Tire newbie looking for advice

[MnLakeBum]

I replied to your post in the 33s thread. Im probably going Falken Wildpeaks . They claim they hold less rocks in the tread because of the design. I looked at the Rubitreks as well but you cant get them in a c load range in the 285/70/17. Ive seen a few badlands broncos on lots with Ko2s on them with rocks stuck throughout the tread so that eliminates them for me too unless i can find a cheap takeoff set. New they cost at least 50 bucks more a tire than the wildpeaks too.

The Wildpeaks throw rocks dramatically less than the stock Sasquatch Goodyears and also less than the K02s. You will love the Wildpeaks! I got mine at Discount Tire on a price match at 4WP. I'm not sure if $249 per tire is the best deal but it's a fair price.

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[EMBronco]

I've been running Kenda Klever AT2's. They've been really good for a less expensive tire. Similar tread pattern to the Falken Wildpeaks.
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Kenda-Kl...-0phAzncmi5BTmhP7hQ3VkqrNGq1xZzBoC8JUQAvD_BwE

 

[AK007]

I replied to your post in the 33s thread. Im probably going Falken Wildpeaks . They claim they hold less rocks in the tread because of the design. I looked at the Rubitreks as well but you cant get them in a c load range in the 285/70/17. Ive seen a few badlands broncos on lots with Ko2s on them with rocks stuck throughout the tread so that eliminates them for me too unless i can find a cheap takeoff set. New they cost at least 50 bucks more a tire than the wildpeaks too.

@MnLakeBum How is the ride on the Falken Wildpeaks, are they as quiet as the KO2's?

 

[MnLakeBum]

@MnLakeBum How is the ride on the Falken Wildpeaks, are they as quiet as the KO2's?

I haven’t had the KO2’s but I’ve been in my buddies Rubicon that has them and the Wildpeaks are certainly not noisier. The techs at the truck shop that did my tires and lift kit recommended the Wildpeaks and they aren’t any noisier than the stock non-Sasquatch OBX tires. Wind noise with the soft top is what you hear above 50mph, not the tires.

 

[VIRUS]

Hello. I’m a tire newbie and hoping the forum could help check my research and provide advice. Also by me sharing this it might help someone on a similar path searching the forum.

Here is my situation:

• Bought a Bronco off the lot in April 2022 with the plan to place an order for a Badlands once order banks reopened (Still haven’t opened and I will have 2/3 options that are constrained commodities).
• It’s a 2022 Big Bend Non-Sqautch and no rear locker. Gearing at the standard 3.73. Your basic off the lot Bronco.
• It is my Daily Driver. I live in Minnesota so a three peak winter rated tire is desired.
• I wasn’t planning on getting new tires but since it is likely 2024 or later till I can get my dream Bronco I feel getting some tires that can improve the look of the Bronco while improving performance could be worth the money.
• There are not many off-road trails near me and most of what I’ve driven are Forest service roads. I would call my off-roading pretty novice to beginner though I am looking to improve my skills (off-roadeo planned this year and I’m taking an off-road class with my own Bronco).
• I’d like to go as wide as I can with a more aggressive look and I will be using my stock BB rims with a 7.5 width.

Current Tires:

• Bridgestone Dueler A/T RH-S 255/75R17 with an SL load range coming in at 35lbs

Tires I’m considering:

• BFGoodrich KO2 LT285/70R17 with a C load range coming in at 51Lbs
• Falken Wildpeak A/T3W LT285/70R17 with a C load range coming in at 63lbs
• Falken Wild peak A/T3W P285/70R17 with a SL Load Range coming in at 50lbs and about $50 less per tire

Questions I’m hoping you can help with:

• Is my research correct that a 285/70R17 tire should fit on a Big Bend rim? All three tires have a rim range that goes as low at 7.5.
• Is it a big deal that I’m going from a 75 to a 70 tire? I don’t think that should be an issue but I’m still learning. Looks like I’ll actually pick up .8 inches in diameter.
• If you’ve put these on your big bend rims have you experienced any rubbing or needed to remove crash bars? My research says no rubbing and crash bar removal is not necessary.
• Load range C appears to be the standard for off-roading ability and on-road comfort. With my beginner status do you think I can get away with the Falken Wildpeak SL tire which is cheaper and lighter? I think I know what everyone is going to say but still thought I’d ask.
• Aside from gas mileage hit and possible stiffer ride with a C load range is there anything else I should expect from these tires versus my stock tires?
• Any and all advice is appreciated. While I’ve learned a lot I know there are things I’m missing!

