Stock 33 inch KO2 feedback please

[crzyhawk]

I can't imagine the KO2 being better behaved on pavement than the OEM Goodyears.

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[BroncoChallenger]

I haven't had KO2's in years, not because they were a bad tire, but because I found the General Grabber AT2's to be better. Almost identical tread pattern, but the slightly softer tread compound made them better in all situations (including the dreaded 'wet traction' issue - that doesn't rear its head until you've got 5-7k on them). This did translate into slightly less tread life for the Grabbers, BUT the wear was also more even for some reason, with proper rotations every 6k miles.

The Grabber ATx's are just about as good in my experience. Other than the name change I can't really tell any difference in them.

 

[timhood]

So, I just went to Moab this last weekend as Id mentioned in a previous post and had a great time. I didnt do anything advanced but the few trails we did really showed how the goodyear MT's shine. Now, I was driving back thinking about how I like them but really would rather just use a less intense tread most of the time as I drive mine to work primarily. My wife noticed a guy selling the stock 33 inch KO2's on marketplace WITH the stock badlands rims for 1700 bucks with less than 3K on them. I of course said yeah, I'll take that. They look dandy but wanted any feedback on these seemingly great tires. They are AT's not MT's

Online you'll read everything from the greatest tire ever to complete crap but I wanted first hand experience here if I can get some opinion. I plan on putting the MT's back on whenever I really do go intentional wheeling. Lemme know what your experience is with these.

I was in Moab this past weekend, too! Maybe I saw your Bronco.

I'm not sure if the Goodyears you are referring to are the OEM Sas tires or a different model. In general, I've heard more people gripe about them vs. KO2s (throwing rocks, punctures, etc.). I don't really think of the KO2s as being a "less intense" or less aggressive tread than the OEM Goodyears. I bought a second set of wheels and tires for my non-Sas Badlands, partly with the idea of preserving the expensive off-road tires for actual off-road use. So, I run the Goodyear Workhorse AT tires for daily driving and put the KO2s on when it's time to go play. The other reason was to have more of a Heritage look:

As for wet weather, I don't notice a difference between the KO2s, the Goodyears, or other rear-wheel drive (4WD) vehicles. All of those vehicles have been easy enough to break the rear loose in wet weather when the right foot gets heavy. Maybe it's that I always have an upgraded motor (2.7 in this case). If it's raining, I just put the Bronco in 4A regardless of the tire.

 

[gbub]

I don't understand the complaints about BFG AT in wet conditions. I raced in SCCA for 32 years and am very in tune to tire performance in dry and wet conditions on pavement. I ran mostly on slicks and they have very poor wet performance but not too bad until a film of water forms on the surface.

I have gone through many original BFG AT tires and a couple KO2 sets. I went through 1 and 1/2 sets with my 1973 FJ55 Landcruiser, 2 and 1/2 sets on my 1989 Ranger and my 2002 came from the factory with BFG AT tires. I tried experimenting with Pro Comp MT and BFG MT tires with my 2002 Ranger. I also ran Michelin LTX M/S tires on pavement when I was using the MT tires off-road.

I never felt the BFG AT tires were all the bad on wet roads. Sure the Michelin tires were quieter than the ATs and maybe handled a little better in wet conditions but not a major difference. I believe the Michelin tires had noticeably better stopping performance in wet conditions but the AT tires had better overall performance in snow.

After my experimentation with different tires, my 2002 Ranger is back on BFG AT KO2 tires because they give me the best combined performance on and off-road (dry, wet and snow), durability and noise.

 

[Bronco Don]

I have KO3 on my 06 Tacoma and my 21 bronco and my 26 4runner I just love them , they work great for me

 

[Fast Eddie]

I don't understand the complaints about BFG AT in wet conditions. I raced in SCCA for 32 years and am very in tune to tire performance in dry and wet conditions on pavement. I ran mostly on slicks and they have very poor wet performance but not too bad until a film of water forms on the surface.

I have gone through many original BFG AT tires and a couple KO2 sets. I went through 1 and 1/2 sets with my 1973 FJ55 Landcruiser, 2 and 1/2 sets on my 1989 Ranger and my 2002 came from the factory with BFG AT tires. I tried experimenting with Pro Comp MT and BFG MT tires with my 2002 Ranger. I also ran Michelin LTX M/S tires on pavement when I was using the MT tires off-road.

