KO2s couldn't handle the 200 (1 Viewer)

[Hendlerj]

I usually benefit from the trove of wisdom here, so tonight I want to give back. If anyone is considering building their 200 and using it for real wheeling, you will need to choose tires.

The shop, which did an excellent job on my build last summer, recommended KO2s. I used them for a little more than a year, wheeling regularly in the summer and fall. I tore through three sidewalls. One of them left me flat on the trail. The other two rendered the tires unsafe for road use.

I don't think the KO2 can handle the weight of the 200 on challenging, rocky trails.

I have now switched to the Yokohama Geolander G003. After two days of hard wheeling, they show not so much as a scratch on the sidewall. They seem far stronger.

I will update if anything changes.

 

[04UZJ100]

But they can handle a Raptor jumping???

 

[Hendlerj]

But they can handle a Raptor jumping???

I guess it depends on what surface the raptor lands. If no sharp rocks impact the sidewall, it might be fine.

 

[Poop Bubbles]

What load rating are you running? LCs are pretty hefty, and they're outright pigs with armor/gear.

 

[John McVicker]

Personally im not fond of KO2’s. I’m a fan of KM3’s & its predecessor…however KO2’s should handle a LC 200…depending on which size you were using.

Mind sharing what size you were running please?

 

[bloc]

What kind of terrain was this happening on?

 

[dudemancool1904]

But they can handle a Raptor jumping???

Sure!

 

[Killacaviar]

Were they ELoad?

People have been beating on Ko2s under 200s since 2015!

 

[40Man]

I've trashed KO2s for many reasons, but durability is not one of them. An E rated KO2 is an excellent non-mud offroading tire.

 

[TomEf]

If you were killing sidewalls, you may have just been pushing an AT tire harder than an AT tire should really be pushed and would've had the same problem with any AT.

For what it's worth, I love my G003s. Expect to see a bit of tread chunking here and there. Soft compound, big lugs, heavy vehicle, and on rocks will do that.

 

[ryanCA]

I've trashed KO2s for many reasons, but durability is not one of them. An E rated KO2 is an excellent non-mud offroading tire.

Preach! Hallellulah!

I have had K02 for years, and beating on them on my 100/62/wifes 200 and my FJC, with 0 issues.

I have finally given them up, as they are loud as heck, and there are now better tires out there with newer technology.

 

[Hendlerj]

For the questions on size and load rating...

 

[Climbingnut]

I’ve had 2 sets of 8 KO2’s under my heavy VDJ200 and the caravan it tows over the past 8 years. I regularly run tires at 22 psi or lower as I spend a lot of time in the bush. Tires are 285/75R17 in E load range. Never had a side wall issue and I regularly work in rocks, roots, sand and acacia thorns. Within 3 yrs, the tread will be trashed, but never the sidewalls. Only had 3 punctures in that time. 2 center tread, and one recently had a big thorn hit at the edge of tread. All were quickly patched with tire plugs or in the case of the thorn, I pulled the tire and did an interior patch. I’m certainly of the opinion that 200’s that are kitted for off-road will need an E load range tire. Anything less won’t handle the weight.

My VDJ79 DC has C load range Grabber X3’s which are about 2.5 yrs old. While also kitted, it’s overall lighter than the VDJ200. Tread is also trashed, side walls are good, and tread has loads of cracks between remaining tread blocks. Won’t do them again @ $500/tire… Way too expensive for what one gets in traction and longevity. Will stick with BFG. Either KO3 or HD/KM.

 

[Hendlerj]

For questions on the terrain involved, here is a buddy's rig on a trail that did in one of the sidewalls...

 

[Hendlerj]

I will say that I run KO2s on my FJ47 and have had zero issues with those tires. I am not saying it is a bad tire. I am saying I think the 200 is too heavy for the tire on very rocky and narrow terrain.

 

[CharlieS]

I've had great luck with BFG KO2s on two different 200s. They are fine for mixed use including mid/hard offroad, (and suck in mud). I've run them in challenging offroad trails in Breckenridge and Moab. I've never damaged a sidewall on them. I prefer a mud tire on my dedicated offroad rig (80 series).

 

[Hendlerj]

What load rating are you running? LCs are pretty hefty, and they're outright pigs with armor/gear.

Mine is definitely a pig with armor and gear.

 

[Poop Bubbles]

E rated KO2s are tough as s***. Maybe evaluate where you are putting your tires next time you are out. I've abused a lot of vehicles on KO2s and have never worn out a sidewall. I have had sidewall punctures, yes. My guess is unless you change your habits, you will have the same issue with any other tire.

I'd also suggest learning about load ratings and how they work, frankly I hate E rated because they don't flex at all. C might be too light on a 200 series. They do make them in D.

 

[Hendlerj]

E rated KO2s are tough as s***. Maybe evaluate where you are putting your tires next time you are out. I've abused a lot of vehicles on KO2s and have never worn out a sidewall. I have had sidewall punctures, yes. My guess is unless you change your habits, you will have the same issue with any other tire.

I'd also suggest learning about load ratings and how they work, frankly I hate E rated because they don't flex at all. C might be too light on a 200 series. They do make them in D.

In a year, I will advise how many sidewalls I have ruined on the Geolanders. You have punctured sidewalls. That is what I am talking about in this thread. I am not talking about wearing them out. I am talking about the ability of the sidewall to hold up an armored 200 and rub against a sharp rocks and not be damaged. I am told the Geolanders are stronger and my very limited experience of two days supports that. Time will tell. If someone wants a quieter ride and is mostly on pavement, the KO2 will be great. I was giving feedback for a very specific use case.

 

[stonepa]

Preach! Hallellulah!

I have had K02 for years, and beating on them on my 100/62/wifes 200 and my FJC, with 0 issues.

I have finally given them up, as they are loud as heck, and there are now better tires out there with newer technology.

Never had any issues with durability or noise but maybe I am deaf. Been running BFGs in many forms under Land Cruisers since 1987. Always Load Range E. Even after many miles /years on Death Valley rock knifes, no issues.