From your list, I only have experience with the KO2 on an F150.
Loved how they performed in snow, on icy roads and offroad. Only thing I didn't care for was how they picked up rocks.
I have no experience with the AT3 but I was going between them and the Baja Boss AT for my Bronco. I ended up going with the Micky Thompson tire because I end up offroad frequently and thought they would perform a little better in mud than the AT3.
I have about 7500 miles on them. For me, best tire I've used. They do pick up a few rocks but nothing like the KO2 or stock Sasquatch tires.
Just my opinion from all of the reviews (no experience), I'd get the AT3's.
If you plan on hitting trails, the Baja Boss AT is a little more aggressive and still a 3 Peak rated tire. Still very quiet on road.
I'm in Wisconsin so our driving conditions are similar.

 

[Tdub0527]

@MnLakeBum I noticed that the Wildpeaks (in 285/70/17) are about 12 pounds heavier than a KO2. I know yours are even bigger than what I'm going to get. Did you have to reinforce your tailgate or has the new tires put too much weight on it? With the wild peak 63lbs and the stock BB rim I think around 30 I want to make sure I don't end up causing problems.

 

[MnLakeBum]

@MnLakeBum I noticed that the Wildpeaks (in 285/70/17) are about 12 pounds heavier than a KO2. I know yours are even bigger than what I'm going to get. Did you have to reinforce your tailgate or has the new tires put too much weight on it? With the wild peak 63lbs and the stock BB rim I think around 30 I want to make sure I don't end up causing problems.

I did reinforce my tailgate as my AT3W's are 315's and heavy as an E rated tire. The ride on these is very comfy on the highway and they don't throw rocks at nearly the same frequency as many other options. It was not expensive, $160 plus someting like $60 for installation. You may not need it for 285's.

Since you are in Minneapolis, Zeus Offroad is who I used for tires, leveling kit, and tailgate, FWIW.

 

[Tdub0527]

If it helps, I just got your first choice tire installed on mine last week, same size even. There's zero rubbing and the ride is great:

Did you have to modify your third brake light? My tires are getting installed as I type this and the tire guy said my tire won’t fit with the third brake light.

 

[HotdogThud]

Did you have to modify your third brake light? My tires are getting installed as I type this and the tire guy said my tire won’t fit with the third brake light.

not in the slightest, fits right in underneath it with about 3/4" to spare.

 

[Tdub0527]

not in the slightest, fits right in underneath it with about 3/4" to spare.

Guess that’s what I get for buying them through Costco. I’ll put it on at home I guess.

 

[HotdogThud]

Guess that’s what I get for buying them through Costco. I’ll put it on at home I guess.

one that thing might help is to stop telling the tire shops what trim it is, or just plain lie and say it's a badlands instead. they see 'Big Bend' and go "oh, only these tires can go on here" when that's obviously not the case.

 

[Big Boss]

Great thread, some good knowledge in here. Instead of making my own thread I will just piggy back my question in here.

Can someone explain load ranges to me? Explain it like I'm 5 lol. I come from mustangs, so truck tires are totally new to me. From what I picked up on my own E range are like super heavy duty and C range is very popular.

Eventually want to run Ridge Grapplers on my BB, nitto has the size I want in 3 different specs

285/70R17 116Q
LT285/70R17 C 116/113Q
LT285/70R17 E 121/118Q

I see there is a big difference in the weights and tread depths so can someone explain it to me please haha.

 

[RYD003]

Great thread, some good knowledge in here. Instead of making my own thread I will just piggy back my question in here.

Can someone explain load ranges to me? Explain it like I'm 5 lol. I come from mustangs, so truck tires are totally new to me. From what I picked up on my own E range are like super heavy duty and C range is very popular.

