Ride Quality: BFG KO2’s, 20 vs 18 vs 17” ?

[Madtiger]

Just want to share one tidbit: I asked Michelin exactly this topic regarding DEFENDER LT vs. P-metric. (BTW, Michelin is fantastic at answering your email questions!) According to Michelin rep regarding Defender, there is not much difference in SIDEWALL puncture resistance b/w LT and P-metric.

(For me, sidewall puncture is lethal and my main concern when i go off-road. You can fix a tread puncture on the trail but not a sidewall. And that is why i also want a matching size spare tire!)

Across different brands, there may be some significant differences. Obviously, KO2 sidewall is very strong with its 3-plies. BUT, some KO2's Load Range C have only 2-plies...so, be careful jumping to LT-C for KO2 (if available in your size).

Here is an old article about tires...and you can see how different OEMs have different sidewall strengths: https://www.4x4community.co.za/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=449956&d=1497265431

I wish that Goodyear Wranger AT Adventure with Kevlar comes in stock size for LC200...maybe a nice in-between b/w BFG KO2 and street tires? It has 2-ply sidewall but its DURAWALL technology makes it pretty strong.

 

[NMNORSSE]

If you are thinking about getting a new set of rims, how about factory tires for the street and a set of 18's" with the E rated KO2s for off roading. If you just got these KO2s you may be able to return them as some places give you a 30 day satisfaction guarantee.

Of course this wont work if your LX is a ranch truck with daily on and off road duties.

 

[TeCKis300]

Want to add that it's not universally true that all LT-E tires ride harsh. There's factors including tire, tire size, and fitment that can effect ride quality.

I have Falken AT3W 305/55r20 LT-Es (33.2") on my stock 20" wheels. At a gaijin approved 36psi. The ride is plush, and takes road stripes softer, with less impact harshness than my stock p-metric tires. Coworkers and friends riding in my car would not have any clue that it's anything but the plush stock Lexus ride. Only hint is the mild tire noise at higher freeway speeds, which only I'm aware of, as the ambient noise is still well below that of any normal car.

It rides soft enough that I actually prefer to use 38psi stock for better cornering and handling. When towing, I use 40psi, again for added stability. None of the elevated pressures are required as with 36psi, I have the full load carrying capacity of the tires I need.

I credit the softer ride to 2 things:
1) Falken AT3Ws are a better riding tire, with better NVH, than KO2s. This is my experience, as my brother has KO2s on his cruiser that I'm very familiar with (it was previously my car). It is also consistent with commentary that I read across the web.
2) Tires size/fitment. The wider tires I use has benefits to sidewall geometry that may help the ride. There is more curvature and bulge is sidewall profile, that helps attenuate road harshness as the curved sidewall more readily deflects. As apposed to narrower fitments on a wheel width that has the sidewall more for straight, square, and taut, that more readily transmits impacts. KO2s are also shaped with a more square shoulder vs AT3Ws, which could lend back to #1.

Comment on tire punctures. There’s many unsaid factors including rig weight, driving style, and inflation pressure. One of the best things to do is to air down appropriately to allow a tire to contort around sharp objects, rather than puncture. I do believe the KO2 may be incrementally stronger in this regard as it does use a stiffer rubber compound. Yet any AT tire is already going to have hugely more puncture resistance than a highway tire regardless of load rating.

 

[Whiskerz]

I believe I saw 17’s available in load C for KO2’s?

They are thanks to Jeep. Jeep specified a C range 285/70-17 for the Rubicon

 

[Madtiger]

They are thanks to Jeep. Jeep specified a C range 285/70-17 for the Rubicon

Be careful...THAT tire has a 2 ply sidewall. And there are stories of sidewall punctures on Jeep forums....

Personally, IF i did not need the 3-ply sidewall, then i would get Michelin Defender LT. I have converse with them (Michelin rep) enough that i feel confident in Defender's puncture resistance (for a road going tire). I have seen reviews and real-world use of this tire...and it is one tough ass tire (in LT)! This is my 2nd choice easily after KO2. I don’t go mudding...so, self-cleaning tread not important...but i want a strong puncture resistant tire.

