want to replace ko2s

Getting tires tomorrow, driving myself MAD between the Mich AT/2 265-70-17,
or the KO2 but what did you hate about the KO2 C load so much

 

I love the outdoors and spend as much time in the mountains as I can but work in the business world. My truck sees pavement 95% of the time and nothing more than rough Forest Service roads the rest. I need the comfort, control and ride quality of the Michelin but just love the looks of the KO2 on my truck.

The Toyo A/T2s were worn out, so I took a chance on the KO2s in a c load 265/70/17 - same size as before. To get any where near a smooth ride, I had to pay another pro tire shop to rebalance them and then run them at 32 psi, which gave a very floaty and disconnected ride in the steering wheel. Even at that I could feel every bump or ripple in smooth pavement in the seat - forget it if I was on concrete. They're just to harsh/stiff of a sidewall and riding tire for MY tastes and how I use my truck. But they look badass.

So, after much back and forth, I compromised on the looks of the KO2 and the ride of the Michelin and landed on the Nitto Terra Grappler G2 in a p-rated tire. They look great, they're quiet (enough) and most importantly to me, they ride fantastic with appropriate pressure- 35-37 psi. Further, they were cheaper and balanced with very little weight and have a 55k mile treadwear warranty.

Deciding between the KO2s and the Nittos, I too drove myself crazy over this and am glad to be beyond this decision for the next 40k miles.

Hope this helps. YMMV.

 

I never thought I would get this much feedback atleast good feedback I def have seen alot more choices I didn't know we're out there I probably will just go through winter and soon as spring hits see what deals are out there and maybe new models but I really appreciate all the opinions.

 

I took a hard look at the Falken and the Cooper also, but the Nitto won out for me. There are some great options and if you're honest with your needs, you'll be happy with your decision.

Mike

 

Nitto's website shows no 16's. Are they not available in that size?

 

Their website shows a whole range of 16" tire sizes... look again.

https://www.nittotire.com/light-truck-tires/terra-grappler-all-terrain-light-truck-tire/

 

Destination AT is a great all around tire, I ran them on my Tacoma for 3 years

 

Ok. Good. Had them on my last truck and really liked them. Was looking on my phone and guess I just missed it. Thanks!

 

I can't stand that feeling from the KO2 tires and I've felt this before with a set of Goodyear MTRs back in the day before the Duratrac. I think what you're describing I personally describe as "driving on beach balls" and it is sketchy particularly if you're driving on the freeway in a curve and hit a big pothole or harsh asphalt divider, it feels like you're going to bounce and skip off the road. This was only with 1 size above OEM too (3% increase).

For that reason alone I'll either stick with replacing the OEM Goodyears with the same or going to a Duratrac which from experience do better in mud than all of the above. It's not that I do much mud driving here in AZ, but when it does rain and you need that traction it makes a world of difference.

 

For me, personally i never had this feeling. Weird.... I run the Kbro2's between 35-40 psi on road and off i run them as low as 15psi. When i first got them, Costco had them at 45... that was not a good idea for the weight of the tacoma.

 

BFG all terrains have handled poorly for me in the past. Had them briefly on a 3/4 ton truck. Washy feeling for sure. Corners were not fun.

I've stuck with Coopers for a number of years. I put them on my new truck within 2 weeks of ownership.