BFG KO3 275/70/18 on Trailhunter OEM wheels

[3rdRunner]

Your setup looks great, I have the underground color and going with similar color methods eventually. I have to balance out that 98% of my driving will be on highway with our 80 and 85 mph speed limits. But rock crawling three times a year in Colorado is definitely a concern for those sidewalls. I've watched so many professional tire reviews that my head is swimming. It's hard to balance out great highway handling, performance in rain and snow and rock crawling. I realize that three peak snowflake designation means nothing. My friends in Colorado lean towards Nokian. I've got a year to figure it out, going from Austin Texas to British Columbia and the Northwest Territory next summer, I've got some time.

Lol…I hear you. I was definitely hitting overload on the tire info spectrum myself.

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[Joestac]

@John2112 Not sure if you have seen the videos from DSTV, https://www.youtube.com/@drivingsports, but he put E load 265/70/18 Falken AT4Ws on his Land Cruiser First Edition and has done multiple cross country trips from TX > PNW and back again. He says they are great. I know different vehicle, but same chassis and engine. This is one reason why I am considering them for me when I switch. Or the D/E load KO3s, but I really think the AT4W is the better tire.

 

[John2112]

@John2112 Not sure if you have seen the videos from DSTV, https://www.youtube.com/@drivingsports, but he put E load 265/70/18 Falken AT4Ws on his Land Cruiser First Edition and has done multiple cross country trips from TX > PNW and back again. He says they are great. I know different vehicle, but same chassis and engine. This is one reason why I am considering them for me when I switch. Or the D/E load KO3s, but I really think the AT4W is the better tire.

I did see that, just not willing to go to e-load. Have been going through the tire rack reviews and The at4s were a bit iffy on stopping distance in ice and snow which is an issue. The 4Runner will remain completely stock with the exception of the tires so I don't have any heavy weight to contend with. So far I've only used sea loads in the last four off-roaders and have had good luck with no flats even when airing down. I've got a year before the long trip, lots more reviews to watch.

 

[3rdRunner]

Your setup looks great, I have the underground color and going with similar color methods eventually. I have to balance out that 98% of my driving will be on highway with our 80 and 85 mph speed limits. But rock crawling three times a year in Colorado is definitely a concern for those sidewalls. I've watched so many professional tire reviews that my head is swimming. It's hard to balance out great highway handling, performance in rain and snow and rock crawling. I realize that three peak snowflake designation means nothing. My friends in Colorado lean towards Nokian. I've got a year to figure it out, going from Austin Texas to British Columbia and the Northwest Territory next summer, I've got some time.

Wow - great road trip! That is going to be some fantastic country. I’m trying to get down to Big Bend in May and run Black Gap, but that kinda’ pales in comparison….

 

[John2112]

Wow - great road trip! That is going to be some fantastic country. I’m trying to get down to Big Bend in May and run Black Gap, but that kinda’ pales in comparison….

Big bend is awesome. Haven't taken the 4Runner there yet, but spent plenty of time out there in my old unreliable Jeep.

 

[Joestac]

@John2112 I watched that one too. I am probably going to drive myself crazy trying to decide between the two. The KO3 does have better reviews regarding stopping and rolling resistance, which is why I am leaning to those most days. I don't expect to see much snow in my life, but rain is always a concern. I will say that the AT3Ws on the Outback Wilderness have slid going around corner at very slow speeds, which does concern me when thinking of AT4Ws.

Edit: Forgot to add, I was impressed with how these SL Toyos did at Hidden Falls and on my trip to NM. Airing down to 20 both times, no issues at all.

 

[bobholthaus]

Why would a load range E affect gas mileage, other than increased weight? I will be towing a lot, so I want the stiffer sidewall.

It's a bummer that gas mileage isn't better. And, what front bumper center is that? I may want to add that exact unit (I want to have both white and amber light bars!)

EDIT: I have exclusively run KO2s on four different vehicles since about 2000. Literally for 26 years straight. I do love the longevity of the tires. I will say when they get worn though they get slippery in the rain. I have read that the KO3s have solved that. They are lousy in mud!! Spacing isn't far enough apart to shed mud.

 

[3rdRunner]

Why would a load range E affect gas mileage, other than increased weight? I will be towing a lot, so I want the stiffer sidewall.

It's a bummer that gas mileage isn't better. And, what front bumper center is that? I may want to add that exact unit (I want to have both white and amber light bars!)

 

[3rdRunner]

It’s the weight. That was my concern because my baseline MPG is not great…17-18. Bumper is ADD Stealth Center Mount.

 

[John2112]

It's all about the weight. Going from the stock tires, Toyo to the BF Goodrich will add 15 lb of weight per corner, this would be the result you could expect.

Acceleration & Braking: You will likely feel a more noticeable "sluggishness" when pulling away from stoplights and your braking distances will increase slightly.
Fuel Economy: Expect a more definitive drop in MPG—likely 2–3 MPG lower than what you’re seeing now.
Ride Stiffness: This will be the biggest shock. Moving from a C to an E rating means shifting from a relatively flexible sidewall to a very stiff, 10-ply carcass. On the highway, it will feel much firmer; however, for your off-roading, it provides the "bulletproof" protection you want against sharp rocks.
I'm not willing to compromise ride quality for being a little bit tougher off-road. I have a tire repair kit and a built-in air compressor and know how to use them so that's my insurance for issues.

 

[bobholthaus]

All great things to consider. Do they make a load range C in the KO2? I'll have to look into that.

So there just isn't a C in the KO3? Is it supposed to be coming? I have 37" KO2s on my Wrangler JL370; I'm walking outside now to see what load range they are!

 

[John2112]

All great things to consider. Do they make a load range C in the KO2? I'll have to look into that.

So there just isn't a C in the KO3? Is it supposed to be coming? I have 37" KO2s on my Wrangler JL370; I'm walking outside now to see what load range they are!

A good compromise would be ko3s in E rating.

 

[John2112]

A good compromise would be ko3s in E rating.

I meant d rating as the compromise. They are lighter than the e.

 

[bobholthaus]

I meant d rating as the compromise. They are lighter than the e.

I wondered what you meant. Does BFG make a KO2 or KO3 in D?

 

[bobholthaus]

My Jeep's 37s are load range D. That's what AEV spec'd

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