BFG KO2 vs Nitto Terra Grappler G2 vs Falken Wildpeak AT3W

[Thai]

Reading through the reviews of these tires on discount tire is interesting to me, because some of the scores contradict what has been shared here and elsewhere.

BFG KO2 112S / Load Range C: 4.7/5
Falken Wildpeak AT3W 115t SL: 4.6/5
Nitto Terra Grappler G2 115T SL: 4.6/5

For example, all have the same rating for "ride comfort."

KO2 has a 4.5 rating for ride noise, and the AT3W and G2 have a 4.2 rating, but they're both passenger tires, so I would think they should be quieter?

KO2 also has a higher wet traction rating than the G2, but AT3W is best.

I guess I'm really most interested to know what type of change I'm going to see in ride quality and comfort going from a BFG KO2 Load range C to a Falken Wildpeak AT3W passenger tire.

Because DT "scoring" is trash.

According to DT, Goodyear MT/R is better on the streets than Goodyear AT Adventure with Kevlar. That directly goes against Goodyear’s own ratings. And i would bet that Defender would spank Michelin AT2 on the street as well...but DT shows the opposite.

:loco:

 

[CougarHound]

I bought my wife's father some KO2s for his Tundra a couple of years ago. He got rid of it because he couldn't stand the noise. It was quiet at first, but became unbearable. Also seem to constantly have balancing/vibration issues. Disappointed after all that money I spent on them.

I have Nitto Terra Grapplers on my 3rd gen. I bought them used on FB Marketplace. Still had a lot of tread left and came with the aftermarket wheels for $600. I don't think they are as good as KO2s on ice, but I think they are quieter and balance better. I drove them on the Denali Highway ( lots of sharp rocks) in Alaska and some trails in Moab with no flats. I'm new to the world of all terrains, but I'm impressed. They do get louder as they age, but it's really not that bad imo. I'd still choose them over the KO2s and any other all season tire I've had in the past. Michelins, Coopers, etc. I really don't get all of the hype over BFGs and Michelins....

 

[jhguth]

Had C-range KO2s for ~55k miles, just replaced with with the falken wildpeak AT3Ws

I have about 1k miles on them and strongly prefer them, they ride smoother and were balanced on the first attempt.

My main complaint with the KO2s was wet road performance, and the falkens so far are much more confident on wet roads

 

[DallasTRDPro]

I'm down to KO2's which performed well on my Jeeps. Wildpeaks and Duratracs. The Nitto's are complete trash in the snow and minor mud. And IMO they are noisy. My Ridge Grapplers were louder than my KO2's on my Jeep.

 

[RaisedByWolves]

Had C-range KO2s for ~55k miles, just replaced with with the falken wildpeak AT3Ws



I have about 1k miles on them and strongly prefer them, they ride smoother and were balanced on the first attempt.



My main complaint with the KO2s was wet road performance, and the falkens so far are much more confident on wet roads

100% agree with this

 

[Flyer]

DuraTrac are a great traction choice but mine got too loud after about 15K. I sold them and got KO2s. The noise level is much lower but they are a bit stiff due to the stronger sidewall, I imagine. My next set will be something else. I have no idea what but some sort of quite AT. I have an extra set of wheels with snow tires so that is a factor. If the DuraTracs were quieter when a bit worn, I'd go back to those. They are great overall, for traction in all conditions. We don't get much torrential rain here but I have driven through heavy mountain rain 5-6 times with no slippage and the snow traction is excellent.

 

[Decipher]

Simple:
I have ran KO2 C load, Nitto Ridge Grappler C load, and 2 sets of Wildpeak AT3W both SL.

The Falkens are the hands down winner and it’s not even close. They do everything well and better than your two other options. Look no further. I’m not kidding, they’re not even close.

I’d recommend the higher load rating for the Wildpeaks or any tire you really plan to off road. I ran SL and while they did fine, the Falkens wear quicker in SL flare due to their silica compound.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[vipers28]

Been following your tire comments and got a couple questions. I am looking at the A/T3W and I want to stay with 265 (I think or most 275), their website show 265's in SL, XL and LT. If I understand this correct your recommend the LT version in either 265 or 275? I run FS roads a lot and will have a spare set of MT tires for tougher stuff.

Second question, I really just want to run two set of rims and tires without having swap tires when I am doing rougher trails. Is it possible with buying another set of TPS and code them?

Simple:
I have ran KO2 C load, Nitto Ridge Grappler C load, and 2 sets of Wildpeak AT3W both SL.

The Falkens are the hands down winner and it’s not even close. They do everything well and better than your two other options. Look no further. I’m not kidding, they’re not even close.

I’d recommend the higher load rating for the Wildpeaks or any tire you really plan to off road. I ran SL and while they did fine, the Falkens wear quicker in SL flare due to their silica compound.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[jhguth]

I think you would have to go somewhere and get the tpms programmed each time you swap wheels

 

[MAST4R]

Been following your tire comments and got a couple questions. I am looking at the A/T3W and I want to stay with 265 (I think or most 275), their website show 265's in SL, XL and LT. If I understand this correct your recommend the LT version in either 265 or 275? I run FS roads a lot and will have a spare set of MT tires for tougher stuff.

