New Falken A/T4W
- Thread starter TeCKis300
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It’s not so much about the make of tire as it is the rotational weight and diameter. Part of what makes tire reviews difficult is that it is rarely an apples to apples comparison. Even within just the AT4W line there are at least three different tires with the same name. You have Standard, HD, and Duraspec (and combinations of those) each with different construction and rubber compounds.
In my case, my previous Ridge Grapplers were LT285/65R18s, so 32.6 tall and 11.2” wide, and about 59 lbs per tire. The AT4Ws in LT285/70R18 LR C are a larger than spec at a full 34” tall x 11.5”w and weigh 69 lbs. That’s a huge jump in rotational weight and a high percentage of that weight is in the very wide and beefy tread 1.4” farther from center. So it takes much more torque to accelerate the AT4Ws in that size.
By comparison the LT275/70R18 E KO3s I replaced them with are advertised at 33.2x11” (but usually run small) and weigh 59 lbs per tire. They are the same weight and slightly taller and narrower than my RGs, so not much difference rotationally.
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I agree weight is a factor, although I'd wager the larger factor at play here is lost gearing with the larger overall diameter tire. I've been through enough wheel/tire packages and gears on this rig, and into almost 80lbs tires. Tire weight is not as significant as it's made out to be on these boards. Same with braking. It's the lost leverage and wheel torque that is the primary factor over rotational weight/inertia.
Get the gearing right, and the rig will still feel strong and tow like an ox, with heavy 35/37s.
I agree 100%! Thus my original comment about those tires really needing a regear I wasn’t quite ready to do. I think 33s are about the max I’d go on the 200 series without a regear.
Rock Warrior wheels with Fallken AT4W 285/70R17 SL installed today.
It's likely between these or the Michelin Defender LTX M/S2 when I next need tires. Both come in SL or XL load ratings for 285/65R18.
Other contenders are the Bridgestone Dueler Ascent in LT285/65R18 (E) (because they're relatively light for an LT) or the KO3 in LT285/65R18 when it comes out later this year in load range D.
I was considering the SL 285/65R18 Duratrac RT, but they didn't do very well in the new Tire Rack all-terrain comparison.
Other contenders are the Bridgestone Dueler Ascent in LT285/65R18 (E) (because they're relatively light for an LT) or the KO3 in LT285/65R18 when it comes out later this year in load range D.
I was considering the SL 285/65R18 Duratrac RT, but they didn't do very well in the new Tire Rack all-terrain comparison.
Bumping this up.
Considering these Falkens in 285/75/17 C load and comparing them to same size BFG KO3s E load.
Coming from 285/65/18 KO2 E load currently on the rig.
Considering these Falkens in 285/75/17 C load and comparing them to same size BFG KO3s E load.
Coming from 285/65/18 KO2 E load currently on the rig.
I got a pair in mid-2024 and have been very happy with them. 285/70R17, SL-load. I must have 15-20K miles on them now. Right after getting them my GX had a trip from MO to CO to wheel in the San Juans. Last summer we used the GX to haul our camper from MO all the way to Glacier NP and back. I've also done quite a bit of local towing (towing nearly 6,000#) and local wheeling (where we have lots of very sharp rocks).
Zero issues with the tires. Great traction and stability in all conditions (rain, snow, ice, mud, gravel, rock), and they are wearing well. When towing I run them at 51 psi (max on the sidewall), when wheeling they are as low as 15 psi. I would recommend them again, although I would suggest the SL if it is available in your size as it's quite a bit more robust than a typical SL (evidenced by the weight of the tire and 51 psi max pressure rating).
Zero issues with the tires. Great traction and stability in all conditions (rain, snow, ice, mud, gravel, rock), and they are wearing well. When towing I run them at 51 psi (max on the sidewall), when wheeling they are as low as 15 psi. I would recommend them again, although I would suggest the SL if it is available in your size as it's quite a bit more robust than a typical SL (evidenced by the weight of the tire and 51 psi max pressure rating).
I had the AT4's in that size/load on my Tundra and liked them, but they're 5lbs per tire heavier than the BFG's in E load which is interesting.
Thanks. Yes, looks like 63 vs 68 lbs per their spec sheets. Did you notice the 5lb per corner difference in weight? My rig is not regeared.
I did not run both in the comparison, I switched both wheel and tire from stock so it was weight and diameter differences. My only other note on the AT4 was a bit noisier than expected on smooth highway, but nothing unacceptable.