New Falken AT tire (A/T3W)

[vipers28]

Did you have to a BCM to fit your 285's or your saying with your lift etc you didn't need to? I have a Pro as well and just changed out the suspension and now need tires, but I don't want to sacrifice mpg's or ride comfort for a bigger tire so my plan is to stay at 265 SL.

I ran BFG KO2’s E load 275-70-17’s on my 2018 Pro at first. Ride was slightly more rough, especially over bumps and since they weighed ~58 lbs. each the mpg took a hit of 1.5-2mpg over stock. Both city and street. The ride was quiet. I ran these without issue or mods initially on my Pro. Then I decided to add a 1.5/1” Cornfed spacers lift and then after that I went to 285/70-17 AT3W’s in a SL rating. No clearance or rubbing issues, smoother ride and no difference in mpg over the 275’s. Also, interestingly, your speedometer will be closer to correct with 275’s than 265’s. My 285’s are maybe 1 mph at 40-45mph. I have had C load 285/75-16’s KO2’s on my previous 2001 4Runner and the ride was nice. There is a slight ly better ride difference in a C compared to an E load. As I recall, the 275 Falken AT3W weighs ~57 lbs. This will affect mpg. The Pro wheels and offset, coupled with the fender liner mod done at the port on the Pros, will clear 275’s without mods or issues. I prefer the 285 look and performance better than compromising on 275’s. The selection and availability of 285’s as compared to 275’s is much better and a 285 will still fit in the spare area. Attached are pics with 275’s no lift, 275’s with the 1.5/1” spacer lift and the same lift with my 285 SL AT3W’s.
Hope this helps.

 

[TRD PANTHER]

Did you have to a BCM to fit your 285's or your saying with your lift etc you didn't need to? I have a Pro as well and just changed out the suspension and now need tires, but I don't want to sacrifice mpg's or ride comfort for a bigger tire so my plan is to stay at 265 SL.

No mods at all besides the spacer lift with the 285’s. No BCM, mud flap removal, fender liner mod or UCA’s.

 

[Bruin1md]

I ran BFG KO2’s E load 275-70-17’s on my 2018 Pro at first. Ride was slightly more rough, especially over bumps and since they weighed ~58 lbs. each the mpg took a hit of 1.5-2mpg over stock. Both city and street. The ride was quiet. I ran these without issue or mods initially on my Pro. Then I decided to add a 1.5/1” Cornfed spacers lift and then after that I went to 285/70-17 AT3W’s in a SL rating. No clearance or rubbing issues, smoother ride and no difference in mpg over the 275’s. Also, interestingly, your speedometer will be closer to correct with 275’s than 265’s. My 285’s are maybe 1 mph at 40-45mph. I have had C load 285/75-16’s KO2’s on my previous 2001 4Runner and the ride was nice. There is a slight ly better ride difference in a C compared to an E load. As I recall, the 275 Falken AT3W weighs ~57 lbs. This will affect mpg. The Pro wheels and offset, coupled with the fender liner mod done at the port on the Pros, will clear 275’s without mods or issues. I prefer the 285 look and performance better than compromising on 275’s. The selection and availability of 285’s as compared to 275’s is much better and a 285 will still fit in the spare area. Attached are pics with 275’s no lift, 275’s with the 1.5/1” spacer lift and the same lift with my 285 SL AT3W’s.
Hope this helps.

Good stuff-- thanks.

Yeah, that added 11 lb/tire weight with the 275's is an issue for me....... and I'm not sure how much added protection the 6ply C load gives over the 4 ply SL, while making that type of weight sacrifice.
Appearance wise, the 275's look great w/o the lift.
However, the spacer lift looks simple enough and is obviously compatible with the TRD fox shocks, so that may be a great way to go to get the 285's.....which look great as well.

 

[renau001]

Go for what you want. But don’t lose the fact that you need to run a higher pressure with any LT tire. Minimum 35, but really you need to be closer to 39-40 with this vehicle. Regardless of weight, a tire with 32# is going to be more comfortable, and have better grip on wet and dry conditions than runnning 39#, all else being equal.

I have C-rated KO2s in 265/70 and did that because of weight. My next tire will be the SL rated AT3W which is similar weight as c-rated KO2. Primarily so I can run the lower pressure safely in all road conditions.

