KO3's vs Falken AT/4's (1 Viewer)

[nor_cal_cyclist]

New Icon Vector 5's arrived yesterday and just waiting for my lug nuts, before swapping out my wheels/tires.

Any thoughts or opinions on KO3's vs Falken AT/4's for an overweight 200 that lives in the Tahoe/Sierra area, so snow performance (both deep and packed) is a priority? Leaning toward the Falkens for something different (had KO2's for past 5 yrs), but unsure. Not that it matters, but 285/75-17's in load range E.

TIA!

 

[sedole]

I am considering both of those options for my next tire as well when my current set of KO2 wears out, but leaning towards the KO3. From what I've been reading, the AT4W gives up some packed snow performance compared to the AT3W but makes gains in the off road department. The KO3 gains packed snow performance over the KO2 but maybe less off road?

I've had both KO2 and AT3W on my LX. And on other vehicles in the past. Total of 3 sets of KO2s and 2 AT3Ws. I've always felt that the AT3Ws kind of let me down in deep snow off road compared to the KO2s. That's not to say they they're bad, better than others I'd say. Just not as good as the KO2. Packed snow performance was similar with the slight edge to the AT3W. The friends I wheel with have similar personal experience with these two tires. I'd imagine this relationship is now flip-flopped with the updates. That being said, probably can't go wrong with either. For mostly road driving I'd probably take the KO3.

 

[TLC2013]

Here's a solid review of the two. I really like this YouTube channel.



Another strong contender I'd consider if there isn't any rock crawling happening with your cruiser would be the firestone xt. In size lt285/75r17 it weighs sub 54 pounds and is a load range D. Should make for a more comfortable ride.

Destination XT Tire | Firestone Tires

The Firestone Destination X/T is a light truck and SUV tire built tough to give you proven traction and durability you can count on anywhere.

www.firestonetire.com

 

[TLC2013]

This tire rack review had the Falken coming out on top of the k03 in every test performed.

https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests/testDisplay.jsp?ttid=337

 

[sedole]

Interesting results from the tire rack review. In the objective results the KO3 had much better braking and acceleration in snow. But in ice the tables flip and the AT4W was way better. The AT4W also put down a better lap time in snow than the KO3. Both are probably good options. I run true winter tires during the winter here in CO since I ski a lot. Living in the Tahoe area I'd probably do the same.

 

[Freestyle1]

I've been reading through the various thread comparing Toyo Open Country vs Falken WildPeak and other comparisons.
I have seen numerous comments regarding off road experience, however I am looking for, curious about towing experiences.

Owning a 2018 F150 3.5 ecoboost, with air bag suspension support and tow a travel trailer GVWR 6,000lbs. Looking for comments on sway, road noise, balance issues etc. I am also looking at the Nitto Terra Grappler for comparison.

All in the 275/R65 R18 E rated.
Thanks for your feedback.

 

[nor_cal_cyclist]

I've been reading through the various thread comparing Toyo Open Country vs Falken WildPeak and other comparisons.
I have seen numerous comments regarding off road experience, however I am looking for, curious about towing experiences.

Owning a 2018 F150 3.5 ecoboost, with air bag suspension support and tow a travel trailer GVWR 6,000lbs. Looking for comments on sway, road noise, balance issues etc. I am also looking at the Nitto Terra Grappler for comparison.

All in the 275/R65 R18 E rated.
Thanks for your feedback.

Consider starting a new thread instead of hi-jacking mine?

 

[open country]

I run the Falken AT4 in 285/75/17 (Load Range C FWIW) on my daily Tundra and like them overall. They are light relative to other brands, and I've had no complaints on pavement, gravel, and some hard pack mud/dirt. I do feel they're noisier than expected on the highway for a new AT tire, which my past BFG's were better about.

 

[AZLX570]

Seems like these tires are so close in performance (from testing) that if load ranges were the same, I'd pick whichever one is quieter/has better mpg. Seems like they might be pretty even on that as well...

At that point maybe it comes down to price (and looks if that matters).

 

[hoot504]

I’ll just say as someone who ran KO2s previously and just installed KO3s the transition has been seamless. Very happy with them so far.

 

[a4adam87]

Considered both options for my 200 and ended up with the ko3's largely because of weight. I believe the At4w's are around 4lbs heavier at each corner. That was the deciding factor for me. I did have ko2's on my other rig and served me well. So far the ko3's have been good on road and in some limited light snow driving. Have about 4,000's miles on the set.

 

[Possie Bugger]

i had a set of Falken AT3W (285/65/r18 E rated) that i got 80K miles on before some tread flew off one of them near a spot that had a plug repair. i had zero other issues. i rum Nokian Hakkas in the winter because winter temps here in Oregon often lead to a film of water on top of packed snow/ice and soft compound and siped tires perform better. i replaced the AT3Ws with the new AT4Ws in SL rating.

last winter i temporarily relocated to SLC and ran the Falkens all year. the tires were just fine on the grippier colder snow temps in UT. my son that lives in SLC also runs the AT4W on his Tacoma, after 4 years of running K02s. he likes the Falkens better, but saw a small hit to MPG. he spends a lot of time in Southern UT and said the falkens performed great down there. my other son runs the AT4Ws on his 4Runner year round (lives in Eastern WA) and has no complaints after switching from his previous Cooper STT Max.

one thing - the AT4W seems a bit wider than the AT3W. i dont have measurements to support the claim but my AT3Ws never rubbed and the AT4Ws do a little bit at full lock. it's minor and i havent worried about it so far. i have stock suspension with the OEM front spacer.

 

[Leelanau]

Perhaps the KO3’s are much improved...

I’ve been extremely impressed with Goodyear Territory AT’s on my Ram Trx. I’m on my second set. There wasn’t another 35” T rated AT to choose from, but I had no desire to switch.

Prior to the trx, I had a gen 1 Raptor for 11 years on KO2’s. Winter and rain traction is vastly superior to the K02’s. I know Goodyears get little respect on Mud, but I’m a fan.