Best AT tire I've ever ran.

[TCogs1]

Want something larger than 37s or more aggressive. Have a few choices, wildpeak is at the top of the list.
Personally Baja AT are phenomenal. Smart choice is to get the same tire but smart isn’t always the choice on jeeps

I normally run maxxis treps or creepies.. but they very costly but perform like no other.

I took another chance on bfg my 39” for my. 2 door jlr. I was surprised my how many miles on them so far (20k).. and they flex well at 10 psi…. Nice quiet street tire

On the Fordyce trial a few small chucks, but at least the side walls held up better than 10 years ago (last set i bought and several blow outs due to rocks and roots)..

Just my experience if that helps, I still have 2 sets, stickies (maxxis) and now bfg. I change them out based on the difficulty of the trail and the risk of sidewall damage…

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[dragoneggs]

Right, checking 4 tires and removing the little rocks from treads with a small screw driver is my routine

Heard KO3 is better designed, but will have to wait till 2026 when they release the 37”.

I don’t bother… figure I have naturally studded tires.

 

[TCogs1]

Why the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 Outshines the Goodyear Wrangler Ultraterrain AT

As a Jeep Wrangler enthusiast and industry journalist with over 40 years of off-roading under my belt, I've tested more tire models than I can count. The quest for the perfect tire—a unicorn that excels in mud, snow, ice, sand, rocks, and pavement—is one that many of us share. While the Goodyear Wrangler Ultraterrain AT has its merits, I firmly believe that the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 is the superior choice for serious off-roaders.

Personal Experience

My journey with the BFGoodrich KO2 began several years ago when I was preparing for an overland trip across the Rocky Mountains. I needed a tire that could handle unpredictable weather, rocky trails, and long stretches of highway without compromising performance or comfort.

From the moment I hit the road, the KO2s impressed me. On the highway, they were quiet and provided a smooth ride—a pleasant surprise for an all-terrain tire with such an aggressive tread pattern. Once off-road, they truly shined. In deep snow, the tires offered exceptional traction, allowing me to navigate snow-covered trails with confidence. Their performance on ice was equally impressive; the KO2s maintained grip where other tires faltered.

In muddy conditions, the tire's self-cleaning tread design prevented clogging, ensuring consistent traction. The tough sidewalls resisted punctures from sharp rocks—a critical feature when you're miles away from help. After 50,000 miles of diverse terrain, the tires showed minimal wear, and I never experienced chipping or chunking of the tread.

Industry Recognition

The BFGoodrich KO2 isn't just my personal favorite; it's widely respected in the off-roading community. Publications like Four Wheeler Magazine have awarded the KO2 top honors in all-terrain tire comparisons, citing its durability and balanced performance. The tire's CoreGard™ technology—borrowed from BFGoodrich's Baja racing heritage—provides increased sidewall protection, a feature that sets it apart from competitors like the Ultraterrain AT.

Expert Opinions

Off-road experts consistently praise the KO2. Mark Smith, a renowned off-road adventurer, once noted, "The KO2 is the tire that consistently gets me through the toughest trails without fail." Similarly, the team at Overland Journal highlighted the KO2's exceptional tread life and reliability in their long-term reviews.

Comparing to the Goodyear Wrangler Ultraterrain AT

While the Goodyear Wrangler Ultraterrain AT is marketed as an all-around performer, it falls short in several key areas:

• Durability: Users have reported that the Ultraterrain AT's tread wears faster, especially under heavy off-road use. In contrast, the KO2's tread compound is designed for longevity, even in harsh conditions.
• Traction: The Ultraterrain AT struggles in deep mud and loose snow due to its less aggressive tread pattern. The KO2's interlocking tread blocks and stone ejectors enhance grip and prevent debris buildup.
• Sidewall Strength: Without the reinforced sidewalls found in the KO2, the Ultraterrain AT is more susceptible to cuts and punctures on rocky terrain.

Conclusion

In the quest for the ultimate all-terrain tire, the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 stands out as a proven performer. Its combination of on-road comfort and off-road capability makes it a versatile choice for any adventurer. While the Goodyear Wrangler Ultraterrain AT may suffice for light-duty applications, it doesn't match the KO2's durability and performance in demanding conditions.

For those serious about off-roading—who need a tire that won't let them down when the going gets tough—the BFGoodrich KO2 is the clear choice. My decades of experience have taught me that when it comes to tires, compromise isn't an option. Choose the tire that professionals and enthusiasts alike trust to get them there and back again.

Well I’m not sure we are aligned “serious trails”.. I have blown 2 bfg AT in less than a year. So far the 39” BFG MT are holding up, never I see bfg at on serious trails, lots on dirt roads.. i have wheeling in Sierras, longer than people have been alive and it’s 12 hour drive to the trail head home.

The four door pic is on maxxis creepy crawlers, they don’t last long but they grip and are as tough as nails.. I have never had a flat on maxxis treps or creepy. But it really depends on trails you run.