Second question, I really just want to run two set of rims and tires without having swap tires when I am doing rougher trails. Is it possible with buying another set of TPS and code them?

You should not need LTs to run the FS roads in those areas. Never had an SL Widlpeak have any issues on 1000+ miles of off-pavement in Montana, including 4x4 trails even as low as 7/32nds. I keep my set for future trips to your neck of the woods. One of the best things about the SL version is how well they perform and how nicely they ride off-pavement at street pressures: 32 psi.

There is no XL Wildpeak in our sizes.

The only reason not to like the SL in the NW would be tire life. But the SL is so much cheaper that it does not matter. Plus, tire life was a lot less for me because we do a lot more offroading than most.

I would absolutely not buy LT if I already had a set of MTs. My new set is ATZ P3 which is as strong as any tire--I need that for the desert here. I have about 15,000 miles left on my SL Wildpeaks for Canada or Montana trips.

As for TPMS, it all depends on the vehicle. I have heard that 4Runners could use cloned TPMS. I do know for a fact that my Outback could not and reprogramming was a pain even though Discount Tire did it for free every time (I had bought their TPMS for my second set).

EDIT: all that said, there is a 2-day BFG rebate for 150$ that expires today. It is the best deal I have seen from them.

 

[vipers28]

Thank you for the info. I really don't want any BFG's, my MT's are KM3's, they are awesome tires and way better than I expect for on/off road manners. They are a beast off road. Recently moved and do a ton of freeway miles with less FS than I used to do but hope that will change in the future. Pretty much redoing my whole 4R set up right now from off road machine to mild off road set up. Getting rid of my Gobi and all but all part of the change.

I will look at the SL models, I don't care if they don't last for 50k (I get board and need change). My original G2's sucked all round for everything and we almost bare at 30K, they looked good and were quiet but that's about it for them.

It would be nice for me to not have to go to a tire shop every time I want to switch to my MT's or visa versa but may be easier.

You should not need LTs to run the FS roads in those areas. Never had an SL Widlpeak have any issues on 1000+ miles of off-pavement in Montana, including 4x4 trails even as low as 7/32nds. I keep my set for future trips to your neck of the woods. One of the best things about the SL version is how well they perform and how nicely they ride off-pavement at street pressures: 32 psi.

There is no XL Wildpeak in our sizes.

The only reason not to like the SL in the NW would be tire life. But the SL is so much cheaper that it does not matter. Plus, tire life was a lot less for me because we do a lot more offroading than most.

I would absolutely not buy LT if I already had a set of MTs. My new set is ATZ P3 which is as strong as any tire--I need that for the desert here. I have about 15,000 miles left on my SL Wildpeaks for Canada or Montana trips.

As for TPMS, it all depends on the vehicle. I have heard that 4Runners could use cloned TPMS. I do know for a fact that my Outback could not and reprogramming was a pain even though Discount Tire did it for free every time (I had bought their TPMS for my second set).

EDIT: all that said, there is a 2-day BFG rebate for 150$ that expires today. It is the best deal I have seen from them.

 

[vipers28]

Thank you, I kind of figured it wouldn't be a simple solution.

I think you would have to go somewhere and get the tpms programmed each time you swap wheels

 

[Decipher]

Been following your tire comments and got a couple questions. I am looking at the A/T3W and I want to stay with 265 (I think or most 275), their website show 265's in SL, XL and LT. If I understand this correct your recommend the LT version in either 265 or 275? I run FS roads a lot and will have a spare set of MT tires for tougher stuff.



Second question, I really just want to run two set of rims and tires without having swap tires when I am doing rougher trails. Is it possible with buying another set of TPS and code them?

MAST4R chimed in before I could. He knows the AT3W very well and has studied their treadwear perhaps better than Falken themselves.

I ran the SL and had an issue with my last set (285/70-17) cupping. They also wore just as MAST4R experienced but quicker than I was happy with. I run in the snow and mud a lot and the fast wear just wasn’t okay with me. There are a lot of benefits for the SL version, especially weight savings. If I could do it again, though, I personally would have gone load range C and suffered the extra weight for the benefit of slower wear and deeper initial tread. Load range E is simply overkill for our rigs so I’d personally advise to stay away but that’s just me and my opinion. Load range C strikes a nice balance between strength and comfort.

I never liked my KO2s. Never. They were light for a load range C but they were just okay.

I know you said you have MTs for your heavy off roading but I honestly never found the AT3Ws lacking except for in the deepest and thickest of mud. They were just phenomenal at everything, including doing better in mud than they should for being an AT. Unless you seek out mud, you may be able to get away with just one set of wheels with the right AT/hybrid tire. I think the AT3W comes as close to perfection in a tire as it gets. Good mileage, good gas mileage, reasonable road noise, and exceptional off road prowess.

