Looking at the KM2 for our 4runner. We plan to do more off roading here in NM, Utah And Co. Lots of rocks. We also have to deal with snow when we ski. I hear the KM2 will be fine in the snow on the 4 runner. Any input? Would be great if I could get some sipping done. Thanks.
How are KM2's in the Snow
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BucknutBob
New member
I've done a lot of driving and wheeling in snow with the old KM1 design, and I was quite pleased with the performance (including one run with fresh snow over mud, with excellent traction all day). A dedicated snow tire would do better, I'm sure, but I have no complaints. Now ice would be a different story--any tire with aggressive tread will do poorly on icy roads. As for rocks, just look at what the pros use--tons of Mud T/A's in pics or videos of serious crawler runs.
Sherwood4Runner
New member
A friend of mine has had a few pairs and he said the first set of KM2's did not preform well in the snow, but the second set he got he had the shop sipe the center lugs of the tire and it greatly improved snow traction.
Hyde802
New member
I ran km2s for a while, and while I normally run a dedicated snow tire, they did see some winter action.... get them siped. They have pretty large tread blocks, which makes them less than ideal in anything less than 3". Depending on how much snow driving youll be doing.. the BFG A/T is down right awesome in the snow.
drforton
New member
Mine do just fine in the snow. I've taken it up to Mt. Hood over a dozen times last winter, and never had any issues. They gripped great in fresh powder and packed snow. They're probably not the best option for a snow tire, but like I said, I'm sure they'll be just fine, especially if you get them siped as some other members suggested. Good luck.
Matteblack
Member
OP and others, did you sipe the KM2's and if you did what have you observed? I have them as well and I am strongly considering siping the center rows of tread lugs.
MB
MB
Sherwood4Runner
New member
The impression I got from a friend of mine that has run a few sets of these is to sipe the center lugs. It greatly improves on road snow traction without risking too much of a chance of loosing chunks of tire when wheeling.
snow junky
New member
Heard there ok. Few said they were like swampers tho
rickashay
New member
I ran KM2's on my 4Runner last year in a 265/75/16. I ended up selling them this spring because I found them to be an absolutely terrible snow tire. They were OK in un-packed snow and in deeper fresh powder but as a general purpose winter tire, for on-road use, they suck. On ice, your pretty much asking for an accident. They have no sipes and huge treadblocks which is completely opposite of most good performing snow tires. They actually scared me on the highways in the winter, with anything other than completely bare road conditions. I have to say my MTZ's are 10x better in winter driving conditions on the roads, but still aren't very good. I strongly believe that a dedicated winter tire is the best option. Or get a Duratrac that really does perform good in ALL conditions.
Don't get me wrong, the KM2's were an excellent offroad tire - they were great on the highways (low noise for an M/T), have great looks, they wore great for me, hooked up great in mud and rocks, but they were just brutal on the days when I had to drive on the highways to get to my favorite local wheeling trails in the winter.
I'm sure they are dramatically better if you get them siped though...
Don't get me wrong, the KM2's were an excellent offroad tire - they were great on the highways (low noise for an M/T), have great looks, they wore great for me, hooked up great in mud and rocks, but they were just brutal on the days when I had to drive on the highways to get to my favorite local wheeling trails in the winter.
I'm sure they are dramatically better if you get them siped though...
Matteblack
Member
So I got the inner tread lugs siped yesterday at my Les Schwab for $67. It could be my imagination but I sense better traction simply on pavement. I plan to head to the mountains soon but icy streets in the NW is what I'm most concerned with.
MB
MB
Sherwood4Runner
New member
Let us know how they do. I frequent Mt. Hood and would like to get Mud Terrain tires at some point, but with the amount of on-road snow driving I do I can't justify it. My BFG KO TA's just kill it for on road snow driving.
92-SR5
New member
I run cheap mt tires and go to mt hood all the time. They do great in the snow. I never chain up nor had a problem on the mountain.
I do agree with the BFG a/t being awesome on snowy roads.
mien4x4
New member
I jus came back from the snow yesterday didnt hav alot but about 1ft at the most but I thought the km2 did great on some hill climbs I didnt even need to lock my rear diff n made itwhile my both my boys couldnt make it with t locked but the h 31s n I hav 35s ima head back up in a month or two to test them in some deep snow
I have KM2's on one truck / Duratracs on another that I drive on a regular basis, Michelin M/S2's on another IMO-> prefer Duratracs to KM2's
KM2's
- Hard Pack snowy roads, horribly slippery, slide out when you are not expecting them to, full lock spin, unpredictable
- Some light snow where they can reach the pavement, good
- Powder in 4WD off-road, Great until the snow gets to deep..they will dig to the ground or until high centered
- Rocks and summer off-road, awesome
- I am always drifting on snowy roads in my private neighborhood, testing the limits and traction of different tires. I love the predictability of the Michelin M/S2 tires <--not an off-road tire, nor a comparable.
Again, in this situation; KM2's SUCK BAD, scary slick..once sliding, they will just keep going, then the fronts will break loose when trying to correct :/ I will say this, pulled a guy out of the ditch with them....they dug down through the ice, past the hard packed snow, into the dirt and yanked is ass out in a hurry....High RPM's in 4H, **** flying everywhere.. LOL
KM2's
- Hard Pack snowy roads, horribly slippery, slide out when you are not expecting them to, full lock spin, unpredictable
- Some light snow where they can reach the pavement, good
- Powder in 4WD off-road, Great until the snow gets to deep..they will dig to the ground or until high centered
- Rocks and summer off-road, awesome
- I am always drifting on snowy roads in my private neighborhood, testing the limits and traction of different tires. I love the predictability of the Michelin M/S2 tires <--not an off-road tire, nor a comparable.
Again, in this situation; KM2's SUCK BAD, scary slick..once sliding, they will just keep going, then the fronts will break loose when trying to correct :/ I will say this, pulled a guy out of the ditch with them....they dug down through the ice, past the hard packed snow, into the dirt and yanked is ass out in a hurry....High RPM's in 4H, **** flying everywhere.. LOL
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ElGringoLoco
New member
I just bought some grooved KM2s yesterday and was planning on hitting the snow next weekend. Hopefully I have better luck than what I've read in here.
I siped mine (even the spare). I'll provide feedback when I get some snow use. Most that have had theirs siped report improved performance.
Gerdo
New member
Get them siped!
Gerdo
New member
On road in the snow, an MT is not going to do great in the snow. Siping helps. ATs are much better.
Offroad in the snow, MTs rule. The deeper the snow, the better.
The siping (if added or factory on ATs) holds snow. This snow sticks to the snow on the road. It's acts like rolling a snowball for a snowman. Snow grabs onto snow. This is what you need for driving on roads. Also narrow tires cut thru deeper snow down to the road. Wide tires are better in deep offroad snow where flotation is needed.
Offroad in the snow, MTs rule. The deeper the snow, the better.
The siping (if added or factory on ATs) holds snow. This snow sticks to the snow on the road. It's acts like rolling a snowball for a snowman. Snow grabs onto snow. This is what you need for driving on roads. Also narrow tires cut thru deeper snow down to the road. Wide tires are better in deep offroad snow where flotation is needed.
ElGringoLoco
New member
Got them mounted earlier. They're definitely louder than my ATs
