I'm looking at new tires for my 09 LC and wanted to see what everyone thinks about BFG KO2 vs Falken Wildpeak A/T3W's. Most of my driving is on pavement.
Thanks in advance.
Ron W
Thanks in advance.
Ron W
New Tires BFG vs Falken (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter Ronwed
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BFGs are solid.
For pavement neither, why are you looking at these 2? I’ve run K02s for 5 summers and they are not a good pavement tire, They get loud, lower mpg, not great in the rain, not great in the snow, scary on ice. I off road often in the summer and would not have bought a 2nd set this spring if other options were available at the time when I needed summer tires. Can’t speak to the WP.
I've ran Falken AT3W on three different trucks now and love them. Great all-around tire. 3PMS. Great in snow and wet. Expecting them to behave like a dedicated snow tire or a highway tire is not realistic for any AT. They're the jack of all trades, expect some compromises. Most 'overlanders' spend the majority of time on pavement. Unless you have a dedicated trail rig that's just part of life. An AT is the correct solution.
My choice of Falken over BFG was based upon a test from years ago that showed the Falken really excelled at moderate off-road terrain. I tried them and stuck with them based upon my experience. They balance well, wear well, and have never had an issue (no chunking, no flats, to uneven wear). I know of a number of people who are equally happy with the BFG. It's also a great solution. Either one will serve you well, both are great. Don't get lost in the details or in the one-off stories of problems. Also remember that users who just spent $1,000-$1,500 will claim that their brand is the best thing ever and that everything else is junk. Don't listen to it. Buy a main-line brand (Toyo, Falken, BFG, General, Goodyear, etc.) and go drive the heck out of them.
Two cautions: Don't buy cheap Chinese tires and be sure of the weight class. Some sizes are only available in an E. If you have a light truck currently with C-rated tires you may be disappointed with ride quality. Conversely, if you run rocky terrain and sidewall strength is paramount then go with an E and compromise on the ride. Getting size, tread type, and class correct is way more important than brand. I guess a third caution is to buy from someone who will stand behind the tire. I use America's Tires (nee Discount Tires) exclusively because they're everywhere and big enough to eat a problem if needed. A corner tire store will be much less willing to swap out a set if they're bad. I'd also warn against Les Schwab (if they're in your region). Schwab used to be the gold standard but they've had to cheapen their product to make up for high operational costs.
I'm currently running Duratracs on the the 200. Not something I sought after, they were 'free' OE takeoffs from the Ram so I figured why not use them. Turns out they're great! A bit more noisy than the AT3W due to the wider tread blocks. Definitely a more aggressive look. Don't know that I would buy them over the AT3W when it's time for new rubber, but my point is there are a lot of great tires out there these days. Don't view the process as super-critical that you get the perfect brand. There is no perfect brand.
Slightly off-topic, but this is a great read regarding how tread pattern, width, and diameter interact with fuel economy.
Lastly, regarding winter weather... your best tool is an air compressor. I don't know how many people I've seen in trouble on white roads with good tires but at highway pressure. Airing down (both on white and on trail) makes such a huge difference, yet so few people take the time to do it correctly.
My choice of Falken over BFG was based upon a test from years ago that showed the Falken really excelled at moderate off-road terrain. I tried them and stuck with them based upon my experience. They balance well, wear well, and have never had an issue (no chunking, no flats, to uneven wear). I know of a number of people who are equally happy with the BFG. It's also a great solution. Either one will serve you well, both are great. Don't get lost in the details or in the one-off stories of problems. Also remember that users who just spent $1,000-$1,500 will claim that their brand is the best thing ever and that everything else is junk. Don't listen to it. Buy a main-line brand (Toyo, Falken, BFG, General, Goodyear, etc.) and go drive the heck out of them.