FWIW, I just switched to the Falken MT/01 which is proving to have great road manners and snow performance, especially for an MT. Gas mileage has suffered though.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Bruin1md]

I hate my KO2s. Can't wait to replace them. They still have plenty of tread on them but as soon as the rain season starts, I'm changing them to something much more forgiving on wet roads.

Totally with you. I had C rated 285’s on my Lexus GX460. Loved the look but they were AWFUL in the rain, and unfortunately it rained a lot where I lived.
Now I’ve got a ‘20 TRD pro, and am going to wait until my stock Nitto’s hit about 15-20k miles and then replace them.
I was initially confident I would get the falkens, but after reading about some of the balancing issues, I’m not so sure anymore.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Gecko]

I guess I should have updated this thread with my final choice at some point... whoops.

I'm about year and 8,000mi in with the Yokohama Geolandar G015 AT tire and I absolutely love them. Of course there was going to be a big difference going from a C-rated off road tire (KO2) with a P-rated tire, but these Yokos are smooth, quiet, great in every terrain I've thrown at them (water, light mud, slush and snow) and I've picked up almost 2MPG with them over the BFGs.

Geolandar AT isn't going to be the right type of tier for hardcore off roaders, but even if you're a soft roader, I highly recommend it.

 

[Mudballz]

I have about 4000 miles on my falken and I have to say other then tire pressure adjustments the tires have performed flawlessly on and off road I’m especially impressed with their on road wet performance and low noise
Great tire :lever:
Mike

 

[jcalvert86]

I'll add my recent experience as a data point:

P285/70/17 wildpeaks installed day after 20 Pro delivered, DTD balanced them again the following day due to vibration 50-60mph, much better.

15k mile service w/ rotation - now we're back to vibration 50-60mph. Take it back to DTD, they rebalance and it doesn't go away. They're nice enough to prorate a new set of wildpeaks.

New set installed - vibration. Rebalanced, vibration.

Ordered KO2s, installed - less vibration than the wildpeaks but instead of 50-60mph only, the KO2s have a vibration anything over 35mph.

At this point, I'm not sure what to order. I do know I'm going to a different DTD location.

New Toyo AT3, try another set of wildpeaks?

Who knows.

:rant:

Before anyone mentions it - all the machines at my local DTD are the Hunter road force balancers.

 

[02SE]

Before anyone mentions it - all the machines at my local DTD are the Hunter road force balancers.

Just because they have the machines, doesn't mean they are willing or able to use them to the full capability.

Are they turning off the 'Smart Weight' feature?
Match-mounting if necessary?
Calibrating the machine beforehand?
Checking the wheels for run-out?

You either have defective tires and/or wheels, or incompetent installers.

Good luck.

 

[Bill Z]

Great post...

My 2010 Trail Edition came with the horrible Dunflop tires. I rode them for 55,000 miles and couldn't wait to get something stiffer and that performed better in all aspects.

I upgraded to the BFG TA/KO's - C's and it immediately made a huge difference in the ride of the 4Runner - It actually felt like I now had a SUV rather than a grocery getter. The performance on forest service roads was awesome and they towed my small boat much better than the dunflops. The downside - I lost 2mpg and, after the first 20,000 miles, their performance on wet roads was less than stellar - which with our Northwest rain is a big drawback.

I've put 80,000 miles on the TA/KO's and they've been great but it's time for a change. I'm also putting on a suspension lift and finally getting around to building out the overland vehicle I imagined when I bought the truck. Along with the build I'll be upsizing to 285/70/17's.

Question......
I think I'll give the AT3W's a shot this time around. Would the P rated tire be good enough or should I stick with the LT?

 

[bakerb87]

Great post...

My 2010 Trail Edition came with the horrible Dunflop tires. I rode them for 55,000 miles and couldn't wait to get something stiffer and that performed better in all aspects.

I upgraded to the BFG TA/KO's - C's and it immediately made a huge difference in the ride of the 4Runner - It actually felt like I now had a SUV rather than a grocery getter. The performance on forest service roads was awesome and they towed my small boat much better than the dunflops. The downside - I lost 2mpg and, after the first 20,000 miles, their performance on wet roads was less than stellar - which with our Northwest rain is a big drawback.

I've put 80,000 miles on the TA/KO's and they've been great but it's time for a change. I'm also putting on a suspension lift and finally getting around to building out the overland vehicle I imagined when I bought the truck. Along with the build I'll be upsizing to 285/70/17's.

Question......
I think I'll give the AT3W's a shot this time around. Would the P rated tire be good enough or should I stick with the LT?

I went with the 275/70/17 Wildpeak's because they came in the LT-C rating. Living in CO, the C rating gives me more peace of mind with all the rocky trails I run. I have read many a review that the P rated Wildepeak's handle just fine. If you are not planning on doing a heavy amount of offroading with sharp rocks everywhere, the P's will most likely do. That being said, the C rated 275's do give me that peace of mind, and though they are heavy, I haven't noticed any negative effects whatsoever.