 

[SWUtah]

BFG AT285 5520 this is what they look like I love them ride great. For some reason the 285 series is about $100 more per tire than a 275 Series but they have an inch wider tread

 

[eatSleepWoof]

For some reason the 285 series is about $100 more per tire than a 275 Series but they have an inch wider tread

It might appear an inch wider to the naked eye, but there should only be 10mm of difference in width.

 

[DaveInUtah]

Good call about the C rated 17’s.

Yeah, the best of both worlds would be to have two sets of tires, but it’s not practical for me to change them out every time I off-road

 

[DaveInUtah]

SWUtah looking good! I have the slightly bigger, slightly narrower 275 60 20’s. Wonder if the ride is any different, or handling, probably not I’d guess

 

[DaveInUtah]

HTH,

What pressure doyou recommend in my LT275 60 R20 119/116S D (KO2)?

Also, how doyou find the cornering characteristics of your 17 KO2’s?

Any advice for the proper offset if I end up buying 17 inch wheels?

Thanks,

 

[gaijin]

HTH,

1. What pressure doyou recommend in my LT275 60 R20 119/116S D (KO2)?

2. Also, how doyou find the cornering characteristics of your 17 KO2’s?

3. Any advice for the proper offset if I end up buying 17 inch wheels?

Thanks,

1. The RCTIP for those LT275/60R20 tires on your LX570 is 40psi F/R.

2. Cornering is exactly what I would expect from a 7,000 pound truck - lots of understeer, but no different from the stock P285/60R18's.

3. Toyota recommends a +50mm offset with the LT285/70R17 tires - link to the Toyota info sheet here: TOYOTA 07+Tundra/08+Sequoia/Land Cruiser (17”) ALLOY WHEEL (NOTE: on page 5 the inflation pressure should be 35psi, not 46psi on your LX570)

HTH

 

[SWUtah]

It might appear an inch wider to the naked eye, but there should only be 10mm of difference in width.

That’s not what it states on the BFG site it indicates that 285 are 1 inch wider tread width then the 275’s. Look it up yourself

 

[SWUtah]

SWUtah looking good! I have the slightly bigger, slightly narrower 275 60 20’s. Wonder if the ride is any different, or handling, probably not I’d guess

I have 20,000 miles on these and no indicated thread wear but I figure in another 60,000 miles I’m going to go with your size because it’s less expensive I think it’ll ride just as well if not better

 

[eatSleepWoof]

That’s not what it states on the BFG site it indicates that 285 are 1 inch wider tread width then the 275’s. Look it up yourself

The numbers 285 and 275 refer to the width of the tire, in millimetres. This is a consistent format across all tires and tire manufacturers. 285 - 275 = 10mm. No need to look anything up.

 

[DaveInUtah]

Thank you HTH!

 

[SWUtah]

The numbers 285 and 275 refer to the width of the tire, in millimetres. This is a consistent format across all tires and tire manufacturers. 285 - 275 = 10mm. No need to look anything up.

I’m not talking about the width of the tire I’m talking about the width of the tread. I bought mine BFG showed it as a 1 inch difference I’ll post tire rack they show it as 1/2 inch difference in tread width.

 

[nikramos]

View attachment 2234116
BFG AT285 5520 this is what they look like I love them ride great. For some reason the 285 series is about $100 more per tire than a 275 Series but they have an inch wider tread

Hands down the KO2s looks sexy compared to any other tires out there.

 

[Madtiger]

Hands down the KO2s looks sexy compared to any other tires out there.

They really are!

 

[Madtiger]

HTH

Just want to confirm...2019 stock LC with stock 18" rims. Size BFG KO2 285/60/18 Load Range D.

The pressure i am putting in is 46 psi. Correct psi?

 

[DaveInUtah]

HTH, so something like this is no good? I don't see +50 as an option on any TRD wheels

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