Just my experience

 

[Flip]

You're all missing the clear best offroad tire: Thornbirds.

Looks good to me.

https://www.intercotire.com/tire_brand/thornbird

 

[Flip]

There's been dozens over the years, but I'll try to recall what I've run since the 80's, and show pics of them on my rigs.

Federal 351s from Les Schwab on an '87 Pathfinder...

Super Swamper TSLs on a '79 Dodge...

Marshal Powerguard MT's on an `87 Ramcharger...

Wild Country TXRs on a `94 F250 (my favorite until they were discontinued)...

I think I ran the same Powerguard MTs on my `78 Jeep Cherokee Chief as well...

Maxxis Bighorn MTs on a `77 Suburban and then on an `87 Ford E350 4x4 conversion van...

BF Goodrich KO2s on a `97 Suburban...

Cooper Maxx ST on a 2014 Ram 1500 (great tire, but spendy)...

Toyo AT3 on the same Ram (great in dirt and on road, but not great in the snow)...

Milestar Patagonia MTs (siped), (surprisingly good in most everything, just wore quickly).

Goodyear Wrangler Authority (good off-road but too hard and not great in the snow) on `87 YJ and 2019 4Runner...

2005 GMC Yukon with Goodyear Wrangler DuraTracs...

Cooper Evolution MTs on 2019 4Runner...

Falken Wildpeaks on 2013 Volvo XC60...

So, I've ran a few tires over the years and the Ultra Terrain AT is the best all-around tire that I've found.

Thats a lot tires, I think you have me beat.

 

[Left Field]

A set of pretty worn 50k mile 33" (285R70-17 LRC) BFG K02s came off the JLUR this afternoon. I've run several sets of them and agree with what many have said - pretty decent jack of all trades tire but not great in mud. Sidewall gashes and chunks of tread missing but no failures.

Was planning to throw on a set of K02's in 37" load range D, but the positive comments about the Mickey Thompsons (along with their $125 fall rebate) flipped my decision.

Initial observations - just from the drive home:
1) A little more noise than the BFGs but with two caveats: a) tire pressure was still at 37 (now at 30) and b) that break-in may soften that.
2) The combination of heavier tires and 4" more diameter makes for a distinctly noticeable increase in brake force required.

J-scan made easy work of adjusting speedometer / tire size and lowering the TPMS alert threshold.

Looking forward to getting them off the beaten track to see how they perform.

LF

 

[Gangplank]

I've never had issues with K02's. I wish they were cheaper and lasted more than 40K. But I think they're really good in the snow. I live in western NY and I know what driving in the snow is.

KO2 are crap in the snow up north. Couldn’t wait to get rid of mine.

When I lived in the Sierra Nevada mountains near Reno/Lake Tahoe, Colorado & Utah for over 20 years I drove in all kinds of weather and snow. The BFG KO2 are a very good snow tire when run in the proper air pressure for the size. I’ve literally driven in snow up to the doors, ice, and slush & ruts. I’ve always run the recommended load range for the vehicle so that may have something to do with it.

 

[IdowaJeeper]

As fate would have it, my beloved UltraTerrain ATs did not arrive the tire shop as expected. I called the Discount Tire shop shortly after starting the 1.5 hour drive from home to verify TPMS sensors were available.

I had ordered the tires on the 9th of October, and made an appointment for today to have them installed. I figured my lift kit would arrive at the dealer and be installed by today (it isn't). Discount Tire sent me a text confirming my appointment.

When I called, they said that my tires still weren't there and they had no idea when they would get there.

I told them my lift kit was getting installed on Friday and I could wait until Saturday for the tires/wheels.

They advised that they didn't know when they would show up, and if there were any other tires I was interested in.

I said I had heard great things about the Mickey Thompson Baja Boss ATs. He said he will have them here by Saturday for the same price as the Goodyears.

So, I guess I'll find out just how good the Baja Boss ATs are.

 

[Ratbert]

As fate would have it, my beloved UltraTerrain ATs did not arrive the tire shop as expected.

No judgement, but I've never heard anyone refer to tires as "my beloved".

 

[IdowaJeeper]

No judgement, but I've never heard anyone refer to tires as "my beloved".

I really love the UltraTerrains. Best tires I've ran for snow, sand, rocks, and the street.

 

[BRuby]

When I lived in the Sierra Nevada mountains near Reno/Lake Tahoe, Colorado & Utah for over 20 years I drove in all kinds of weather and snow. The BFG KO2 are a very good snow tire when run in the proper air pressure for the size. I’ve literally driven in snow up to the doors, ice, and slush & ruts. I’ve always run the recommended load range for the vehicle so that may have something to do with it.

Yep 100%.

Have 2 sets on OEM rims buying a take-off for a song. Sure are they perfect in rain going up a steep hill up a curve - no. There are definitely not perfect. The rear will fish-tail a few inches unloaded like this.