I wouldn’t sweat the 265 vs 275. The AT3W and KO2 both look and feel bigger than the stock tire even in 265 size. When I showed a pic of my 265s to a friend who has the same vehicle but went with E-rated 275s, he regretted not getting the 44 vs 55+ lb tire. He only went e-rated to get 275s, not because he needed a sturdier tire. And he said he can definitely feel the weight.

 

[Bruin1md]

Go for what you want. But don’t lose the fact that you need to run a higher pressure with any LT tire. Minimum 35, but really you need to be closer to 39-40 with this vehicle. Regardless of weight, a tire with 32# is going to be more comfortable, and have better grip on wet and dry conditions than runnning 39#, all else being equal.

I have C-rated KO2s in 265/70 and did that because of weight. My next tire will be the SL rated AT3W which is similar weight as c-rated KO2. Primarily so I can run the lower pressure safely in all road conditions.

I wouldn’t sweat the 265 vs 275. The AT3W and KO2 both look and feel bigger than the stock tire even in 265 size. When I showed a pic of my 265s to a friend who has the same vehicle but went with E-rated 275s, he regretted not getting the 44 vs 55+ lb tire. He only went e-rated to get 275s, not because he needed a sturdier tire. And he said he can definitely feel the weight.

To your point, I had E-rated KO2's on my GX 460 in a 285, and the wet traction was terrible.
I posed this question, and it appears the answer is that the SL variant will provide better wet grip than the LT C rated tire, which in turn will provide better grip than the E rated version on the Falken.

 

[rightyouareken]

To your point, I had E-rated KO2's on my GX 460 in a 285, and the wet traction was terrible.
I posed this question, and it appears the answer is that the SL variant will provide better wet grip than the LT C rated tire, which in turn will provide better grip than the E rated version on the Falken.

Generally I would expect that to be the case. Manufacturers often adjust tire compound to be harder for higher load rating tires. Compound plays a big role in wet/snow/ice traction.

For example, on Falken's webpage under Features, they have this blurb:
"SUPERIOR WEAR LIFE
Silica tread compound delivers superior wear life and wet performance (non‐LT sizes)."

To me, that says they are using a special silica compound on P metric sizes to specifically help with wet traction which is not present in the LT sizes.

 

[renau001]

To your point, I had E-rated KO2's on my GX 460 in a 285, and the wet traction was terrible.
I posed this question, and it appears the answer is that the SL variant will provide better wet grip than the LT C rated tire, which in turn will provide better grip than the E rated version on the Falken.

Just based on your original post and what you're looking for and your use, the only thing you'll sacrifice by going the SL route is not being able to go up to 275. I'll think you'll forget about this in a couple weeks. All the other stuff, you won't. Just my two cents. Good luck, I sweat tire choices the exact same way.

 

[Gclark949]

Oh My Gosh!

I finally got through this 150 page thread. I think I was just determined to read it once I got started

My biggest takeaway is:
1) Did Falken change manufacturing locations? Perhaps in a chase to improve quality, or perhaps just a chase to improve profit margin. Seems they went from Thailand to USA to China??

2) Are the discount sellers selling "B grade" tires and this would explain the hit or miss with the balancing issues?

3) These Falkens used to be very inexpensive, but today when I search I see no cost savings over Cooper (for example). Is it just because today we are in-between the traditional sales cycles?

4) P-metric are very popular and allegedly the LT are no stronger. The major driver for P-metric is the weight savings, but secondary driver is the Silica content which is not in the LT version. Silica is important for cold wet weather.

5) Performance is generally very good, wet weather being good, snow being good but some seem to indicate the lateral snow not so much, dry off road good and of course mud being mud.

6) Wear is OK but not really a 50k mileage tire and wear is not linear in tread depth.

At this point, I wonder if the price gap is no longer relevant and without the price gap if this 150 page thread would not have existed??

Anyhow, I would like to say thank you to all the information and all the posts. This is a great example of the true value to a forum, so we can get actual input from actual people to help us all in making more informed decisions.

 

[Drobs]

Some off roading I did today w/ my stock size 265/70R17 SL rated Wildpeaks:



Didn't air down but probably could've:

Part 1 (9m55s)
Glade Top Trail Wildcat Rd Off Shoot Part 1 - YouTube

Part 2 (7m19s)
Glade Top Trail Wildcat Rd Off Shoot Part 2 - YouTube

Part 3 (2m18s)
Glade Top Trail Wildcat Rd Off Shoot Part 3 - YouTube

Part 4 is MIA

Part 5 (8m43s)
Glade Top Trail Wildcat Rd Off Shoot Part 5 - YouTube

 

[Decipher]

Oh My Gosh!

