BFG KM2 255/85/16 Discontinued, What do I do Now???
- Thread starter Flank
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This sounds to me like Discount Tire discontinued stocking them? Anyone know a BFG rep so we can get the real skinny on the skinnies? I understand that 16" wheels are not on new vehicles much, but have a hard time believing that BFG would quit making this popular tire size.
Flank
American by Birth, Texan by the grace of God.
- Thread starter
- #23
I think its more a factor that Discount clears more tires, and thus does not keep the stock on the shelf as long. The guy from discount said he called Michelin directly to inquire. He did say that it appears the decision was made a while ago, and that if I found em anywhere, they might be older, but that could just be the salesman in him trying to get me to settle with the 285s. I'll check the dates on them when I get mine.
I could easily see this as some sort of marketing move. Restrict what had previously been a flow to virtually anyone who wants to stock them, while making them available through a more exclusive dealer network. Take them upmarket a notch, so to speak. I've always been surprised at how easy they are to find at virtually any dealer (although you still gotta order them), considering they are a bit of a specialty tire -- really, most of this small family of BFG radial off-road tires is not exactly what you slap on the Buick, yet you can get them anywhere "Buick Smoothie 500s" are sold.
What I can't see is this particular size going out of production entirely. It's just too useful. They have to sell a ton of these compared to the several taller sizes where it's mandatory to lift to fit on virtually any vehicle they could be installed on.
What I can't see is this particular size going out of production entirely. It's just too useful. They have to sell a ton of these compared to the several taller sizes where it's mandatory to lift to fit on virtually any vehicle they could be installed on.
There is some promise for the future. In March they are releasing the KO2 in a 34x10.5x17 and hopefully the KM2s follow suit. I too, would hope for something in a 16 but as we know smaller rim sizes seem to be disappearing 
fireball
SILVER Star
I just called Tirerack and BFG and they confirmed this tire has been discontinued. Doesn't sound like a ploy, just they decided to stop making them. They also stopped making the 33/10.5/15 and the 285/75/17 in the KM2, which are 2 other pretty popular sizes in the Toyota world.
If someone has a contact at BFG I'd be interested to hear why this is happening.
You may still be able to call around and find the 255/85/16s from someone who has them sitting in stock, but I worry about buying a tire that won't be available anymore in case I need to replace it down the line.... Would rather have something readily available, especially considering the long trips we take.... disappointing news from BFG!
If someone has a contact at BFG I'd be interested to hear why this is happening.
You may still be able to call around and find the 255/85/16s from someone who has them sitting in stock, but I worry about buying a tire that won't be available anymore in case I need to replace it down the line.... Would rather have something readily available, especially considering the long trips we take.... disappointing news from BFG!
WTH is BFG thinking???
LFD2037
TEXAS LEXUS!
The thing is is that it's NOT a popular tire! Maybe on here but not elsewhere compared to all their other tires/sizes. Smart move on BFG's side I think.
Get beyond our borders and it's a rather more popular size, although I've got no idea how much the BFG is available elsewhere. Other folks sell bunches in this form-factor. People that really use what these vehicles are capable of on a daily basis because nothing else will do often run these sort of what we consider to be narrow 33s. With all due respect, wide tires are more about looks than performance, as there's very little actually gained by making a good tire 1" wider.
It's not like I can't see 285s on the truck, but I have to honestly say I will consider options other than BFG in the future simply because I very much prefer this aspect ratio tire over wider 33s. That's a nearly 40 year relationship I'm suddenly second-guessing. It's kinda like you thought you and your wife had a great marriage and she's just told you she's planning on running off with the pool boy...
LFD2037
TEXAS LEXUS!
Don't get me wrong, I'm not a fan of wider-than-necessary tires. I always ran 33x10.5x15 in the past but then again, it wasn't that popular of a size due to people wanting the wide balloon looking tires, which I don't like.
345/75-16 KM2s on national backorder with no scheduled production for the next 45 days. I was told the wait could be over a year. They won't produce any unless they have enough orders in.
I find "wider-than-necessary" to be necessary....
fireball
SILVER Star
They stopped making the 33x10.5x15 too. That's probably a more popular tire than the 255/85/16. I'm pretty surprised by this.
Between our 3 vehicles we have 15 BFGs! I'm now looking elsewhere for new shoes for the BJ74, no interest in wide tires for that truck.
Between our 3 vehicles we have 15 BFGs! I'm now looking elsewhere for new shoes for the BJ74, no interest in wide tires for that truck.
fireball
SILVER Star
Where?
BFG says they stopped making them on January 15, and neither discount tire or tire rack have any in stock or any available.
BFG says they stopped making them on January 15, and neither discount tire or tire rack have any in stock or any available.
NTB
I find "wider-than-necessary" to be necessary....
Wide tires do sell more parts...
Nothing wrong with a little American excess, though, and I understand why wide is preferable for many. They just like them for all kinds of reason, good and just because...just that's it's a fact other places people tend to be in the position of doing more with less. That's why the skinnies find favor. They do the job while sparing extra expense.
I'm all about American Excess.....
Always thought the 255-85 16 size was popular with the dually truck guys here in NA as well as the fleet vehicles that see rugged duty. But as new work trucks have moved on to 17" or 18" wheels to fit larger breaks the need to manufacture the 16" size diminishes.
Maybe the one situation where wider is better is rock crawling, that no sane person in a third world country would undertake out of fear of breaking their precious vehicle.
Maybe the one situation where wider is better is rock crawling, that no sane person in a third world country would undertake out of fear of breaking their precious vehicle.
I believe I bought the last two 255/85-16 KM2's that tirerack had! I found a new pair locally a guy bought for the front of his dually and never mounted. Bought 2 more from tirerack. When I ordered it said less than 3 available. After I ordered it came up 0 available! I may have gone with a different tire had I known they were going to be discontinued. I hope I never have to replace one.
