E Rated 245/75R16 AT Tires - Help Me Choose

I can't decide between the BFG K02 or the Firestone Destination X/T. I'm going to be hauling a slide in camper part time in the bed, so I'm swapping out the P rated tires (Firestone Destination LE/2) for E rated AT tires. I'd like to do some mild off roading, I live in Colorado, so rocky terrain. I have little experience in off roading, and have never purchased AT tires.

I'd like to keep my current unloaded MPG and ride quality as close to stock as possible while unloaded, and have a tire that will perform well while loaded and off road. Trying to find a good compromise.

BFG K02 are 48 lbs a tire, and seem good for durability and stability.

Firestone Destination X/T are 39 lbs a tire, but brand new and don't have many reviews.

Will 9 pounds a tire make much of a MPG difference in the same size?

Will 9 pounds of material make a tire better able to handle rough terrain under heavy load? Or, are E rated tires able to handle punishment just as well as any other E rated tire?

 

The KO2 is a much more durable tire with its 3ply sidewall. For off-roading with a load it's the way to go.

 

Thanks, that makes sense. I didn't realize the Firestones were 2 ply versus the 3 ply BFGs.

I had thought that E rated tires would all have similar construction.

 

Unfortunately they are different. 3ply sidewall AT tires are not common. There are only a hanful of good ones that I know of and they are all pretty heavy. You might want to check out the new Yokohama Geolandar X-AT as well. I'm not sure which of the two have a stiffer (more supportive) sidewall which could help with sway control when the camper is loaded.