Best LT AT Tires in 2025 (2 Viewers)

[Tex68w]

I've had a lot of friends and family run Falkens in the past and every single one of them swore them off after just one set. Funny wear, hard to keep balanced, short tread life, etc. I've been running BFG AT's since 2000 and I have always had better luck with them overall than the alternatives. I've loved the KO2's for the past 8+ years and I look forward to getting a set of KO3's next. I do really like the Toyo RT and RT Trail in larger sizes as well. The Nitto MT's and Ridge Grapplers I ran the past were just ok. But my vehicles will likely not ever see a Falken or Cooper tire.

 

[windnsea00]

They are the best "do it all" tire out there in my opinion.

I believe Lexus is running them on the GX550 Overtrail, and I do like that mine are built in Japan.

 

[Rednexus]

I've had a lot of friends and family run Falkens in the past and every single one of them swore them off after just one set. Funny wear, hard to keep balanced, short tread life, etc. I've been running BFG AT's since 2000 and I have always had better luck with them overall than the alternatives. I've loved the KO2's for the past 8+ years and I look forward to getting a set of KO3's next. I do really like the Toyo RT and RT Trail in larger sizes as well. The Nitto MT's and Ridge Grapplers I ran the past were just ok. But my vehicles will likely not ever see a Falken or Cooper tire.

Total opposite experience on mine. I replaced them at 45K and they were right on the OEM rated tread depth wear of 55K (around 5/32" left). Zero issues with wear (I rotated them at each oil change), and zero issues with balance other than when my wheels would occasionally throw a weight. They still had good off-road traction even at their end-of-life too. Also zero flats during that entire time and I wheeled a ton.

I also put a set of Falken Sinceras on our old Outback and had zero issues with them either. They performed about as well as the Michelin Defenders they replaced, but were substantailly cheaper (and were a ~60K tire instead of a ~70K tire).

 

[ericm979]

Here are my Falken Wildpeak AT3W in 265/70R17 at stock ride height.

I love that blue color.

That's the Alabama Hills isn't it? And I think the peak on the right is Mt Whitney.

 

[rav8]

I've had a lot of friends and family run Falkens in the past and every single one of them swore them off after just one set. Funny wear, hard to keep balanced, short tread life, etc. I've been running BFG AT's since 2000 and I have always had better luck with them overall than the alternatives. I've loved the KO2's for the past 8+ years and I look forward to getting a set of KO3's next. I do really like the Toyo RT and RT Trail in larger sizes as well. The Nitto MT's and Ridge Grapplers I ran the past were just ok. But my vehicles will likely not ever see a Falken or Cooper tire.

Total opposite experience on mine. I replaced them at 45K and they were right on the OEM rated tread depth wear of 55K (around 5/32" left). Zero issues with wear (I rotated them at each oil change), and zero issues with balance other than when my wheels would occasionally throw a weight. They still had good off-road traction even at their end-of-life too. Also zero flats during that entire time and I wheeled a ton.

I also put a set of Falken Sinceras on our old Outback and had zero issues with them either. They performed about as well as the Michelin Defenders they replaced, but were substantailly cheaper (and were a ~60K tire instead of a ~70K tire).

All of these tires are at roughly the same price point and performance with some differences. I like Falkens for the same reason I like Toyotas...performance and reliability.

I strayed once in over 20 years with a set for a domestic (99' Ford Expedition on Cooper AT3s) and around 30k I had belt seperation on two tires. Now the suspension probably needed work and the shop doing the work wasn't the one I use now...but those factor in to the ride quality/life of any tire. Sometimes we have bad luck and though I don't fault Cooper...I'll never go back.

When you find the tire that is right for you (and the shop that can correctly mount and balance it) life just gets easier.

 

[K Dub]

I love that blue color.

That's the Alabama Hills isn't it? And I think the peak on the right is Mt Whitney.

Thanks.

You're half right. It's Alabama Hills, but that's Lone Pine Peak on the right, Whitney is further back and out of frame.

