K02s on road performance?

KO2 are thee best! (nacho libre voice)

 

I wasn't trying to impugn any individual poster's tire tastes; just a general observation. Hell, to be frank I'd buy the tire I suggested.

I haven't seen many tests where A/T tires are compared against performance all-season tires, but I suspect that the A/T tires suffer greatly in terms of braking distance, lateral grip, comfort, noise, and fuel economy. The best A/T tire for highway usage is probably bottom of the pack when compared against performance all-seasons in those metrics.

The stock Goodyear Kevlars seem like a really good compromise on paper; like 15 lbs lighter than KO2s (big difference in acceleration/braking/fuel economy), acceptable for typical off-road usage (if it's super muddy, just install chains), etc. They just don't have that 'look' folks are after.

 

I'm sure any of these options people have listed will be just fine. If you don't mind paying a little more than the other options the KO2 is a great tire and you won't be kicking yourself for going with them. From the pictures that I've seen they look awesome in the TRD wheels

 

I got all spooled up about gettin some nice A/T tires. I was set on the KO2s but they only came in load range E which I haven't been able to get good reviews on because people always caveat their review with "for an A/T tire" (eg It's really quiet and comfortable...for an AT tire). That really doesn't help me compare it to the Goodyears it came with.

I decided to stick with the Goodyears. I really like them. I dont do heavy off-roading atm, so I dont need more aggressive tires. I mostly wanted them for the look, but I dont want to spend $1k to have a worse ride with terrible mpgs for looks.

Maybe in 60K I will switch to the BFG KO2s.

Side question: If you aren't off-roading, and you aren't buying them for looks, why else are you looking to get new tires? These Goodyears are smooth, quiet, and capable (in my experience with slightly sketchy fireroads).

 

I have Yokohama Geolander AT 285/70/17 on mine and they feel like the OEM tires. Only a slight road noise at freeway speeds but its not noticeable. Buddy at the tire shop has them on his silverado and he said they do just fine for minor off road (gravel, dirt, sand, etc) but if you're looking to go on trails, get something beefier.

I prefer a clean looking truck over a Parade Float. Too much of a lift and fatty tires that only see the dirt once a year is pointless to me.

3" front 2" rear level

 

Good question; I have the 4R TRD Pro wheels, and I *would* mount the stock Toyos (which I like) but they don't look 'right' on the wheel. HT tires just look strange with that design. I figure now is a great time to get a better performing tire and something mild A/T for when I go camping.

I guess what I really boils down to is I need a mild A/T tire for on road driving/feel but have small ability to do light dirt roads when I want to. I realize HT tires can do light dirt road as well, but I rather get a mild A/T tire.

I actually have some Geolandar G015s mounted right now on my truck, but I am indifferent about them. I think they are inexpensive for a reason. They were hard to balance, and I am getting some sort of radial pull on 'em. I do think they are super quiet, and the ride quality is fine.

I think I should have spent extra $$ and gotten a higher quality tire.

 

Hmm, sounds like a tire shop/mounting issue to me. Mine are smooth, quiet, with no pull.

 

To be fair, i'm probably waaaaay more anal than most folks when it comes to tires/vibrations issues. I used to race motorcycles, and I was the guy where if I didn't have confidence in certain tire, I wouldn't ride around that -- i'll get the tires switched, even if they were new.

At this point, I just don't have the 100% confidence in the Yokos, and am willing to take the loss to get a better quality tire. I figure whatever tires I get will net me a few years of driving. Do I really want to drive on something i'm not 100% happy with?

I am pretty certain i'll just go with the Michelin LTX AT/2s.

$1000 mounted balanced OTD seem reasonable?

 

Makes sense.

I cheaped out on tires when I had my Evo X and I ended up totaling it going around a turn and the tires couldn't hold up.

Have to go with what you're comfortable with.

 

I almost bought one. (Evo X) that is. Fantastic car - just couldn't fit my golf clubs in the trunk!

 

Really? I thought it had a pretty big trunk. I had the SSS package so had the 10inch sub in the back.

They are nice cars, wish I still had it but the majority of my speeding tickets were in it, its better I have a truck

 

yep, with sight and sound package, the trunk was pretty small. I came from a WRX which had a much larger trunk. I test fitted my clubs and they wouldn't go in. Salesguy suggested I put my Callaways in the rear seat. Not happening.

 

Ah yeah the WRX/STI has a bigger trunk. More space to carry around the spare parts when it breaks down

Sorry... Evo/STI rivalry still sits with me.

 

haha.. I'm probably the only car nut that has zero allegiance to any manufacturer. If it has a motor and wheels - I like 'em.

 

Yeah I still respect all makes and models... to an extent. I actually like the new STI a lot. The Evo X just looks a little dated. I was hoping with the final ed. they would have given it a little face lift.

Any who... my bad

 

Bumping because I tried the Michelin Defenders, and i'm going to switch them out for the Nitto G2s or the K02s

 

Love my KO2's. Mine are 285/70/17. Buddy has F-150 and really likes his as well. Only other tire I would consider would be Toyo or maybe Nitto. I think BFG is better than Nitto, just my take. Everyone has their own opinion.

 

I've yet to hear anything bad about the K02s (and i've been looking!)

Do you find the ride quality similar to stock tires? How are the on-road manners?

 

Not quite as smooth as stock, but that's to be expected with bigger tires, wheels, 3/1.5 lift