Best All Terrain Tire - KO2 vs ST Maxx vs ???

I had two sets of 265/75R16 Duratracs on a Tacoma and Ford Ranger. Only problem I had with the latest set I owned (for the last two years) they have been hard to keep balanced. They did seem quiet at first and road noise increased as they wore down but the balancing issue was my primary "complaint"

 

Duratracs hands down for mud and snow. I also heard about weak sidewalls but I ran a set on my 2009 in cactus and rock and never had an issue. When the BFGs wear out on my current truck I am going with Cooper Discoverer STs not the Maxx but plain ST. BFGs are OK but not Duratracs when it comes to mud and snow. The Coopers look to have a more open tread. The STs are available in Cs in a 265/75/16.

 

I am finding myself in the same situation when it comes to choosing a tire. I had the KOs on my 2014, and I hydroplaned several times during normal driving in the rain and through spots of standing water. Like you, I think it has soured my decision making process when it comes to looking at the new KO2s against the ST Maxx. While I do love the look of the KO2s, I think the ST Maxx is an equally aggressive tire but I have no experience with their performance. The ST Maxx thread on here also has glowing reviews of the tire, so that may be leaning my decision that way as well. Maybe I didn't search well enough, but I haven't found a specific thread with numerous great reviews of the KO2. Still, tons of folks are running them on their 2016 Tacos where as I have only seen a few 2016 Tacos with the ST Maxx.


As far as weight of the ST Maxx, aren't they slightly lighter than the KO2? Tread Depot lists the ST Maxx at 55 lbs (285/70/17) and the KO2 at 57 lbs for the same size. 2 lbs isn't much, but I will take all I can get! I admit that Tread Depot may not be the best source for the actual weight, but at least they list detailed specs for all the tires.

OP, have you come closer to making a decision yet?

 

I beat the heck out of the stockers today hunting in some rough AZ terrain on indian land.. they held up great so far. Secretly been hoping they'd bust so I have an excuse to the woman for $800 new tires

 

Just put a hole in the stockers.

...

Hitting a rock at 60+mph ...

Hey, now I know how to change a tire on the truck!

 

I want stt pro's!!! NOW!!

 

KO2 have my vote.. a very silent and comfortable well performing AT tire.. I love it.

 

ST Maxx get my vote. Just as quiet as the stockers. Good price. and have worked in every scenario I've had them in so far.

 

what about Michelin ltx at2

 

Got any pics to share of the ST Maxx on your truck?

 

i have owned both Cooper and BFGs (currently running the KO2s) and i dont think you can go wrong with either tire. i will say that i think the KO2s are wearing a little slower than my previous coopers. i havnt been able to really abuse the KO2s yet though like i did the Coopers. when i had my coopers and wheeled in sharp rocks they did great. i think the main reason i went with the KO2s over the stt max was availability at the time i needed new tires. KO2s can be at anywhere quickly where as the coopers had a long wait time. might be something to consider if you ever have a flat and need a quick replacement.

 

I just had some on my '01 4R and moved them over to my '06 Tacoma. I had them out at Big Bend Ranch in the snow and mud without any big problems. The tread cleaned out real easy even at low speeds. My only concern was the lack of sidewall protection and sharp rocks out there. I now am running KO2s again. I have not seen a difference in MPG with either vehicle between the two sets of tires.

 

I went from the stock 245/75/16 (Bridgestone/Firestone?) to the BFG Ko2 "E" load 265/75/16. No rubbing, excellent looks and traction, and a good ride that is not too noisy. A bit noisier than the stock tires, admittedly.

 

That is one good-looking truck!

 

Thanks! Your truck looks awesome!

 

thats what someone else thought too when they broke into it and busted 2 windows out, damaging a 3rd, and mangling the door frame. Its in the body shop right now

 

Damn that sucks. Hope the repairs work out well for you. Thanks again for posting up the pics.

 

Thank you. Should be done tomorrow, I haven't seen it since i dropped it off

 

Here are a couple more pics of them in the snow. Didn't not even have to engage 4wd