Two cautions: Don't buy cheap Chinese tires and be sure of the weight class. Some sizes are only available in an E. If you have a light truck currently with C-rated tires you may be disappointed with ride quality. Conversely, if you run rocky terrain and sidewall strength is paramount then go with an E and compromise on the ride. Getting size, tread type, and class correct is way more important than brand. I guess a third caution is to buy from someone who will stand behind the tire. I use America's Tires (nee Discount Tires) exclusively because they're everywhere and big enough to eat a problem if needed. A corner tire store will be much less willing to swap out a set if they're bad. I'd also warn against Les Schwab (if they're in your region). Schwab used to be the gold standard but they've had to cheapen their product to make up for high operational costs.
I'm currently running Duratracs on the the 200. Not something I sought after, they were 'free' OE takeoffs from the Ram so I figured why not use them. Turns out they're great! A bit more noisy than the AT3W due to the wider tread blocks. Definitely a more aggressive look. Don't know that I would buy them over the AT3W when it's time for new rubber, but my point is there are a lot of great tires out there these days. Don't view the process as super-critical that you get the perfect brand. There is no perfect brand.
Slightly off-topic, but this is a great read regarding how tread pattern, width, and diameter interact with fuel economy.
Lastly, regarding winter weather... your best tool is an air compressor. I don't know how many people I've seen in trouble on white roads with good tires but at highway pressure. Airing down (both on white and on trail) makes such a huge difference, yet so few people take the time to do it correctly.
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Falken ATW3 C load range, have been awesome on our 4Runner for the past 30k miles and show minimal tread wear, are quiet, confident in both wet and snowy conditions.
Currently running REVO3's E rating on the LC200 and they seem to be a decent AT road tire, though I plan to swap them out shortly for the
LT285/75R17 121/118S E once I move to the 17" RW
Currently running REVO3's E rating on the LC200 and they seem to be a decent AT road tire, though I plan to swap them out shortly for the
LT285/75R17 121/118S E once I move to the 17" RW
Found them to be great in TX
. Not sure about ice or rain.
If you are planning to ever drive in icy conditions, avoid the BFGs. The Falken are great on ice (for an AT), and also perform great in other conditions.
The KO2 is an older tire, and the compound and tread on the Falken is more modern. Tons of tire threads on this forum that discuss this.
The KO2 is an older tire, and the compound and tread on the Falken is more modern. Tons of tire threads on this forum that discuss this.
I believe both the KO2 and Falken AT3W came out in 2016. The BFG guy at Expo said there is a KO3 in testing now.
As far as ice, I travel with a guy on KO2s and we notice zero difference between the performance of my truck on AT3W and his on KO2. Different weights, different sizes but neither have poor behavior. To say KO2s are bad on white roads is not what I've experienced at all.
The only problem I've ever had on ice was on a set of Cooper ST/Maxx. It was on an urban bridge that was banked on a corner. Traffic stopped, as did I. Then we all started sliding laterally until stopped by a curb on the low side. I was not aired down. The Cooper also wasn't a 3PMS and has large tread blocks, more like an RT than an AT.
As far as ice, I travel with a guy on KO2s and we notice zero difference between the performance of my truck on AT3W and his on KO2. Different weights, different sizes but neither have poor behavior. To say KO2s are bad on white roads is not what I've experienced at all.
The only problem I've ever had on ice was on a set of Cooper ST/Maxx. It was on an urban bridge that was banked on a corner. Traffic stopped, as did I. Then we all started sliding laterally until stopped by a curb on the low side. I was not aired down. The Cooper also wasn't a 3PMS and has large tread blocks, more like an RT than an AT.
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I almost pulled the trigger on the KO2s but now I am rethinking it noise-wise. I currently have the stock Dunlops on and while they are dead quiet I really don't like them at all. It feels like I am driving in 2 ft of maple syrup all the time. I increased the pressure a couple lbs but still not really any improvement. I am considering a nitto terra or toyo at3 .... anyone have any suggestions? I am not going to modify with spacers or anything, want to keep as-is.
We are talking about putting them on a 200 Series Land Cruiser, correct? I am an old guy, but I cannot hear my KO2s anymore than I could hear my OE Dunlops. These are luxury cars with a lot of sound proofing - not Jeep Wranglers. More than likely you will be well pleased with your choice for the middle of OR.
