KO2s load rating ‘e’ worth it?

I only run E's on my truck but I spend a good deal of time in rocks. Many of the negative points brought up in this thread about Es are valid, but not all Es are the same. Tires like Wildpeak, KO3, Toyo, and SST are all very heavy and all have reinforced sidewalls. Tires like this will exhibit the worst side effects on a truck as light as a Tacoma. There are a number of Es however that get little press, and perform extremely well on these trucks. Many of the off brand Coopers like the Dean, Mastercraft, etc are great on Tacomas. The Dick Cepek Extreme, and other Cepek tires (also Cooper rebrands), are lighter and softer in the sidewall. I think of these more as a "D" rated tire, but more than plenty for a Tacoma. Even with very hard use, these E-lite tires are perfect. In my experience the slightly softer sidewall rides much better, and conforms better offroad. I can get more footprint without going as low in pressure, which retains the bead better. In my tire size, the Cepek Extremes are 8 pounds lighter per tire than the Cooper SST! That's 32 pounds of rotating mass that my suspension doesn't have to wrestle.

That being said, C rated tires are fine for a Tacoma that does not see heavy rock use. They are tough enough for forest service roads, and those covered with crushed rock or gravel. Frankly, if you are running 18" wheels, I wouldn't be looking at running anything much worse. There is not enough sidewall to allow you to air down effectively. Your truck and your back will take a beating, and the tires will not be able to resist puncture as well. I'm sure someone will jump my ass for saying that, with a story about how they drove the Rubicon on 20" wheels in reverse with "no issues".

 

or for a truck that lives half its life above 85 and needs super firm tires. Cs do not handle the speed well at all.

 

^this pretty much nails it. Good post

I too run in rock. Sharp angular bedrock blasted to make logging roads. I have lost far too many sidewalls to run anything but 10 ply. Ill take the hit in MPG and bit more unsprung weight not to be changing tires all the time.

 

Meh. You’re running what, 8 maybe 10, psi? Apples and oranges.

 

Steer clear from the 10 ply. Wa,y way, way, WAY too much tire for these trucks imo. I will be ditching my E load coopers and going for a C-load KO2 ASAP. Can't stand it anymore...

 

I run 12psi without beadlocks when rock crawling. Ran 8-10 with my trailer queen Jeeps.

 

Okay so I would like to get 6 ply tires but I can only find the Duratracs 265 width in a 4 ply.
Could I run a 275 width tire on my rim that I believe is meant for 265s?

 

E Load Cooper ST MaxX are like having steel donuts for tires. They are ridiculously stiff and harsh. Even when I air down to 8psi they barely flatten out.

 

Considering there are no C load BFG KO's in 18" you could consider 265/65R18 SL load GYW Duratrac, 46lbs better in snow but tend to be louder than the KO2 on a paved road. 17" wheels have more choices for C load tires and more plys in the sidewalls but the SL tires have a slightly higher load index. I'm still wanting LT tires with C load for my 17" wheels and seeing cheaper prices for ISO Metric SL load tires.

Anyone know of any other issues between XL, SL vs C. C load seems to be the sweet spot.

Edit: Another popular priced tire is the Falken Wild Peak AT3W 265/65R18 SL 46 lbs

 

265/70/17 load range C BFG KO2's with 43,000 mi. & they have held up great. Ride is good. Not 100% satisfied with them in red clay but they do well on the highway.


Drove a Super Duty everyday for 30 yrs with 10 ply tires & IMHO they are way to stiff for a Tacoma.

 

I run BFG KO2's 285/70/17's E rated tires and love them. I pull a trailer and Wheel in some rocky terrain and forest.
I like knowing my side walls are tough.... I do not think the ride on the pavement is rough at all. I think it depends on how you use your truck.

 

But they last 100,000 miles haha.
I have those tires. Definitely can’t support your statement. Clearly they aren’t as cushy as C or P rated rubbers but I don’t mind them and they aren’t too loud on the highway given how aggressive the tread is.

gas mileage sucks tho

 

Yup. I can confirm everything you said.

 

I have 265/70/17 Ko2's E. I picked them up brand new for $450. If I were paying full price, I would consider C for the weight/gas mileage but overall, very happy.

I love the set up.

 

Goodyear website says they're 11"x32.3". I doubt there would be a fitment issue, but I'm not sure how the suspension is set up on your truck/trim. Others likely know more

 

275/65/18 duratrac tires fit on rims 7.5-9. Ill leave other to let you know about full lock/flex rubbing