 

[K Dub]

Sweet shot! But is it me, or is your wife flipping you off? My wife feels more or less the same way when I say, "Can we pull over here so I can spend 15 minutes getting the perfect shot of the GX?"

Just Kidding. I never ask. I just tell her I need to check something on the rig.

It's my daughter, and she's flipping you off.

 

[Cold Iron]

Here are my Falken Wildpeak AT3W in 265/70R17 at stock ride height.

I've been really happy with these tires for about 4.5 years, and 45k miles. Great road manners and amazing grip off-road and in snow. I've had a handful of punctures in the city from hardware left on the ground, but never any issues on the trail. Bear in mind that this specific tire is no longer available and I can't vouch for the updated AT4W.

I'm committed to trying the Toyo next, because variety is the spice of life and my truck needs to lose weight almost as much as I do. But I think the Falkens are the best tire I've ever run, including a bunch of KO2s on previous rigs.

My 2013 Taco Baja T|X came with BFG KO when they went to the KO2s they stopped making them in 16 inch so had to change tires. One reason I buy 5 tires at a time and make sure the spare fits and goes into rotation. I'm not dealing with a swing out or alternate tire carrier they are a PITA at least to me. Never did find another tire as good as the original KO and tried several. Until the Wildpeak AT3W on the GX.

The dealer had put brand new Michelin LTX on it and the ass end slid sideways pulling into the driveway on the first snow.

Good reason to upgrade tires and downsize wheels so went with TRD Pro post SEMA 17" wheels on Black Friday sale and had my local 4x4 shop order a set of Wildpeak AT3W tires I use them for most things instead of the large chains.

Couldn't be happier they are as good as the original KOs were and even better on ice. Tried a lot of tires over the years Destination, Scorpions, etc. and the AT3W are the best I have ever had. Or at least as good as the original Michelin LTX tires were. When I first retired from the Navy did consulting gig for Michelin North American HQ in Greenville, SC and they liked the job well enough that they gifted me a set of the original Michelin LTX tires.

When it is time to replace the AT3W not sure which way I will go, the AT4W are heavier by a good bit. But not ruling them out after a year I'm extremely pleased with the Wildpeaks it is my first time with Falken. Only drive ~10K a year so that is hopefully a ways off yet.

 

[r2m]

Thanks.

You're half right. It's Alabama Hills, but that's Lone Pine Peak on the right, Whitney is further back and out of frame.

A lot of folks confuse Mt. Whitney's peak for one of the ones in the forefront. When looking at it, Whitney actually looks shorter, only because it's behind the nearer peaks. I put together a team and climbed Whitney around 2005 and was supposed to do it again two years later, but the second time I had some foot issues and couldn't joint the team.
It's awe inspiring when you're at the summit of Whitney and looking down thinking that you are now at the very highest peak in the lower 48, being able to look down and see the lowest point in North America (Death Valley) at the same time.

 

[HVLA]

Mickey Thompson Baja Boss.

 

[Banandalorian]

Got a sidewall flat, got 48K on my KO2's. KO2's are about to be discontinued. Guess I should probably get a new set. I hate to ask, as the only thing more debated over here is "should I use premium gas"... but here we go... (deep inhale)

What tires do you guys think are the best LT AT tires for the trail in 2024?

If we are talking off road performance I think the Mickey Thompson Baja Boss is the hands down winner. The GX is my daily and I've been running the Mickey Thompsons since February. The performance on road is great in wet and dry, though I haven't had them in winter weather yet. The performance off road is silly - I keep doing things where I assume I'll have to winch and the tires just stick/churn through and go.
The compromise is road noise. They are louder than most of the popular ATs but its only noticeable if you are keen on NVH. It's not like a mud tire.

 

[WTITW]

Why not just run KO3s if you like the KO2s?

Only available in E load rating in 265’s. C-load listed as 2025. Will try to hold out or likely go wildpeaks. Road manners are a big consideration since I commute. 14mpg is bad enough.