But besides that perfectly fine in all other conditions. Just drop psi to 30 so the low tire pressure idiot light comes. Never run at door sticker 37 ever. As your centers will wear way too fast. 30 you get nice flat even wear across the entire tread.

Snow slush 100% crushes that. Even with only 50% tread remaining. Ice yeah not 100% but good enough. Better available options just for ice - yeah.

All the continual bitching about how crappy KO2s in the rain - must simply be all user error. Haha! Just slow down a few clicks. Then zero slip. Always get a laugh when detractors post repeatedly how they despise KO2s in the rain. At least sipes go all the way down. These other so-called better tires in the wet have minimal depth siping. So while new work better - but not so much when worn down. Just have to compare side by side to see the differences.

Better wet. Ok buy KO3s then. Every tire has pros and cons. Even the new KO3. Just wish BFG smartened up and increased the wimpy tread depth.

 

[Speed331]

I said I had heard great things about the Mickey Thompson Baja Boss ATs. He said he will have them here by Saturday for the same price as the Goodyears.

So, I guess I'll find out just how good the Baja Boss ATs are.

After 18 months of use, I still love my BB's.
But, a word of warning for when you first get them: you'll want to run a much lower tire pressure then you usually would.
Discount had mine at 36psi and I was skipping all over the road in my 2 door.
A bit of research and a talk with a Mickey Thompson tech led me to setting mine at 28psi cold.

That's the sweet spot for mine. At 26 the tires felt a bit to squishy and slow to turn in and at 30 they started to chatter a bit over small bumps.

The tech explained that these were built with a large range of vehicles in mind - and with very stiff, tough side walls - they expected the lighter vehicles to run in the mid/upper 20's and the one ton's to run as high as 45/50.

I've almost 40k miles on mine and they have worn slowly and evenly. I do five tire rotations at every oil change - every 6k miles or so.

Off road I drop down to 15psi. I won't go lower without beadlocks, but I've seen vids of heavier trucks running at 10psi no problem without them.

Tread at 40,000ish miles

 

[Ratbert]

Yep 100%.

Have 2 sets on OEM rims buying a take-off for a song. Sure are they perfect in rain going up a steep hill up a curve - no. There are definitely not perfect. The rear will fish-tail a few inches unloaded like this.

But besides that perfectly fine in all other conditions. Just drop psi to 30 so the low tire pressure idiot light comes. Never run at door sticker 37 ever. As your centers will wear way too fast. 30 you get nice flat even wear across the entire tread.

Snow slush 100% crushes that. Even with only 50% tread remaining. Ice yeah not 100% but good enough. Better available options just for ice - yeah.

All the continual bitching about how crappy KO2s in the rain - must simply be all user error. Haha! Just slow down a few clicks. Then zero slip. Always get a laugh when detractors post repeatedly how they despise KO2s in the rain. At least sipes go all the way down. These other so-called better tires in the wet have minimal depth siping. So while new work better - but not so much when worn down. Just have to compare side by side to see the differences.

Better wet. Ok buy KO3s then. Every tire has pros and cons. Even the new KO3. Just wish BFG smartened up and increased the wimpy tread depth.

Interesting comment about pressure. I've been running my 37" KO2s at 37 PSI since I bought the rig new. I've got 43k miles on them and they're wearing shockingly evenly. I air them down to 12 to 14 a couple times a month to play though.

 

[BRuby]

Interesting comment about pressure. I've been running my 37" KO2s at 37 PSI since I bought the rig new. I've got 43k miles on them and they're wearing shockingly evenly. I air them down to 12 to 14 a couple times a month to play though.

Yeah OEM at 37 are like very hard rocks and fish-tail way more in wet. Also noticed extreme centre wear and almost zero wear on both outers. So came to the bright conclusion to air down to 26-28 to balance this out. This actually worked and have now settled at 30 for balance.

KO2s can work in the rain by driving a touch slower so water has a millisecond more time to eject from the ends of the sipes. Then evacuate from the blocks. KO3s enhance this flow speed by - adding more full block width sipes - and longer channels to direct water away faster. Basic abc's to get better wet handling. So actually wish my KO2s were KO3s because most my Jeep use is in the winter and really wet - really crappy conditions. Sometimes requiring chains.

Somehow the JL in 4H trudges on like a tank passing and going around everyone else going a snails pace or stopped. Pretty much the JL gets to the top virtually like nothing. Which actually does amaze me. Then others appear long after - when the snowplow finally makes a path for them to all follow like sheep.

So always laugh when tires sipes are contained within the blocks vs full width and full depth. As where can all that water actually squish out to. Nowhere.

Anyways at 28-30 and driven prudently the KO2s do not slip in the rain - for me. Ever. So it must be a YMMV situation for all the wet whiners and complainers. Haha!

 

[SaintNick]

I've been considering the AT4Ws as well, among a few other choices. I can't stand these KO2s. Even on pavement I hate them.

I almost picked up a set of 37's and then remembered I want something else next time. Maybe a bigger 35.

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