We about a foot of snow on the ground since Sunday (rare for SW Missouri) and I've been really impressed with my Wildpeaks. Even in 2wd they grip well in snow.
New Falken AT tire (A/T3W)
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We about a foot of snow on the ground since Sunday (rare for SW Missouri) and I've been really impressed with my Wildpeaks. Even in 2wd they grip well in snow.
Argyle Edison
Member
Best AT tires I have owned. With the FN wheels I got my MPG back also as I lost weight.
Ok here's an update since I bought the tires last fall, but just got them on now. They are 265/70r17 SL (p metric). I posted this in another thread but wanted to update this thread as well to help others out.
I have a 2021 TRDORP with KDSS, Fifteen52 Turbomac HD wheels (17x8.5 0 offset), stock otherwise.
These are my first AT tires, I always had highway tires on all my vehicles prior.
EDIT: I went for another drive, alone this time (without the kids) and having reduced the pressure to 32 PSI (dealer had them at 35 which was too much). I really focused on driving dynamics again, reassessing acceleration, braking and comfort. Also tried to pay close attention to wobble and shake at high speed.
They are good. They actually slightly rub on my passenger mud flap, but that's also due to the more aggressive wheel fitment. They are much bigger than stock however, certainly much wider.
They are slightly louder than the (highway) winter tires I had on the stock wheels since taking delivery in November 2020 (Bridgestone Blizzak DMV2, stock size SL load rating) at lower speeds, but barely louder (if at all) at highway speed.
The ride is slightly harsher and I do feel the added weight versus the "stock" setup in acceleration mostly, braking and cornering to a small extent, but not by much. I just feel like there is more inertia if that makes sense. The overall driving experience feels (very) slightly less refined and forgiving.
I feel like they may be more sensitive to the "grooves" worked in the road or the overall condition of the road if that makes sense. They tend to wander a bit more than less wide highway tires but it could also be due to the wheel width and offset, but it's likely a combination of both.
As for balance, I initially thought I felt a wobble but I can't anymore. I was just on the highway up to 80-85 mph going through turns, inclines and declines, and there was no wobble or shake.
They're definitely great in the rain. I drove in rain at near freezing temperatures and there was no slippage or hydroplaning.
I'll give them a bit more mileage to see what happens. The definitely feel A LOT better at 32 psi than 35.
I also realize, I've always driven sports/luxury cars and I am very sensitive to driving dynamics overall. Probably more so than most. It's all quite subtle, but I'm get used to the feeling already.
The wheels weigh 26 lb each so very similar or slightly lighter than stock, so it's not coming from there.
I have to give credit where it’s due, they do look great! Ok some pics:
I have a 2021 TRDORP with KDSS, Fifteen52 Turbomac HD wheels (17x8.5 0 offset), stock otherwise.
These are my first AT tires, I always had highway tires on all my vehicles prior.
EDIT: I went for another drive, alone this time (without the kids) and having reduced the pressure to 32 PSI (dealer had them at 35 which was too much). I really focused on driving dynamics again, reassessing acceleration, braking and comfort. Also tried to pay close attention to wobble and shake at high speed.
They are good. They actually slightly rub on my passenger mud flap, but that's also due to the more aggressive wheel fitment. They are much bigger than stock however, certainly much wider.
They are slightly louder than the (highway) winter tires I had on the stock wheels since taking delivery in November 2020 (Bridgestone Blizzak DMV2, stock size SL load rating) at lower speeds, but barely louder (if at all) at highway speed.
The ride is slightly harsher and I do feel the added weight versus the "stock" setup in acceleration mostly, braking and cornering to a small extent, but not by much. I just feel like there is more inertia if that makes sense. The overall driving experience feels (very) slightly less refined and forgiving.
I feel like they may be more sensitive to the "grooves" worked in the road or the overall condition of the road if that makes sense. They tend to wander a bit more than less wide highway tires but it could also be due to the wheel width and offset, but it's likely a combination of both.
