BFG KO3 review

Sounds like the KO3s are no better than KO2s in this regard. I'm dumping my KO2s since they're about halfway worn now and I don't feel safe driving in them in the wet. I was dead set on the KO3s until I started doing some research if they're actually better than the KO2s in the rain/wet. Going to give the Wildpeaks a try and hopefully I won't have the wet grip issues I've had with KO2s

 

I don't know why so many guys drink the BFG K02 Kool Aid. They WERE decent tires waaaaaaay back in the day, but there are so many other better options out there. For some reason, they've continued to have their hooks in a lot of guys. Maybe it's the fact that at the time, before there was much competition, they were the only decent choice. Now, however, I don't see why guys buy them; especially if you drive in any wet conditions at all. They're the absolute worst in the rain.

 

I made the same conclusion. Better chance for me to see rain than snow so ordered Wildpeaks.
Also in tire size, only E load option for the KO3 vs SL or E for the Falken and no need of the extra layers and weight.

We will see with the usage ...

 

Man - bummed to hear this but to be honest, not surprising. I was hoping they'd address this wet traction issue a bit better. Sigh...

That seals it for me. Will be getting Yokohama Geolandar X-AT's in the Spring 2025 to replace my KO2s.

 

FYI. I replaced my K03's with the new Goodyear Dura-Trac R/T. Night and day difference. Couldn't be happier with them in wet conditions since I've had them.

 

Yeah saw that in your update - they look solid too.

 

The Duratrac RT is also on my shortlist of tires to get.

 

I have owned multiple sets of k02's over the years, also have a few friends and relatives close to me that have bought them as well. Never had an issue in the snow or rain so I never understand these reviews or comments. Starting to think it is driving habits over the tires. I don't drive on the roads and push the vehicle beyond it limits and also drive more cautiously when it is cold or wet. I take off without issue, stop without issue and never have the problems others speak about. For those that wheel more, the performance on drive rock of other brand is what would concernme, but I have never owned the other brands metioned so I wont comment on them. Plus the deep snow traction of the K02's are excellent.

For me these have all been on 4runners, Tacomas or Tundras and now I have a Chevy 2500hd with K03's. I do want to shit talk a little on the K03's though, but I am partially thinking it is the weight difference of the truck.. The tread pattern on the K03's fill up way too quickly and they do not clean out in mud. I am not talking about mud bogs or deep hole trail riding, so far this is wet yard performance. With the K02's I would never think twice about driving into a yard or anywhere really. But with these K03's and the heavier truck, they have not been impressing me so far. For now I am chalking it up to the weight.

 

That's awesome, but my truck felt uncomfortable in the rain on KO2s with very cautious driving. I know it's the tires, since I have switched to another brand and the truck feels planted using same driving patterns and roads. The KO2s felt great when new, but 4 years later they weren't up to the task anymore even though I had 1/4" of thread left on them.

 

Not the greatest pics but I finally got mine put on. I like them a lot so far. Came from Yokohama MT’s so these are much quieter and roll with less resistance

 

First ski trip day with the KO3. They did well in the snow. When we left the road out of the mountain was covered in snow and neither plowed nor salted. The tires didn’t slip once.

 

We had 3-4 inches of snow over the weekend and the K03’s did well! No complaints at all.

 

Was dragging the rear dif today playing in the snow. I've been airing down to about 15 psi with good results. I might have burped a tire, dash was showing 13 psi on one tire, but I can't be certain.

The tan Tacoma was also on KO3, aired to 12 psi with Icon InnerLock wheels.

Both of us did really well. Only had to turn around after falling through a 4' hole.

https://youtu.be/bty74teProc?si=W8JEjn4y_zjq3164

https://youtu.be/mMTyh_wVd7Y?si=9Pw4I-CK2QalBQw8

 

Still waiting for the 285/70/17 in c rating with white letters.
I emailed bfg and they had absolutely 0 info whatsoever.

my ko2’s are creeping on almost 45k miles and needing replacing. this is my 2nd set of ko2’s so i was thinking of upgrading to the ko3’s

 

I wish they had these in a D load rating for 285/70R17s, but I went with the E load rating and have had zero issues with them on snow and ice. Fantastic tire, completely worth the extra money.

 

Alright guys, I think I’m going to get a the KO3 as my next tire. Been running OG Duratracs for a while and now that they have been discontinued it’s time to move on to a more modern tire. I have some questions on sizing and maybe some folks can provide some insight here?

currently I’m on a -10 offset wheel with a 285/70r17 tire. I have a 2.25” lift, dirt king UCAs, and and aggressive CMC. I’ve got tons of room to fit a bigger tire.

My questions revolve around how a KO3 sizes next to a KO2 or Duratrac. Do they run short or narrow? I would like to upsize and go with a 285/75r17 or a 295/70r17.

But if the KO3 runs small like the KO2 should I just send it on a 315/70r17?

I have no idea how KO3s size and any recommendations on this topic would be greatly appreciated! TIA!

 

Have you considered the new Duratrac, the Duratrac RT?

 

Yes. But I don’t like how they look and they seem less aggressive than the OG duratrac so might as well try something new

 

Considering KO3's for my next tire as well. Have been running KO2's for about 95k miles now, so I'd say I'm pretty happy with them. Most of my miles are highway driving, so not interested in a mud tire. That being said, I'm trying to keep weight in mind, and I think the KO3's are pretty comparable to most other 285/70/17 options.

@Discount Tire when is the next time you'll have a big holiday sale? I don't intend to buy from anyone else.

 

dang 95k you got outta them? How often do you rotate? i have been rotating every 5,000 and have about 44,000 on mine and need to replace

Debating here if i should get another set of ko2’s or get the new ko3’s