I never felt the BFG AT tires were all the bad on wet roads. Sure the Michelin tires were quieter than the ATs and maybe handled a little better in wet conditions but not a major difference. I believe the Michelin tires had noticeably better stopping performance in wet conditions but the AT tires had better overall performance in snow.

After my experimentation with different tires, my 2002 Ranger is back on BFG AT KO2 tires because they give me the best combined performance on and off-road (dry, wet and snow), durability and noise.

You must drive very conservatively. It is the only possible explanation. When it is almost universally said they are terrible in the rain to the point BFG said they made major strides to improve wet weather performance in the K03's, yeah- you drive like a grandma. I was driving in the K02's around 40mph up a particularly steep sweeping road in Cold Spring Harbor (25a) when I stepped on it and they broke loose. Never in my life have I had that happen before unexpectedly. Right there I saw they were too dangerous for me. My Nitto G3's are leaps and bounds better- even with over 400hp from my 2.7L I find the truck planted in all weather conditions.

 

[BroncoChallenger]

I don't understand the complaints about BFG AT in wet conditions. I raced in SCCA for 32 years and am very in tune to tire performance in dry and wet conditions on pavement. I ran mostly on slicks and they have very poor wet performance but not too bad until a film of water forms on the surface.

I have gone through many original BFG AT tires and a couple KO2 sets. I went through 1 and 1/2 sets with my 1973 FJ55 Landcruiser, 2 and 1/2 sets on my 1989 Ranger and my 2002 came from the factory with BFG AT tires. I tried experimenting with Pro Comp MT and BFG MT tires with my 2002 Ranger. I also ran Michelin LTX M/S tires on pavement when I was using the MT tires off-road.

I never felt the BFG AT tires were all the bad on wet roads. Sure the Michelin tires were quieter than the ATs and maybe handled a little better in wet conditions but not a major difference. I believe the Michelin tires had noticeably better stopping performance in wet conditions but the AT tires had better overall performance in snow.

After my experimentation with different tires, my 2002 Ranger is back on BFG AT KO2 tires because they give me the best combined performance on and off-road (dry, wet and snow), durability and noise.

On a heavy, steel-bodied truck or SUV, they're probably fine in the rain. In a light vehicle, after 5-10k you've got to watch it. The last vehicle I had KO2's on was a '99 GMC s-series Jimmy, 2DR, a little sport model with the spare tire carrier. At first they were great all around. After 5-10k miles, I couldn't take off aggressively from a stop on wet roads without tire spin. I had to slow down considerably for sweeping corners that I shouldn't have had to slow down for, that my friend in his Trans Am with F1's on it didn't have to slow down for. That, when I switched to Grabber AT2's, I didn't have to slow down for.

 

[gbub]

You must drive very conservatively. It is the only possible explanation. When it is almost universally said they are terrible in the rain to the point BFG said they made major strides to improve wet weather performance in the K03's, yeah- you drive like a grandma. I was driving in the K02's around 40mph up a particularly steep sweeping road in Cold Spring Harbor (25a) when I stepped on it and they broke loose. Never in my life have I had that happen before unexpectedly. Right there I saw they were too dangerous for me. My Nitto G3's are leaps and bounds better- even with over 400hp from my 2.7L I find the truck planted in all weather conditions.

If you think I drive conservative and like a grandma, you would not say that if you ever rode with me. I did mention I raced in SCCA for 32 years and track time does not fulfill all my need for speed. I try not to scare my friends when they are with me, but it still happens. I understand the cornering limits of any vehicle I am driving and stay well within those limits on the street but many people do not feel comfortable even then.

There is a long fairly high speed (~80mph) long sweeping corner turning left that I take on my way to work. There is usually little traffic there and I take advantage of it and have some fun. It is two lanes in one direction and any traffic on it usually stays to the left. That leaves the right side for me. Occasionally, I have someone try to stay with me but back off pretty quick. When it is wet, I back off to around 70 or less depending on how bad it is raining because there are some light bumps that momentarily reduce traction. This is where I test my tires and vehicles.

Believe me, I am not a conservative driver. As I get older, I have forced myself to slow down a little because know my reflexes are not as good, but I still have the need for speed. One thing I don't do is endanger other people on streets and highways whether they are in my vehicle or driving another. On the track, I still drive closer to the edge of control.

 

[Fast Eddie]

If you think I drive conservative and like a grandma, you would not say that if you ever rode with me. I did mention I raced in SCCA for 32 years and track time does not fulfill all my need for speed. I try not to scare my friends when they are with me, but it still happens. I understand the cornering limits of any vehicle I am driving and stay well within those limits on the street but many people do not feel comfortable even then.

