BFG TA KO2 load range E cheaper than C?

[jamesq]

OEM dunlop tires has 4/32 left after 36K miles gentle driving. So I began looking for new replacement. I just found that discount tire sells BFG TA KO2 LT265 /70 R17 121S E1 RWL for $160, cheaper than LT265 /70 R17 112S C1 RWL($199).
What's your experience with load range E BFGs? Is it way too stiff? What's your MPG? Noise level? How many miles did you get from it?
I never tried AT tire so I don't have any idea how bad it is on the comfort side. If it is too bad, I will put michelin defender instead.
Thanks for your input:becky:

 

[Vinsil]

I've ran e tires on all on my off-road rigs and street trucks. I like that they are tough, as I travel a lot of fireroads. I think these trucks are heavy enough stock that a e rated tire works fine. My 275's were cheaper than c's too.


Mine are as quiet as the stock tires that were pulled at 290 miles. Ride is a little stiffer, but very good and not squishy like the p rated tires that came off. I.m a fan but some are not. I personally will always run them as my rigs always get heavy with armor and gear and I REALLY hate flat tires (never had one except for a peeled bead...knock on wood).:rockon:

 

[TheDozer]

OEM dunlop tires has 4/32 left after 36K miles gentle driving. So I began looking for new replacement. I just found that discount tire sells BFG TA KO2 LT265 /70 R17 121S E1 RWL for $160, cheaper than LT265 /70 R17 112S C1 RWL($199).
What's your experience with load range E BFGs? Is it way too stiff? What's your MPG? Noise level? How many miles did you get from it?
I never tried AT tire so I don't have any idea how bad it is on the comfort side. If it is too bad, I will put michelin defender instead.
Thanks for your input:becky:

I actually went C range 265's then swapped to E range 275's after ~2k miles. Personally I feel the C's got too mushy and soft after ~1k miles. After a lift they looked a little funny and I do get that the 275 are only like 1/2" larger.

I went a small size larger but the MPG took a very small hit ~.5 MPG likely due to the weight. Nothing major though. I did notice that it downshifts a little more going up hills at highway speeds likely due to the weight. In TX we drive fast and it downshifts more running 80-85mph. Could be the lift and air resistance though.

Noise between the two is the same from what I can tell, not too bad for an A/T tire. Quieter than Nitto terra grapplers (E) on my Tundra. Only difference I really noticed was the E is stiffer but it feels like it should. Again I type P and C are a little too mushy. Just don't run 60 PSI in the E load, put ~38 in there and you'll be fine.

So far ~5k on the E's and little to no wear on them. Great tires off road as well.

 

[yzhan225]

I have load E 265/70/17 KO2 on mine and they are great! You can feel the vibration a little more over bumpy roads but its not enough to bother me. Not much change in MPG

 

[Knight-Errant]

I'm having my 265/70/17 E KO2s installed on Thursday. I have the stock tires now (13.5k on them) and I've never used LT tires before so remind me to give you an update after a few days.

 

[jamesq]

Thank you guys for the reply! Since the load E tires weight at 52lb each, did you guys feel any slower acceleration? The stock dunlop is only 39lb. I'm very tempting to get BFGs..

 

[Vinsil]

You'll feel it a little bit these are slow trucks to begin with so...if you HATE the power now, it will be worse.

I look at it like this. I had a '86 Runner with a 22RE and 37's.

I had a 91 Landcruiser 3FE, on 37's.

I had a 97 Lexus with the 1z on 35's.

I had a 71 FJ40 with a 3F on 37's.

None of those trucks would win a acceleration contest and yes, all were regeared. Point is....when you add weight, performance will suffer, no way around it.

This new Runner has more power, more torque and weighed less than all the above rigs. I'm happy and adding a lift, sliders, bumpers and roof basket will only hurt it, but I don't care and if you do, consider lighter tires or....add aftermarket wheels to balance out the added tire weight. Everything in life is a compromise. :usa2:

 

[Dobich39]

Best Tires (my opinion)

I have been running these tires for the last 60k. (time for new ones soon) I run lt285/70/17. They are a little bit stiffer of a ride but I don't mind. They are pretty quiet and they go great just about anywhere. Also, as I mentioned before I've never had a set of tires last me this long. I will be buying the same ones here in another month.

 

[jamesq]

You'll feel it a little bit these are slow trucks to begin with so...if you HATE the power now, it will be worse.

I look at it like this. I had a '86 Runner with a 22RE and 37's.

I had a 91 Landcruiser 3FE, on 37's.

I had a 97 Lexus with the 1z on 35's.

I had a 71 FJ40 with a 3F on 37's.

None of those trucks would win a acceleration contest and yes, all were regeared. Point is....when you add weight, performance will suffer, no way around it.

This new Runner has more power, more torque and weighed less than all the above rigs. I'm happy and adding a lift, sliders, bumpers and roof basket will only hurt it, but I don't care and if you do, consider lighter tires or....add aftermarket wheels to balance out the added tire weight. Everything in life is a compromise. :usa2:

I also noticed lots of people got 275 on this forum. Is it really making a big difference than 265? Any mod to avoid rub for 275?

 

[jamesq]

I have been running these tires for the last 60k. (time for new ones soon) I run lt285/70/17. They are a little bit stiffer of a ride but I don't mind. They are pretty quiet and they go great just about anywhere. Also, as I mentioned before I've never had a set of tires last me this long. I will be buying the same ones here in another month.

Will noise level increase time by time? I thought this kind of aggressive tread depth could last 80k-100k.. Seems I'm wrong lol.

 

[Vinsil]

I also noticed lots of people got 275 on this forum. Is it really making a big difference than 265? Any mod to avoid rub for 275?

Mine don't rub, lift is not on yet. Some do, and it seems the fender mod, remove mudflat, maybe heat some of the rear seems works for those that get some rubbing. Mine are on stock trail wheels right now.

I wouldn't say a "big" difference but I planned from day one to lift my truck, nothing huge but 5100's set at 1.75 and 1" spacers in the rear, the 275 gives me a little larger tire without much additional issues of going to a full 285...I don't want to go into a full 3" lift and deal with UCA's and all that right now..

 

[Vinsil]

Will noise level increase time by time? I thought this kind of aggressive tread depth could last 80k-100k.. Seems I'm wrong lol.

Yeah even 60k is optimistic...if I get 40k I'd be happy, more is better. I do have 16 ply H rated 19.5's on my Ram that I will replace due to age before they wear out...but it hauls some serious weight so I needed commercial tires on it, they should go 150-200k easy, but ride like a wagon with wooden wheels. Lol

 

[yzhan225]

no noticeable change in acceleration