 

[Rednexus]

C-load K03s - in 285/70R17 - actually have the same weight rating and max pressure as a SL-rated Wildpeak, but they are 4# heavier than a Wildpeak. That as the deciding factor that put me back into another set of Wildpeaks instead of trying the KO3s. Their SLs are heavier and more robust than a set of Toyo or Baja Boss SLs - more like a C - but lighter than the true C-rated tires from those manufacturers.

Conversely, the C-rated Wildpeaks in 285 weigh a whopping 65# with the Duraspec sidewall.....in which case it would be hard to pick them over a set of KO3s. 12# per tire is a big price to pay for a beefy sidewall considering that the SL sidewalls perform well. Or 8# per tire more than the K03.

Going from a 46# to a 54# tire definitely caused a reduction in braking performance that I fixed with better pads.

 

[K Dub]

A lot of folks confuse Mt. Whitney's peak for one of the ones in the forefront. When looking at it, Whitney actually looks shorter, only because it's behind the nearer peaks. I put together a team and climbed Whitney around 2005 and was supposed to do it again two years later, but the second time I had some foot issues and couldn't joint the team.
It's awe inspiring when you're at the summit of Whitney and looking down thinking that you are now at the very highest peak in the lower 48, being able to look down and see the lowest point in North America (Death Valley) at the same time.

It's a loooong way down.

Get some E rated boots if you're going up there. My buddy skimped on the LT Merrill hiking boots and paid for it. Gotta have that sidewall strength for your ankles.

What were we talking about about again?

 

[Banandalorian]

Get some E rated boots if you're going up there. My buddy skimped on the LT Merrill hiking boots and paid for it. Gotta have that sidewall strength for your ankles.

What were we talking about about again?

Gotta put your crocs in sport mode for a hill like that

 

[Rednexus]

What's the elevation gain and level of scrambling required on Whitney? I've done a few 14ers in CO but would love to bag the highest in the lower 48 as well.

I also wear SL rated boots . I've had heavier boots before and hate the added weight and heat. Those went back to REI.

 

[Cold Iron]

It's a loooong way down.

Get some E rated boots if you're going up there. My buddy skimped on the LT Merrill hiking boots and paid for it. Gotta have that sidewall strength for your ankles.

What were we talking about about again?

I believe it was E rated boots with sidewall strength for your ankles. You are onto something there. Mountaineering boots have always had stiff sidewalls since I can recall and the originals we used to call waffle stompers. Normally made in Italy and some of the best still are.

From the 70's until ~25 years ago I wore Vasque Sundowners everywhere. Then Red Wing who owns Vasque moved production to China and they went to hell in a handbasket. 8 years ago I rolled my ankle badly in the woods and ended up bone on bone grinding in my left ankle and now degenerative arthritis in it. Ended up at Mayo Clinic Sports Med and they build custom orthotics for me along with cortisone and platelet replacement therapy injections. My days of busting brush for 10-12 miles a day and side hilling are in my rear view mirror.

I can only get 5-6 miles a day in with the right boots. Which are Crispi mountain boots and only the models with A.B.S.S. Ankle Bone Support Support System. They are marketed to sheep, goat and elk hunters. I live in them all year and all day.

When the ankle gets really bad I will switch to Kenetrek Eversteps which are the Mountain Extreme with fiberglass ankle support braces developed for veterans with foot damage. They are considered durable medical equipment so get a pair once a year through insurance but the Kenetrek last doesn't fit my feet quite as well as the Crispi do. Close but not as good.

All of the above are made in Italy.

What's the elevation gain and level of scrambling required on Whitney? I've done a few 14ers in CO but would love to bag the highest in the lower 48 as well.

I also wear SL rated boots . I've had heavier boots before and hate the added weight and heat. Those went back to REI.

Took the FJ55 from Bremerton around the Sound to Seattle to join the REI Coop in 1980 it wasn't the flagship store then it was THE store.

