AT3W vs AT4W

[mcdermy]

I've been running K02s for the past 5 years on my 2016 LC and looking to replace them. I've liked them overall but would like something quieter if possible-trying to decide between the AT3W and AT4W.

Doing some research it seems like the AT3W's might be better for me than the AT4s but hoping to get some insight. I live in the bay area, with occasional trips to Tahoe and occasional off road for camping trips (no hardcore off-roading). So I'm mainly driving on roads but want good snow and basic offroad capabilities. I have 285/65/18.

From what I can tell the AT4's are more geared towards serious off-roading---as opposed to the AT3 which are more all around tires. But i'm open to either.

Any advice appreciated. Thanks

 

[deanblitzer]

There definitely was some changes to the tires and I think they sacrificed a little snow handling for more mud/off-road handling. Since the AT4s are 1-2 years old now you may have a harder time finding the AT3s and if you do, check the date code as the tires may already be 2+ years old. I loved the AT3s on my 100 series. I have KO2s on my 200 and I’m ready for something new. They are loud and traction is now lacking as they wear down. I’m seriously looking at the Nitto Terra Grappler G3s as an alternative but do love the AT3

 

[AZLX570]

Are the Falkens known for being quieter than K02? What about compared to the K03? Don't mean to hijack thread but many cross shop the BFG w/ Falkens.

 

[mcdermy]

Yes, I think most people agree the falkens are quieter than the KO2. The KO3s are supposedly an improvement over the KO2s but still not quieter than the Falkens.

Then I guess there’s the question of going SL or C.

 

[scottryana]

Everyone has opinions on tires but for your use case, Michelin Defender could be a win or if you want something a little more aggressive looking that still gives some capability off road the Nitto Terra Grappler G3s are a nice tire. I just put them on and have about 400 miles on them and notice very little if any noise increase over the Michelin's I had on previously. And a 275/75 18 is a nice light weight option.

 

[Arya Ebrahimi]

We run a lot of Falken's around here. We have AT3Ws on our 100, AT3Ws on my Super Duty and AT4Ws on the 200. Very pleased with all of them and haven't really noticed a big difference between the 3s and 4s. We only have ~1500 miles on the AT4Ws though.

 

[DRCocaCola]

We run a lot of Falken's around here. We have AT3Ws on our 100, AT3Ws on my Super Duty and AT4Ws on the 200. Very pleased with all of them and haven't really noticed a big difference between the 3s and 4s. We only have ~1500 miles on the AT4Ws though.

I've run Falken's exclusively for 8-10 years on multiple rigs over that time frame. I've got about 20,000 miles on my first set of AT4Ws and can report the same. Still very pleased and would not buy another brand and haven't noticed a difference from the AT3Ws off road or in snow.

The biggest difference I can report isn't between the 3 and 4 but rather switching from E to C range. Our current rig isn't as heavy as we've had in the past so I took a (small) chance on C range rather than our typical E range. We might have slightly more risk of a puncture but the ride quality is noticeably better. I never had a problem with the ride quality of the E range necessarily, but now that I've had the C range I'm sure I'd notice if I went back to E's.