BFG KM3 -or- Cooper Discoverer STT Pro?

[_4Runner]

BFG KO2 Issues

Aside from balancing issues on random tires, what are the other BFG problems? I had the 34x12.5R18 KO2 on my 12' Tacoma and 285/70R17 KM2 on my current 4R and never had an issue
:cheers:

None of the tires would balance. None. I had discount tire balance them 5 times over 15K miles at multiple locations while expressing my concern each time. Made sure they were using the Road Force machines and correct wheel attachment. The last straw was replacing a wheel bearing due to the tires be unbalanced. I'm not the only person that has had this problem either.

 

[Hadelson]

My Issue with the KO2's are now at 25K and scary in the rain. I rotate tires every 5K. Had great all around traction so interesting to see how well they do this winter in the snow.

I am about 95% sure going to another tire in the spring. In comparison, my 14TE with Michelin LTX's at 47K were great rain tires and solid in snow and the trail driving I do.

 

[mcox522]

I find it really odd people are having issues when driving in the rain with the ko2 based on my personal experience. I have 25k on my 265 c rated and drove through a torrential downpour a few weeks ago and they handled great on the highway going between 30-50 mph. I've driven through rain many other times too and haven't noticed any issues. I'm not saying you guys aren't having problems, but in my opinion, that means it comes down to the one behind the wheel.

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[DeepSea]

None of the tires would balance. None. I had discount tire balance them 5 times over 15K miles at multiple locations while expressing my concern each time. Made sure they were using the Road Force machines and correct wheel attachment. The last straw was replacing a wheel bearing due to the tires be unbalanced. I'm not the only person that has had this problem either.

Sounds like it was a bearing issue, not a tire one because that's incredibly unusual that all four tires wouldn't balance! I definitely would be contacting BFG if that was truly the case. I had to replace the front wheel bearings in my 06' Tacoma after getting vibrations in the front end. I honestly thought it was the tires out of balance since the Taco only had about 50k miles at the time.

 

[JSparky]

Everything aside, I’ll say that my buddy had the Cooper STT Pro’s and they wore prettty quick, faster than my BFG KM2’s. He switched to Cooper ST Maxx and has been super happy with them. Between STT Pro and KM3, I’d give the KM3 a shot simply cause it’s the latest generation from a proven company.

That said, if I wanted a high-mileage MT I’d probably go Toyo MT, those tend to wear better on the street than most other MT’s, from what I’ve heard and seen.

 

[_4Runner]

Sounds like it was a bearing issue, not a tire one because that's incredibly unusual that all four tires wouldn't balance! I definitely would be contacting BFG if that was truly the case. I had to replace the front wheel bearings in my 06' Tacoma after getting vibrations in the front end. I honestly thought it was the tires out of balance since the Taco only had about 50k miles at the time.

I wish it was just a wheel bearing because I really liked the way the BFG tires looked. I really wanted them to work. However, when multiple Discount Tire locations keep giving you a report each time saying all the tires were significantly out of balance it's hard to point a finger elsewhere. This plus a quick Google search on "BFG KO2 balancing issues" easily shows that the KO2 have balancing issues. Even a popular 4Runner wheel vendor out of California stated to me that K02 are difficult to balance.

I'm not trying to dissuade anyone from buy the tires here. I'm just stating my experience and presenting some evidence I came across. If anyone wants to run KO2s I would highly recommend that you make absolutely sure the tires will balance and stay relatively balanced on you rig. If not, pressure the tire dealer to replace them until they get it right.

 

[redneckcrawler]

Am I going to be the only guy running 2 sets of tires? I plan on keeping my wheels and tires I have now but will be buying a dedicated set for travelling and camping. I'm eyeing the Super Swamper Irok NDs in 285/70. They will be ugly and loud, but they should work well in the rocks and mud.

 

[Tx4Runner18]

Km3s, 1ish weeks of install, perfect for us.
70% off road. 20% backroads. 10%highway.

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[78-FJ40]

305 65 R17 Cooper STT PRO FTW

 

[3RDCoastTRDP]

I’m only confused about why you would think I was confused by your comments, which were clear enough. They were silly but not confusing. I now see 5th Gen 4Rs all over but I don’t know the actual names of the drivers. Although the one who cut me off the other day I’m sure was named Dick. That said, I don’t think I ever noticed their tires nor would I care nor would I never not buy one now that they are so popular.

Good luck with your search. With the adorable criteria stated, you are going to need it.

I can only hope that one day, I'll be as tough as this guy. BTW, when did you graduate to orange belt?

 

[3RDCoastTRDP]

So people now buy tires based on looks alone and not based on performance? Damn Instalanders...


To the op, buy whatever you want, in the end of the day nobody cares what your tires look like

I'm not buying them just for looks. I want a capable off-road tire that will also perform well with heavy road driving - they do exist, especially with some of the new technologies/compounds emerging. I drive a lot on the highway, but also go camping quite a bit and work in an industrial part of Houston with nasty dirt/gravel roads and plenty of washouts. I understand they will wear out quicker than ATs and won't perform as well as touring tires - my investment...my prerogative.

