BFG AT KO2 in the snow

An AT isn’t going to be the best in snow.
A snow tire isn’t going to be the best in mud
A MY isn’t going to be the best on the highway

This is easy shit fellas, it’s all common sense. Any tire is a compromise. You need to decide what trait is the most important for you and go from there. There is no one does it all perfect tire, it just simply does not exist

 

Depends on snow conditions how the tires are going to react . Always have a set of chains in case . Using 4wd helps a lot . U can have the most expensive tire and still get terrible snow traction especially if the snow is iced over and wet it will build up in the grooves .

 

I've found tire chains to be only necessary in the very worst of snow or ice. They often cause damage and are a real pain to install properly. Then you have to drive slowly. I drove for many years in Alberta Canada roads in some of the worst winter conditions as I was a ski patroller. Good winter tires on all wheels are usually sufficient. Steel studs can also be beneficial. Good winter tires do not build up in "the grooves" or tread. Good winter tires will throw out snow, ice and water.

 

Duratrac for snow.

 

I live at 8,600’ in CO and go over a 11,700’ pass multiple times weekly. KO2’s do not cut it in snow; I’ve got studded Blizzaks.

I want to be 100% confident that my truck is going to stop/take a corner when I need it to in an emergency maneuver situation.

All-Seasons provide a false sense of security. KO2s only stay on from June - September; studded snows the rest of the year.

 

dang I thought we had a long winter here...

 

Falken AT3W

 

Tires are one of those things that I find people feel very strongly about and opinions follow. I found the k02 to be a very mediocre tire overall but loved my duratracs. Unpopular opinion most of the time but that's where I landed. Until someone had extensive time on each tire you really don't have an opinion of value as you only have a small sample group and don't know better from worst.

On the flip side I understand tires are expensive and you really want to make the best decision to make your dollar go the furthest.

But for those looking for another AT option for winter conditions check out the yoko G017. I picked mine up recently and so far really really good first impressions. Time will tell if I find any true short comings. Yes these are studded compared to bolth the duratracs and k02's I have ran so it's not apples to apples.

 

Another one here running the wrangler territory a/TS that came stock.. got nothing but good things to say about them so far.... got about 10k miles on them.. been really impressed with their performance in both heavy rain and ice/snow... Just last week i drove between Seattle and Boise (and back) the first 200ish miles on the trip back( between Boise and deadmans pass on I-84 was all ice and hard pack snow and snowstorms off and on the whole way.. no slippage had solid traction the whole time..only used 4X4 to go over deadman..and then this weekend down some un maintained roads in the forest down by Mt Rainier these things got me out up a hill that I watched a jeep get winched up the night before.. that being said I do have abiut 200lbs of sand in the bed ATM.. probably go with general grabbers when it's time to replace these.

 

Firestone Destination X/Ts replaced my BFG KO's. Night and day difference for the better. Running 215/85 size and a canopy doesnt hurt either. Often don't need 4wd.

 

I’ve had zero issues running KO2s in winter up here in BC, run 28/30 psi on roads, have a canopy 200lbs approx for weight. If you’re running high pressures and no weight in the back of your truck it’s going to suck.
this guy seems to do pretty good running his KO2s in the PNW snow.
https://youtu.be/rE_KFWyNtvE?si=iRzewgMaESv10SYm
or this guy in the PNW.
https://youtu.be/MeuG-CJ0hnQ?si=0krhyB0osFRf3oJb

 

Mine have done me very well in the snow. I find they have great traction on every surface I have had them on. Tread wear has been great as well.

 

We have KO'S work outstanding for us on ski trips. Lots of deep snow great traction.

 

KO's and KO2's are long lasting (high treadwear number), but that means they are a harder compound rubber, which cannot work as well in cold weather.
They're great for what they are, but you simply cannot have it both ways.