Keep ko2 or swap for stt pro

[Atx4runnertrdpro]

Right now I have 275/70/17 bfg ko2's. The ride is a bit stiff with the E rated load and definitely lost some mpg with the weight. I may get into a set of 255/75/17 cooper stt pro tires which are what I believe are C rated. Would my ride improve and would I benefit from any gained gas mileage or should I not even bother?

 

[Cymon]

Right now I have 275/70/17 bfg ko2's. The ride is a bit stiff with the E rated load and definitely lost some mpg with the weight. I may get into a set of 255/75/17 cooper stt pro tires which are what I believe are C rated. Would my ride improve and would I benefit from any gained gas mileage or should I not even bother?

The STT Pro have a pretty aggressive tread pattern, much more so then the KO2's. The C rated 255's are 5lbs lighter per tire but you'd likely loose what you gained in weight saving in rolling resistance. If you're dropping the diameter size to essentially stock you could just do the 265 70r 17 KO2 in a LRC. You could also go p-rated Falken AT3w in 265's which would save you weight and the reviews have been solid. If you're willing to go less aggressive in terms of look (but want tried and true off-road and on road compromise performance) you could keep the 275 70r 17 size and do LRC Cooper AT3's. I've put 2k miles on mine so far and they have been a really nice compromise. I've lost about .5-1 mpg overall but they ride nicely for a LT tire at 42 psi.

It all comes down to intended purpose. If you want the aggressive look or need the aggressive tread pattern and sidewall protection there are always going to be tradeoff's.

 

[taco7]

I have both, and just changed from my STT Pro (285/17), back to the BFG (275/17) due to a trip to Alaska. Since I'm solo I won't be mudding too much. I wanted less highway noise, and want to save my mud tires for the wet seasons.

I could tell the truck is more nimble with the BFG, even though they are both E rated tires. The noise is also much less.

I know it's not apples/apples comparison since you are looking for a different size. Just throwing out my experience.

Good luck.

 

[riskybusiness]

Right now I have 275/70/17 bfg ko2's. The ride is a bit stiff with the E rated load and definitely lost some mpg with the weight. I may get into a set of 255/75/17 cooper stt pro tires which are what I believe are C rated. Would my ride improve and would I benefit from any gained gas mileage or should I not even bother?

It's al in your personal preference. I know many who wish they never went with the E rated. Based on their opinions I went with the stock size C rated and although I have only had them on for 50 miles I think it rides like it should have came from the factory. If you want something other than stock size it seems like you are very limited if you want to stay away from an E rated tire.

 

[Atx4runnertrdpro]

Thanks for the heads up guys. That's what I kind of figured with the more aggressive tread. These ko2's are not too bad. I can deal with the decreased gas mileage for the most part but the ride gets old with it being stiff. From the replies, it appears the stt pros would be worse off the what I have now.

 

[JSparky]

I've wheeled with both. The Coopers in general tend to have stiff sidewalls for the load rating, while bfg's tend to be soft. I'm not sure how much of an improvement you'll get here in terms of decreasing stiffness. If it were me I'd find a tire shop with a guarantee so it you don't like them after a day you can switch out.

Also like others stated, you're going from what's arguably a great, low(ish) rolling resistance AT tire with good siping to a clunker mud terrain.. Just reiterating that to make sure you've thought it through relative to your intended usage or aesthetic you're going for.

 

[NrthRnr]

Have you considered the Cooper ST Maxx? Little more aggressive than AT3 but arguably on par with K02? I've had them on for a couple months now and have no complaints. Very quiet on the highway given the tread pattern and in fact are quieter than my winters (Yokohama Geolandar I/T GO72). My crossbars howl much louder! Compared to stock Dunlops I had a slight decrease in mpg but it's essentially the same as when I run the winters.

Ride quality is superb; definitely firmer than P rated stock tires and winters but C rated still has some give. Have handled mild secondary/tertiary roads very well and have been great on dirt/gravel mixture.

255/75/17 C rated are about 52lbs.

 

[tacoyota]

check out a p metric AT tire in 275. that should meet your needs. Won't have the nice aggressive sidewall look though.

 

[JimbroPhotoDotCom]

I love my Dick Cepek Extreme Country, they're 285 E rated but not noticeably over stiff, imo.

 

[sn_85]

Most importantly, what tire pressure are you running at?

 

[(none)]

What do you plan to do with these tires? Do you go off-road? What kind of environment?

I run the 255/75 Maxx ST. They are about 1/2-3/4" taller overall than the stock size. Your 275s are a bit taller still. The decrease in diameter and width will help slightly with fuel mileage, as could the decreased weight.

I run 38ish PSI in my tires, the ride is truck like, but it's what I like (had them on with the original suspension, now with Icons, rides well with both). I was leery of going the E-rated route, which is one of the main reasons I went with these.

If you aren't going to be really going off-road, as mentioned above, look into a p-rated tire. The Duratracs come in p-rated for 255/75. Or step down to a 265/70 or 255/75 K02 c-rated.