BTW, I'm wearing a dive watch right now, and I'm not planning on diving today! Style over function? :O

All these primadonna wheeling 'experts' who chime in with insulting remarks - I wish I had as much meaningless time on my hands. Thanks to those who've commented with pics or something productive to say. I've decided to go with the Falken MTs and will post pics soon. I'll make sure to run them through some mud first to appease the senior members.

 

[Matteblack]

If the KM3 last as long as the two sets of KM2 Ive had, I'm all in.

 

[mrblah]

I'm not buying them just for looks. I want a capable off-road tire that will also perform well with heavy road driving - they do exist, especially with some of the new technologies/compounds emerging. I drive a lot on the highway, but also go camping quite a bit and work in an industrial part of Houston with nasty dirt/gravel roads and plenty of washouts. I understand they will wear out quicker than ATs and won't perform as well as touring tires - my investment...my prerogative.

BTW, I'm wearing a dive watch right now, and I'm not planning on diving today! Style over function? :O

All these primadonna wheeling 'experts' who chime in with insulting remarks - I wish I had as much meaningless time on my hands. Thanks to those who've commented with pics or something productive to say. I've decided to go with the Falken MTs and will post pics soon. I'll make sure to run them through some mud first to appease the senior members.

Contradict yourself much?

 

[3RDCoastTRDP]

Contradict yourself much?

Nope. Contradiction would be me posting boringly negative comments in other people's posts. Welcome to the band of idiots though, you're now a threesome! One more member and you'll be legit!

 

[mrblah]

Nope. Contradiction would be me posting boringly negative comments in other people's posts. Welcome to the band of idiots though, you're now a threesome! One more member and you'll be legit!

Your response made absolutely no sense, feel free to try again.

 

[phillyd2]

Nope. Contradiction would be me posting boringly negative comments in other people's posts. Welcome to the band of idiots though, you're now a threesome! One more member and you'll be legit!

You do know that we can still see your original post, right?

 

[Waldo1979]

I find it really odd people are having issues when driving in the rain with the ko2 based on my personal experience. ... driven through rain many other times too and haven't noticed any issues.

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The tires have poor channels so they’re not capable of moving standing water effectively; they’re quick to hydroplane.



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[Waldo1979]

Sounds like it was a bearing issue, not a tire one because that's incredibly unusual that all four tires wouldn't balance! I definitely would be contacting BFG if that was truly the case. I had to replace the front wheel bearings in my 06' Tacoma after getting vibrations in the front end. I honestly thought it was the tires out of balance since the Taco only had about 50k miles at the time.

Agreed. I’ve used KO2s on three vehicles and haven’t had this issue.



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[Presa Canario]

I say good choice on the Falken MT's. As soon as I can sell my SCS Ray 10 wheels and Falken AT3's, Ill be buying the Falken MT's in 285 or 295. I like the way they LOOK and I want to try them. Plus I want a more aggressive tire than the AT3 for off-road.

Someone mentioned above about the Toyo MT........If you want a MT that is very quite on road and tough as nails at the same time, THIS is the tire to get. I can speak on this tire from years and years of experience. I have had either 35" or 37" Toyo MT's on the last 5 Ford F250's that Ive owned. With proper rotation they stay pretty quite even with increased mileage. Ive averaged between 45,000 and 50,000 miles on every set. Im the type that I will change out tires early rather than try to push my luck and see how long I can run them. I can honestly say that in those 5 trucks running Toyo MT's, I NEVER had a flat tire that left me stuck on the side of the road. I did have to have nails, bolts, screws, etc.... removed from them at times, but I never had an actual flat tire. Rarely did the object ever fully pierce the tire.

 

[1BAMF]

I wish it was just a wheel bearing because I really liked the way the BFG tires looked. I really wanted them to work. However, when multiple Discount Tire locations keep giving you a report each time saying all the tires were significantly out of balance it's hard to point a finger elsewhere. This plus a quick Google search on "BFG KO2 balancing issues" easily shows that the KO2 have balancing issues. Even a popular 4Runner wheel vendor out of California stated to me that K02 are difficult to balance.

I'm not trying to dissuade anyone from buy the tires here. I'm just stating my experience and presenting some evidence I came across. If anyone wants to run KO2s I would highly recommend that you make absolutely sure the tires will balance and stay relatively balanced on you rig. If not, pressure the tire dealer to replace them until they get it right.

I know a LOT of people have reported issues with the KO2's, but my experience with them has been nothing short of spectacular. They are light years ahead of the original KO's.

It makes me wonder if the majority of these issues are related to lifted vehicles with a resultant change in geometry (camber, etc).

I do think the 5th gen 4R is very sensitive and tough to balance for whatever reason (shorter wheelbase, high center of gravity, I'm a doctor not an engineer, pure conjecture on my part). I had issues with Cooper AT3's balancing, Nitto TG's were terrible if you let the vehicle sit for a few days, major issues, but the KO2's have been excellent.

Also, I'm not sure why anyone would want an aggressive MT tire if they're going to spend the vast majority of their time on road (90%?) vs off road, but that's just me. In the end, all that matters is what matters to you.