Eventually want to run Ridge Grapplers on my BB, nitto has the size I want in 3 different specs

285/70R17 116Q
LT285/70R17 C 116/113Q
LT285/70R17 E 121/118Q

I see there is a big difference in the weights and tread depths so can someone explain it to me please haha.

Same here. Shopping for tires for the bronco is very different from my previous sports cars…. Great info here

 

[Tdub0527]

Great thread, some good knowledge in here. Instead of making my own thread I will just piggy back my question in here.

Can someone explain load ranges to me? Explain it like I'm 5 lol. I come from mustangs, so truck tires are totally new to me. From what I picked up on my own E range are like super heavy duty and C range is very popular.

Eventually want to run Ridge Grapplers on my BB, nitto has the size I want in 3 different specs

285/70R17 116Q
LT285/70R17 C 116/113Q
LT285/70R17 E 121/118Q

I see there is a big difference in the weights and tread depths so can someone explain it to me please haha.

I am certainly no expert and just learned all I know from various threads here and videos on YouTube. Let’s walk through you three options…

285/70R17 116Q
This is an SL rated tire which means most comfortable ride, cheaper, lighter, and the tire rack specs had slightly less tread depth.

These would be a good option if your going for looks only. You’ll get many of the added benefits like 3 Peak snow rating too. The draw back is durability when wheeling and risk is punctures. C and E load ranges will be much stronger and help keep you from getting a flat. Not going to off road often or at all? Then these are a decent option.

LT285/70R17 C 116/113Q
From what I’ve researched load range C seems to be the Goldilocks of load ranges. Tougher and stronger but you won’t sacrifice too much on ride quality. I put load range C KO2s on mine and I don’t notice any difference in ride quality from the factory SL Duelers. I plan on off roading and would prefer to avoid getting a flat.

LT285/70R17 E 121/118Q
Never driven one of these but it appears they are for the more hardcore off roaders. Most strength but people have said ride quality suffers. To me it seemed overkill unless you found tires cheap or were going to do a ton of aggressive off roading.

Finally, this is something I don’t necessarily understand yet…they have different tire pressure ratings. Again I haven’t figured out how this impacts things so I can’t help there.

 

[Big Boss]

Same here. Shopping for tires for the bronco is very different from my previous sports cars…. Great info here

Yeah totally different!

I am certainly no expert and just learned all I know from various threads here and videos on YouTube. Let’s walk through you three options…

285/70R17 116Q
This is an SL rated tire which means most comfortable ride, cheaper, lighter, and the tire rack specs had slightly less tread depth.

These would be a good option if your going for looks only. You’ll get many of the added benefits like 3 Peak snow rating too. The draw back is durability when wheeling and risk is punctures. C and E load ranges will be much stronger and help keep you from getting a flat. Not going to off road often or at all? Then these are a decent option.

LT285/70R17 C 116/113Q
From what I’ve researched load range C seems to be the Goldilocks of load ranges. Tougher and stronger but you won’t sacrifice too much on ride quality. I put load range C KO2s on mine and I don’t notice any difference in ride quality from the factory SL Duelers. I plan on off roading and would prefer to avoid getting a flat.

LT285/70R17 E 121/118Q
Never driven one of these but it appears they are for the more hardcore off roaders. Most strength but people have said ride quality suffers. To me it seemed overkill unless you found tires cheap or were going to do a ton of aggressive off roading.

Finally, this is something I don’t necessarily understand yet…they have different tire pressure ratings. Again I haven’t figured out how this impacts things so I can’t help there.

That is great info there and kind of what I figured but great to see explained. Mostly going for looks and just overall better/slightly beefier tire than the factory Dueler's. Just being in IL means not to many places to get off road besides Off Road parks, so the type of off roading I do is easy trails and dunes/dirt so sounds like the basic SL ridge grappler would work for me but the peace of mind of the C range might be the better option. Honestly I will probably get "off road" in my bronco maybe 2 or 3 times a year. The factory Dueler's performed fine for what I do, just want that beefier look/slightly better performance

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