There is a long fairly high speed (~80mph) long sweeping corner turning left that I take on my way to work. There is usually little traffic there and I take advantage of it and have some fun. It is two lanes in one direction and any traffic on it usually stays to the left. That leaves the right side for me. Occasionally, I have someone try to stay with me but back off pretty quick. When it is wet, I back off to around 70 or less depending on how bad it is raining because there are some light bumps that momentarily reduce traction. This is where I test my tires and vehicles.

Believe me, I am not a conservative driver. As I get older, I have forced myself to slow down a little because know my reflexes are not as good, but I still have the need for speed. One thing I don't do is endanger other people on streets and highways whether they are in my vehicle or driving another. On the track, I still drive closer to the edge of control.

That doesn't explain your opposite assessment that even BFG has of the K02's.

 

[timhood]

That doesn't explain your opposite assessment that even BFG has of the K02's.

Aside from whether people feel the KO2s are or are not good performers in wet conditions, it's not accurate to say that BFG doesn't think they do not perform well in wet conditions. Just because a manufacturer improves a product, does not mean the old product was bad. As there will never be a perfect tire, there is always room for improvement, even for the very best tire made.

 

[Snacktime]

I have a set of KO2 on the work truck, they are a downgrade from the factory Hankooks. They absolutely suck on the construction site, driving in the rain and icy snow. Now they are smooth riding, last forever and ever. The local fleet manager has a hard on for them here.

 

[gbub]

That doesn't explain your opposite assessment that even BFG has of the K02's.

That was a continuation of my original assessment of BFG AT tires with a response to your accusation of me driving like grandma. It has nothing to do the BFG's assessment. Where have you read that BFG doesn't like their tires?

 

[Fast Eddie]

That was a continuation of my original assessment of BFG AT tires with a response to your accusation of me driving like grandma. It has nothing to do the BFG's assessment. Where have you read that BFG doesn't like their tires?

Never said they didn't like them, just their ENTIRE focus on the KO3's were wet weather:
"The BFGoodrich team has specifically designed the All-Terrain T/A KO3 to address the notable wet traction and hydroplaning issues associated with its predecessor, the KO2. Early reviews and technical analyses indicate that the KO3 offers significant improvements in wet, snow, and mud conditions through redesigned tread patterns, new rubber compounds, and increased siping."

 

[timhood]

Never said they didn't like them, just their ENTIRE focus on the KO3's were wet weather:
"The BFGoodrich team has specifically designed the All-Terrain T/A KO3 to address the notable wet traction and hydroplaning issues associated with its predecessor, the KO2. Early reviews and technical analyses indicate that the KO3 offers significant improvements in wet, snow, and mud conditions through redesigned tread patterns, new rubber compounds, and increased siping."

Not sure where that quote came from, but it didn't come from BF Goodrich. It sounds like it came from someone who reviewed the KO3. It's not fair to attribute statements not made by them. Conversely, if I look at what BFG does say about the KO3, one would think that they felt there was no need for wet grip improvement:

Sidewall Toughness. Extended shoulder rubber with CoreGard Technology creates a split- and bruise-resistant sidewall.
New All-Terrain Tread Compound. Formulated to deliver longevity on-road and in grueling off-road conditions.
Gravel Durability. New all-terrain tread compound delivers longevity, and optimized footprint evenly distributes stress.
Full-Depth Locking 3‑D Sipes. Engineered to increase tread block stability for even wear.
Optimized Footprint Shape. Designed to evenly distribute stress, for long and uniform wear.
Mud Phobic Bars. Engineered to improve mud traction.
Updated Serrated Shoulder Design. Engineered to improve mud and snow traction.
Interlocking Tread Elements. Designed to maximize handling and traction by stabilizing the tread center and providing biting edges.
Full-Depth 3D Locking Sipes & Snow/Mud Notches. Engineered to improve mud and snow traction.

Nine major points made right on the main page from BFG's site, and not a single mention of wet traction. So if one were to make any conclusion, a more logical one would be that there has been no improvement to wet traction because BFG already believes it to be the best it can be. Of course, I don't believe that any more than I believe BFG ever stated the KO2s had "notable wet traction and hydroplaning issues."

 

[gbub]

Great, when I get KO3 tires I can push it harder in corners when it is wet. I have heard some negative things toward the KO3 like they are less off-road capable than the KO2. I guess I will just need to find out myself. Meanwhile, I will be enjoying the KO2s.

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