As for balance, I initially thought I felt a wobble but I can't anymore. I was just on the highway up to 80-85 mph going through turns, inclines and declines, and there was no wobble or shake.
They're definitely great in the rain. I drove in rain at near freezing temperatures and there was no slippage or hydroplaning.
I'll give them a bit more mileage to see what happens. The definitely feel A LOT better at 32 psi than 35.
I also realize, I've always driven sports/luxury cars and I am very sensitive to driving dynamics overall. Probably more so than most. It's all quite subtle, but I'm get used to the feeling already.
The wheels weigh 26 lb each so very similar or slightly lighter than stock, so it's not coming from there.
I have to give credit where it’s due, they do look great! Ok some pics:
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DallasTRDPro
Member
Its crazy how different opinions really are. So far the AT3's are one of the best AT's I've ever driven. Great in the rain. Great in the snow. Quiet compared to most AT's. Loud compared to highway tires. Mine had a slight shimmy when installed, but I went back to a different Discount Tire and they dialed them in for me. I just rotated them and they track just as straight as ever. I'm running the stock TRD wheels and feel like they are perfect for this tire. Wider wheels and different offsets could affect how they perform.
Here's my last and final trail ride with my stock size SL Falken Wildpeak AT3W's. They were great tires.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1tPQJo0tDqs
Time to try something else.
BMC, SPC UCA's, and 33 inch LT285/70R17 Yokohama Geolandar MT's
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1tPQJo0tDqs
Time to try something else.
BMC, SPC UCA's, and 33 inch LT285/70R17 Yokohama Geolandar MT's
Bruin1md
New member
Nice to hear. As a TRD pro owner, I’ve been on the fence about getting the Falkens after reading about the horror stories with getting them balanced right.
What size did you go with and did you stick with the P metric or get a C/E Load LT ?
I’m thinking of getting the 275/70/17 LT C load and don’t plan on any mods.
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Bruin1md
New member
Here's my last and final trail ride with my stock size SL Falken Wildpeak AT3W's. They were great tires.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1tPQJo0tDqs
Time to try something else.
BMC, SPC UCA's, and 33 inch LT285/70R17 Yokohama Geolandar MT's
Been reading some good things about the Toyo AT3’s. Many seem to prefer it over the Falkens, although I’m not sure on what grounds (ie — where they’re superior)
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TRD PANTHER
New member
This. Although I never had any shimmy or balance issues.
Slightly louder hum than the stock Nittos on my Pro. Running 285’s in a SL rating. Great ride on and off road and great traction. They’ve been great over a variety of terrain. The AT3W SL is more of a C load tire than a P metric.
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I've had my wildpeaks for about 10k miles now, and I'm noticing they are wearing pretty fast, as well as have some cracking in the treads. With a 55k mile warranty I was hoping they would last a little longer. I had the truck aligned when I got them so I dont think its that. That being said, I have never found a situation where they didnt give me grip - wet pavement, a foot of snow, etc. Compared with my buddy's KO2s, the wildpeaks cost less, perform better in snow, but wear out faster.
DallasTRDPro
Member
The WildPeaks are so much more quiet than the Nitto's IMO. The Nitto's had a horrible whine on certain roads and I just drove these to Albuquerque and they were perfect to me.
TRD PANTHER
New member
I only had my Nittos on for 300 miles until I switched to BFG KO2’s E load in 275’s. The BFG’s were quiet, but, the E load was too harsh for an everyday driver. The AT3W’s are great overall in the SL. As I recall, I think your running the exact same size and load rating as myself.
Bruin1md
New member
P metric or LT? If LT, E or C load?
I'm asking b/c I'm concerned about the loss of traction in rain, snow, and ice if I go with the C load at 275's, even though its basically a 6 ply vs 4 ply (P metric).
Another issue remains the excess weight across all of their tires c/w the competition.
I lean towards preferring a lighter tire weight over a heavier tire weight.
My Falken AT3W's were P metric Standard Load (SL) - stock size 265/70R17 46.5lbs each (31.7 inches tall).