Good wool socks with wicking socks under them help a lot with the heat even though it doesn't sound right it works. Can't help on the weight but eventually you get used to them at least I did. Rocker soles help also but they can take awhile to get used to them. Once I did love me some good rocker soles.

 

[Roody]

Only available in E load rating in 265’s. C-load listed as 2025. Will try to hold out or likely go wildpeaks. Road manners are a big consideration since I commute. 14mpg is bad enough.

If you're concerned about MPG then the Falkens are not the way to go. Those extra 10# per corner hurt more than you think.

 

[Rednexus]

I believe it was E rated boots with sidewall strength for your ankles. You are onto something there. Mountaineering boots have always had stiff sidewalls since I can recall and the originals we used to call waffle stompers. Normally made in Italy and some of the best still are.

From the 70's until ~25 years ago I wore Vasque Sundowners everywhere. Then Red Wing who owns Vasque moved production to China and they went to hell in a handbasket. 8 years ago I rolled my ankle badly in the woods and ended up bone on bone grinding in my left ankle and now degenerative arthritis in it. Ended up at Mayo Clinic Sports Med and they build custom orthotics for me along with cortisone and platelet replacement therapy injections. My days of busting brush for 10-12 miles a day and side hilling are in my rear view mirror.

I can only get 5-6 miles a day in with the right boots. Which are Crispi mountain boots and only the models with A.B.S.S. Ankle Bone Support Support System. They are marketed to sheep, goat and elk hunters. I live in them all year and all day.

I've logged thousands of miles in Lowa Renegades since 2011. Probably on my 5th pair at this point, and I replace them when the Gore-Tex develops holes and they start leaking. They are super-light, easy to break in, and enough ankle support to handle really rocky terrain around here as well as loaded, multi-day backpacking trips as well. They also do a good job in hot weather and my feet still stay warm when I'm hiking in the teens around here. In my late 20s and early 30s I'd knock out 20 mile days - often with a pack on - no problem. Now at 40 it's harder to find that much time to hike, but I still had no problems making it up a CO 14er a few weeks ago. I do use trekking poles exclusively, even when just day hiking, as they make a huge difference.

 

[GrizzlyClint]

I believe it was E rated boots with sidewall strength for your ankles. You are onto something there. Mountaineering boots have always had stiff sidewalls since I can recall and the originals we used to call waffle stompers. Normally made in Italy and some of the best still are.

From the 70's until ~25 years ago I wore Vasque Sundowners everywhere. Then Red Wing who owns Vasque moved production to China and they went to hell in a handbasket. 8 years ago I rolled my ankle badly in the woods and ended up bone on bone grinding in my left ankle and now degenerative arthritis in it. Ended up at Mayo Clinic Sports Med and they build custom orthotics for me along with cortisone and platelet replacement therapy injections. My days of busting brush for 10-12 miles a day and side hilling are in my rear view mirror.

I can only get 5-6 miles a day in with the right boots. Which are Crispi mountain boots and only the models with A.B.S.S. Ankle Bone Support Support System. They are marketed to sheep, goat and elk hunters. I live in them all year and all day.

When the ankle gets really bad I will switch to Kenetrek Eversteps which are the Mountain Extreme with fiberglass ankle support braces developed for veterans with foot damage. They are considered durable medical equipment so get a pair once a year through insurance but the Kenetrek last doesn't fit my feet quite as well as the Crispi do. Close but not as good.

All of the above are made in Italy.



View attachment 3733997
Took the FJ55 from Bremerton around the Sound to Seattle to join the REI Coop in 1980 it wasn't the flagship store then it was THE store.

Good wool socks with wicking socks under them help a lot with the heat even though it doesn't sound right it works. Can't help on the weight but eventually you get used to them at least I did. Rocker soles help also but they can take awhile to get used to them. Once I did love me some good rocker soles.

Thanks for the info. I need a good climbing / mountaineering boot with good ankle support that's not Chinesium. I've already got arthritis and I roll my ankles too easy as well.