K02s - Tacoma too light?

I just took my 16 TRD Off-Road with the 17" Pro wheels and 265 70 R 17 K02s to a local tire shop to patch a hole (fixed, nbd).

The guy at the shop told me they're seeing cracks in all 4 tires because, and I quote, "the Tacoma is too light for the K02 tires because it's a 10 ply tire, which is meant for heavier vehicles. You should use a standard tire for durability on a truck this light".

FYI, they have about 30k miles/4 years on them and I've rotated after every 5k miles since 15k. Yes, I realize I should've done it before then, but I asked if he thinks that could partially be the reason and he said it's happening in all 4.

Is there any truth to what he said or is he just trying to get me to buy new tires?

 

Hmmm... I never had any cracking on my KO2. 45k miles with in 2 years of owning them.

 

Sounds fishy

 

E rated KO2s are not really suited to a Taco, but not for the reason he's giving. They are 53 lb per corner for the rubber alone. You are burning a lot of gas to spin them up - takes a surprising amount of energy.

Look to a tire in the 40 lb range, there is nothing you can do with a Taco that would require a higher load rating unless you have made very extensive load handling mods. 116-ish, not 121.

 

Your tire guy is on drugs, the weight of the truck is not causing your tires to crack. E load are good if you are hardcore off-roading or out where there is a lot of really sharp rock, cactus, tire eating stuff. A lot of guys doing hard stuff are running E load, if you stick to pavement or fire roads then yes they are overkill.

 

Find a new tire shop, that guy is speaking gibberish.

Got any pics of the cracking? Is it in the tread? On the sidewalls? And what is the production date of the tires? (It’s stamped into the sidewall - you can google what to look for.)

Usually cracking is the rubber drying out as it ages. It’s less dependent on mileage and more dependent on age and environment (i.e. sun exposure). How they are maintained is also a factor (i.e. use of products to help protect from UV).

Aggressive off road use could put extra strain that could cause or exacerbate some level of cracking but I’m guessing that’s not relevant in this situation.

4yrs is fairly old and starting to near its lifespan. This varies a lot but typically it’s recommended that tires are replaced every 5-7yrs even if the tread is otherwise sufficient. YMMV here based on brand, use, environmental exposure…etc.

 

Dry rot can affect any tire on any vehicle.

Read up on it and you'll see it's usually climate, or the sun that causes it. Even 5 year old tires can get badly cracked.

 

I'll get some pictures tomorrow. I guess it's possible for the reasons you've provided. I live at 10k feet in Colorado and don't drive all that much, mostly to work every day with the occasional camping or off-road escapade. No garage. The cold temperatures can be extreme, as is the sun.

Perhaps I should consider C-load rated tires rather than E, as I my truck doesn't have any mods that add weight.

Thanks all for your responses.

 

K02s are well known for rubber cracking and flaking/tread chunking. I had it on two sets before I switched to Coopers. I doubt it's the reason the tech gave, it's just how they are

My Coopers are E rated just like the k02s were but no cracking or little chunks of rubber breaking off like the BFGs constantly had.

 

The tech is a clown. There's no such thing as what he's talking about. I run E rated General Grabbers and have no cracks and no problems for 35k miles

 

Fake news, KO2s work, Coopers are well known for sidewall failure/blowout/pull to the right.
The ST Maxx are on my list for next tire to try haha

 

Round and round we go.

 

Yes, which is why I said I would get some pictures .

And here they are:

 

Yeah, I wasn't trying to start a tire war. Sorry.

 

I was attempting a bad pun. I’m very interested as I run KO2s with 30k on them…so far so good.

 

Ironically the only sidewall blowout I've ever had was with one of my STmaxx lol. Never had a flat with the ko2s. Was a freak incident though maybe 4 years ago, no issues with them since. I just like them better plus they come in 255 size which is pretty limited

 

Although Goodyear did buyout Cooper a year or so ago, so who knows what will become of them

 

This looks like the typical cracking I see in most older, used sets of KO2's. Shoot, most older, used sets of any tire for that matter.

 

I have Coopers evolution all seasons on my truck from when my grandpa had it and they’ve never served me wrong. I can’t speak for anyone else’s experience but I’ve had only positive, in fact I was looking to upgrade my wheels and tires to coooper discoverers but if they aren’t the best now I might look at other budget friendly options.