If you look at the Specs of the C load 275 Wildpeak AT3. You'll see that they weigh 57.1lbs each (32.4inches tall).
https://www.falkentire.com/tires/light-truck-suv-cuv-tires/wildpeaka/t3w-tire
My new LT285/70R17 E Rated Yoko Mud Terrains weigh 58.2lbs each (32.9 inches tall)
GEOLANDAR M/T(R) G003 | Yokohama Tire
Compare that against Falken E rated LT285/70R17 MT's at 63.3lbs each (32.9 inches tall)
https://www.falkentire.com/tires/light-truck-suv-cuv-tires/wildpeak-m/t-tire-0
Or Falken Wildpeak AT3 E Rated LT285/70R17 at 58.9lbs each (32.9 inches tall).
https://www.falkentire.com/tires/light-truck-suv-cuv-tires/wildpeaka/t3w-tire
You might run your own comparison for weights of 275 Falkens vs the competition. Above is comparison going to a taller / heavier / mud terrain tire.
If you are in a place that gets a lot snow, IMHO, an AT tire makes more sense than a MT tire. Where I live, we get maybe 1 good snowfall a year, and it's gone in a week or less.
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Looking at 275/70R17 weights on discount tire. The much hated BFG KO2's win over Falken for price and weight.
I would however, in my experience expect Falkens to perform better in slick conditions.
Throwing a wrench in here. Check out Falken Wildpeak AT3W in LT255/80R17 (33.1 inches tall) 52.5lbs each
Falken Wildpeak A/T3W Tires | Truck All-Terrain Tires | Discount Tire Direct
https://www.falkentire.com/tires/light-truck-suv-cuv-tires/wildpeaka/t3w-tire
If I were looking for another All Terrain and already had a lift - the 255/80R17 Falken AT3 makes the most sense. You get lighter weight compared to 275 and a taller (skinnier) tire.
Only complaint on that size is availability. I find 285's are more common everywhere.
I would however, in my experience expect Falkens to perform better in slick conditions.
Throwing a wrench in here. Check out Falken Wildpeak AT3W in LT255/80R17 (33.1 inches tall) 52.5lbs each
Falken Wildpeak A/T3W Tires | Truck All-Terrain Tires | Discount Tire Direct
https://www.falkentire.com/tires/light-truck-suv-cuv-tires/wildpeaka/t3w-tire
If I were looking for another All Terrain and already had a lift - the 255/80R17 Falken AT3 makes the most sense. You get lighter weight compared to 275 and a taller (skinnier) tire.
Only complaint on that size is availability. I find 285's are more common everywhere.
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Bruin1md
New member
This is exactly my concern with the Falken AT3. When you do an apples to apples comparison, the P metric 265/70/17 is heavier than other brands (I was doing a comp against the Toyo AT3). Similarly, its C load 275 is heavier than other C load tires, although you have fewer to compare against. But, it's also heavier than E load tires in the 265 size of other brands as well.
That's why I was curious if adding almost 11 pounds per tire (between the P265 fallen and the LT 275) provided any meaningful benefit, given that I'm going from a P metric tire to a C load LT tire. Where I'll be moving in northern AZ will have quite a few trails to explore. In terms of snow and wet traction, they get a decent amount of snow each winter, but it's not all that heavy. They also get a fair amount of rain in the summer for about a month or so.
In addition, I'll be doing a fair amount of driving on road to Phoenix on weekends, so road manners and mileage matter too.
Couple points regarding the 265 SL Wildpeaks, which I bought last fall (online, had shipped to my house) and just installed this past week:
- They don't actually weigh 46.6 lbs. Bathroom scale showed 44.6 lbs, and shipping labels showed 44 lbs. For each tire with no variance in measured weight between tires. I don't know why Falken lists such a high weight. At the end of the day, it could be an estimate, and all tire manufacture data is in spreadsheets that many people have their hands on.
- They are pressure sensitive. Dealer had them at 35 psi cold, and I was worried when I drove home. They were loud, had a slight shimmy on the highway, and were harsh/hard. I got the pressure down to 32 psi cold, and they're much better. Quieter, more compliant, close to a highway tire.