I finally got through this 150 page thread. I think I was just determined to read it once I got started

My biggest takeaway is:
1) Did Falken change manufacturing locations? Perhaps in a chase to improve quality, or perhaps just a chase to improve profit margin. Seems they went from Thailand to USA to China??

2) Are the discount sellers selling "B grade" tires and this would explain the hit or miss with the balancing issues?

3) These Falkens used to be very inexpensive, but today when I search I see no cost savings over Cooper (for example). Is it just because today we are in-between the traditional sales cycles?

4) P-metric are very popular and allegedly the LT are no stronger. The major driver for P-metric is the weight savings, but secondary driver is the Silica content which is not in the LT version. Silica is important for cold wet weather.

5) Performance is generally very good, wet weather being good, snow being good but some seem to indicate the lateral snow not so much, dry off road good and of course mud being mud.

6) Wear is OK but not really a 50k mileage tire and wear is not linear in tread depth.

At this point, I wonder if the price gap is no longer relevant and without the price gap if this 150 page thread would not have existed??

Anyhow, I would like to say thank you to all the information and all the posts. This is a great example of the true value to a forum, so we can get actual input from actual people to help us all in making more informed decisions.

I’ll chime in as I haven’t posted in this thread in a long time. I’m one of the original purchasers of this tire.

I think you nailed most points precisely. While I can’t speak to where the tire is manufactured any longer, I can say that the price jump occurred right when Falken won the contract with Jeep for their Wranglers and Gladiators. I think this gave Falken the credit they were after and felt that they could adjust pricing finally.

There’s no doubt that this was the best tire for the money. Hands down. Now that it’s competitively priced, I still think it deserves strong consideration and competes with the likes of Cooper, although Cooper takes the nod it pricing is the same.

I switched to the Falken MT01 and I like it even better that the AT3W in every regard. Every. For an MT, it really outperforms itself and I even like the road noise better. The AT3W produces a higher pitched hum I couldn’t stand. Not the MT01. Consider them and take a look. They’re stellar even in the ice and snow we just got.

Cheers!

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[LaFJ86]

Was planning to go to Ridge Grapplers but Pep Boys had these for $97 today in LT285/70/17 so the decision was made rather easily!

 

[Sundy]

Was planning to go to Ridge Grapplers but Pep Boys had these for $97 today in LT285/70/17 so the decision was made rather easily!

I tried to pick some up in 285/75/17 for $103/ea but they were unavailable by the time I found out on the deal.

 

[MAST4R]

Oh My Gosh!

I finally got through this 150 page thread. I think I was just determined to read it once I got started

My biggest takeaway is:
1) Did Falken change manufacturing locations? Perhaps in a chase to improve quality, or perhaps just a chase to improve profit margin. Seems they went from Thailand to USA to China??

2) Are the discount sellers selling "B grade" tires and this would explain the hit or miss with the balancing issues?

3) These Falkens used to be very inexpensive, but today when I search I see no cost savings over Cooper (for example). Is it just because today we are in-between the traditional sales cycles?

4) P-metric are very popular and allegedly the LT are no stronger. The major driver for P-metric is the weight savings, but secondary driver is the Silica content which is not in the LT version. Silica is important for cold wet weather.

5) Performance is generally very good, wet weather being good, snow being good but some seem to indicate the lateral snow not so much, dry off road good and of course mud being mud.

6) Wear is OK but not really a 50k mileage tire and wear is not linear in tread depth.

At this point, I wonder if the price gap is no longer relevant and without the price gap if this 150 page thread would not have existed??

Anyhow, I would like to say thank you to all the information and all the posts. This is a great example of the true value to a forum, so we can get actual input from actual people to help us all in making more informed decisions.

I’ll chime in as I haven’t posted in this thread in a long time. I’m one of the original purchasers of this tire.

I think you nailed most points precisely. While I can’t speak to where the tire is manufactured any longer, I can say that the price jump occurred right when Falken won the contract with Jeep for their Wranglers and Gladiators. I think this gave Falken the credit they were after and felt that they could adjust pricing finally.

