The performance of the KO2 isn't "hype." They're a great performing tire in everything but gumbo mud. They happen to look great and be expensive too, which seems to draw a lot of hate.

:llama:

They are really good tires and there is no denying how great they look. I think (for me) it comes down to how I drive and where I drive and for both of those the AT3s are hard to beat in performance and price point!

 

[T4 Leaf]

Right now I'm running the Stock Dunlops that came with my used 2014...have about 25K miles on them... they look best when I don't look at them, and perform well while parked in my driveway (out of my view).

 

[Friggin Idiot]

Man, I just cannot understand how y'all must be driving to have your ABS kicking on and spinning tires with a stock rig on KO2s. And what noise? Mine are just as quiet as the stock tires were.

ABS kicking in under normal braking in damp/wet conditions is noteworthy no matter which tire it is. I had concerns about it, but not enough to change tires. The concern about the rough ride and the wet weather performance together was enough to push it over the edge though. I'm happier with the Disco AT3's and likely won't consider another BFG tire.

There's also a difference in ride and noise between stock size, LT C, and LT E tires. It gets even more complicated when you consider inflation levels and ambient conditions. There's more than a dozen different threads on ride quality and traction with different inflation levels in the 5th gen section alone.

 

[Gclark949]

My only gripe with the last set I had (Tacoma)was the fact that they got a little squirrely in the rain. Likely going Cooper AT3 soon.

This. I find the KO2s are slippery on wet pavement. Not talking hydro plane just plane slippery. I slow way down for turns.

 

[LandCruiser]

I recently dismounted my KOs that have been dry rotting the garage and sent the revolver TE wheels to my dad to put on his LE.

I like the Destination MT better off road and the Blizzak in the snow.

The BFGs really didn't do anything well, but I hear the "redesigned" ones at least don't suck too bad in the snow and rain.

 

[Six Runner]

I can't speak about the KO2, but I have owned 4 trucks with KOs. I have also run Toyo open country at2s, cooper discoverer at3s and several other popular tires. I am currently on Falken wildpeak at3w. I was unsure about my decision at the time I purchased them, but I have been impressed. It's my daily driver that also sees alot of beach driving and light off road. These tires are quiet, have great traction where ever I've gone, give a comfortable ride, balanced well, we're cheap and look the part. Time will tell how these wear. I hope this helps.

 

[phillyd2]

I run the KO2 on the F250 which is also used a for snow plowing. The 4R wears Duratracs. Both E rated.

 

[Decipher]

Resurrected:

Currently running take-off Rubicon 285/70-17 KO2s in C load for the past 5,000 miles. I love the tire and have none of the issues some people have reported. Only issue is they’re not aggressive enough for the mud I sometimes find myself running through.

I’m looking at the Dick Cepek Fun Country since it’s a hybrid but I see very few reviews. Snow performance is very important and they’re not snowflake rated. I run a lot of pavement so a dedicated MT really isn’t on my radar.

Any other KO2 swap stories are appreciated in aiding my decision. Thanks!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[deepsoutht4r]

switched to Nitto TG G2

i had KO2 but by the 20,000 mile mark the wet traction went to crap. so i put some Nitto Terra Grappler G2's on and the wet traction and handling is much better.

 

[DigitalRJH]

Ran BFGS for years on my Jeep and Hummer and loved them. Went to duratracs for a cheaper price and those were fine too. I've begun to transition out of more serious off roading to lighter off roading on fire roads and light trails when I go hiking or mountain biking. So I wanted something a bit more highway oriented but still wet, winter, and dirt capable. Went with the Terra Grappler G2's and am very pleased. Just couldn't justify the extra weight, stiffness and price of the KO2's when I'm more road driving now. But the BFG's have always been good to me.