- They have excellent wet traction. Driving at near freezing conditions in the rain showed no wet traction issues.
- I do somewhat feel the added weight. I'm getting used to it, but I feel like going to a 275 C load at 11 lbs heavier (13 if the 275 C load listed weight is actually accurate!) PER tire would seriously affect performance. For the SL 265, there is more inertia so it takes slightly more effort to accelerate and brake the higher rotating mass. I do feel it. It's not overbearing, but I can't imagine what a larger, much heavier tire would feel like. I'm not interested in finding out.
- Last point is they are huge. Go up a few posts and look at the pics I shared of them installed. If you scroll back farther in the thread, I compared them to the stock dunlops before I sold them last fall (around December). The tread is at least an inch wider than the stock tires. They feel as wide as a 275 or 285. If you're debating between the two, drive mostly on the road, and care (even a little) about driving dynamics, I'd certainly recommend the 265 SLs.
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Bruin1md
New member
Great feedback - -thanks Mike.
I would also add -- in addition to added weight concerns of the C load 275-- that wet and snow performance is likely going to remain better in the SL version of the Falken, which i believe Falken acknowledges. The trade off for me is that I won't be as confident on trails with a lot of sharp rocks, but that's ok.
Did you have any of the issues I've read on here with respect to balancing these tires? Is it possible that some who have had these issues went with the heavier LT versions in either C or E load?
sn_85
Senior Member
I wouldn’t worry about it. I’ve had two sets of Wildpeaks AT3/W’s. A 275 and now a 285 both in C load for the last 2-3 years. I’ve run them in in all types of conditions. Lived in Utah for a bit and used my vehicle to go skiing there, CO, WY, and MT. No problems in snow or ice. They are 3 peak winter rated. I’ve had on them on the soft mud in Page, AZ at Alstrom point after a flash rain storm. Tires were caked in mud but I still made it back safely after seeing 2 tahoe’s get stuck, a camper van get stuck and a Range Rover Evoque that followed me barely make it in his rental. The Evoques transmission was overheating and the fenders were popped off lol.
I then moved to B’ham, AL where it rains all the time. I’m talking heavy down pours. Never a problem in the rain. No tire spin or hydroplaning. I’ve had KO2’s previously that hydro planed in the rain. My gfs tacoma has a set of Cooper AT3’s that spin a bit at a stop but that may be because she has a supercharger and has a heavier foot than I do lol.
These are properly vetted tires by a lot of people. There’s also a reason why Jeep provides them as an option on the Rubicon Gladiator. Honestly best tires I’ve run and would run them again. I’d trust them in any condition as far as an AT goes.
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my C-range tires had no problems balancing, and more importantly have worn more evenly and stayed balanced better than my KO2s did with the same alignment
i also agree that these are much better on wet roads than the KO2s, however i think the stock dunlops were better than these on wet roads and would guess that's true if comparing to most passenger tires.
(if you are running them at 32psi just be aware of your reduced load capacity vs stock)
i also agree that these are much better on wet roads than the KO2s, however i think the stock dunlops were better than these on wet roads and would guess that's true if comparing to most passenger tires.
(if you are running them at 32psi just be aware of your reduced load capacity vs stock)
No problem!
I can't speak to the LT tires unfortunately.
I did experience an intermittent shimmy, but I think it's just the tires "flatspotting" overnight. I experienced it one morning driving the kids to daycare. The next day, I drove a 40 mile round trip over various roads, which ended with a few miles on the highway up to 80-85 mph - smooth as glass. I thought I was going crazy.
The next morning, heading out on a main road after having the 4R sitting overnight, I felt the steering shimmy once again for the first mile or so but it went away completely after that, hence the flatspotting theory. We are seeing crazy temperature swings these last few days and it could be a factor.
No complaints otherwise. I was actually surprised to see how smooth and quiet they are on the highway. I'd say the increased tire noise is more noticeable at lower speeds (20-40 mph) than on the highway if anything compared to highway tread tires, but it's barely there.
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