Tires are personal preference and usually people stick with what has worked for them - in my case after years of trial and error, BFG. I was disappointed they stopped making the KM3 in 275/70/18, but the KO2s work and haven't left me stranded. Plus they stay beaded up when aired down fairly low. Glad to hear in a previous post that a KO3 may be available when it's time to re-up.
I’m looking at the Revo3. How is the noise, feel, balancing and overall impression of them on the highway? What size are you running? Thanks
There are a lot of assumptions and lore out there. KO2s are not noisy compared to other ATs, though any AT will have more road noise than a stock highway tire. And all tires get noisier as they age. Nitto has been owned by Toyo since 1979. If you look at the two side-by-side they are very similar.
The one thing I will say about the AT3W over the KO2 is tread depth. I believe the AT3W is 19/32 and the KO2 is 15/32, both with a similar treadlife warranty. So you have a slightly larger tire to begin with in the Falken. I do believe this is indicative of a slightly softer rubber compound in the AT3W and with that comes pros/cons. Again, I'd hitch my wagon to either. Both are really nice sets of rubber. Just a data point.
The one thing I will say about the AT3W over the KO2 is tread depth. I believe the AT3W is 19/32 and the KO2 is 15/32, both with a similar treadlife warranty. So you have a slightly larger tire to begin with in the Falken. I do believe this is indicative of a slightly softer rubber compound in the AT3W and with that comes pros/cons. Again, I'd hitch my wagon to either. Both are really nice sets of rubber. Just a data point.
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Feedback from those who have run several tires is really useful! The confounding factor is compounds and tread design are evolving quickly, and newer models take time to enter the zeitgeist and get enough miles to have more than anecdotal reference.
My personal experience, running P, AT, and RT on a 200
P - Lattitude HP, ATX - fine. Latitude for some reason were noisy. I didn't really like any of the P or HT tires. Was forever paranoid offroad of flats and couldn't air down effectively.
AT - Kenda AT (a mild AT)- same noise level as P, slightly more competent in more situations, never left me stuck or stranded. Felt like on the margin grip wasn't there for offroad.
RT - Duratrac, Kenda RT - My happy place. slightly more noise than AT/P, but lots of traction everywhere, including light mud and snow.
MT - haven't run them yet. Probably will dabble in the Yoko MT or Razr MT on the next go around if I can find a size I like.
My personal experience, running P, AT, and RT on a 200
P - Lattitude HP, ATX - fine. Latitude for some reason were noisy. I didn't really like any of the P or HT tires. Was forever paranoid offroad of flats and couldn't air down effectively.
AT - Kenda AT (a mild AT)- same noise level as P, slightly more competent in more situations, never left me stuck or stranded. Felt like on the margin grip wasn't there for offroad.
RT - Duratrac, Kenda RT - My happy place. slightly more noise than AT/P, but lots of traction everywhere, including light mud and snow.
MT - haven't run them yet. Probably will dabble in the Yoko MT or Razr MT on the next go around if I can find a size I like.
285/65/18 E I believe this is correct, these are the current size offered, I will double check them.
Noise is nonexistent IMO, but my other Yotas all have varying degrees of road noise from loud to quiet, FJ Cooper St PRO's, 4Runner AT3W's, LC200 Revo3
The AT3W's I'm considering are 33.9" and my only concern is what I've read here about the KDSS potential rubbing issues
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- #16
Thanks for the info. I am running KO2s that were a "take offf" and almost new, but they are definitely louder and rougher than the Michelin's I used before.
KO2s on ice are fun. As in Type 3 fun. As in ‘we are now going backwards on the freeway at 60 mph’ fun. That’s why i have a set of Blizzaks on rims for winter.
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New Michelin tire that was brought up a week ago!
What size?
My stock sized Load Range D KO2 have been great even with age. The only negative is the declining MPGs. I am at 42k miles. Very quiet even now. See my thread with my Apple Watch measuring interior noise. No change in noise at all from mile 1 to mile 42,000.
Due to MPGs and less off-roading, I am thinking of getting something more mild.