There’s no doubt that this was the best tire for the money. Hands down. Now that it’s competitively priced, I still think it deserves strong consideration and competes with the likes of Cooper, although Cooper takes the nod it pricing is the same.

I switched to the Falken MT01 and I like it even better that the AT3W in every regard. Every. For an MT, it really outperforms itself and I even like the road noise better. The AT3W produces a higher pitched hum I couldn’t stand. Not the MT01. Consider them and take a look. They’re stellar even in the ice and snow we just got.

Cheers!

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

There is not much I can add to what [MENTION=140439]Decipher[/MENTION] said.

Except SW specific comments:

You have Cooper Maxx, why not go to Mickey Thompson ATZ P3? They are surprisingly awesome on the road. And you keep the 3 ply sidewall.

Or the MT Wildpeak.

The AT3W is great for most regions (like Montana where I have used them extensively) but here in the SW you will want the strongest tires, like your current ones.

I don't think I will ever have a set of AT tires last more than 30,000 (not Yoko, not KO2, not AT3W, and the ATZ P3 won't do much better either) miles but the AT3W become prone to punctures in sharp desert rocks once they get below 9-10/32nds which happens fast.

 

[sn_85]

Just a heads up and this may be a price mistake or overstock item but Pepboys is having quite a deal on the AT3W in 285/75/17 size. They're $103 a piece. Many have ordered but not sure if anyone has received theirs yet. You may also want to try your luck price matching at Discount Tire. Some of the other sizes are on sale too but not as good of a deal.

Access to this page has been denied.

Since we're also talking about Mickey Thompson tires the ATPZ3 is also on sale. 265/70/17 is $118 and 315/70/17 is $99.

Access to this page has been denied.
Access to this page has been denied.

Edit: I'm not sure why this site always gives me problems hyperlinking. Ignore the "Access to this page has been denied" warning. This forum has gone to shit and is the only one that gives me issues. I swear it's not spam!!!

 

[4Person]

Just a heads up and this may be a price mistake or overstock item but Pepboys is having quite a deal on the AT3W in 285/75/17 size. They're $103 a piece. Many have ordered but not sure if anyone has received theirs yet. You may also want to try your luck price matching at Discount Tire. Some of the other sizes are on sale too but not as good of a deal.

Access to this page has been denied.

Since we're also talking about Mickey Thompson tires the ATPZ3 is also on sale. 265/70/17 is $118 and 315/70/17 is $99.

Access to this page has been denied.
Access to this page has been denied.

I hope this deal is real. I just ordered 5 P285/70/17s for $112 each. Hoping to pick them up tomorrow and store them until I get the lift and wheels from back order (elsewhere).

 

[Decipher]

These are some insane deals. Jump if you need tires. I’ve never seen pricing like this before.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Mudballz]

I think that deals for the falken have dried up is because more off road truck companies use the falken because it really is a great all around tire maybe that’s why is standard in the Jeep upper end models
Mike

 

[PJSnow]

Just a heads up and this may be a price mistake or overstock item but Pepboys is having quite a deal on the AT3W in 285/75/17 size. They're $103 a piece. Many have ordered but not sure if anyone has received theirs yet. You may also want to try your luck price matching at Discount Tire. Some of the other sizes are on sale too but not as good of a deal.

Access to this page has been denied.

Since we're also talking about Mickey Thompson tires the ATPZ3 is also on sale. 265/70/17 is $118 and 315/70/17 is $99.

Access to this page has been denied.
Access to this page has been denied.

Edit: I'm not sure why this site always gives me problems hyperlinking. Ignore the "Access to this page has been denied" warning. This forum has gone to shit and is the only one that gives me issues. I swear it's not spam!!!

The PepBoys deal is not a scam but the tires are not available in the NYC area. I placed my order this morning at 6am after finding your post ($112 for P285/70/17) but they just called to cancel my order because they have none in stock and their partner warehouses have none in stock. It might just be a NYC issue because the demand for AT tires is non existent in these parts.
If anyone within a reasonable distance from NYC can find them at that price and can meet somewhere, let me know.

 

[DoctorPopcorn]

Trying this morning, I can't get any results to return for tires on the PB site searching both by size & by vehicle. Shame I missed it. I wanted my 3rd set of AT3W skinnies...

 

[blue$]

What pressure do those of you who have the SL rated tire in 265 / 70 R17 run them at?

Thanks in advance.