BFG TA/KO2 All-Terrain Sidewall Issues

[BullMoose1776]

I'm a big fan of the stock Rubicon tires. I've owned 5 different sets, including 1 of the previous generation, and I normally get VERY good mileage (50-60k) out of them.

However, I've now witnessed 2 different sets, that have sidewall splits.

First set was on my Ford Excursion. @Discount Tire said they looked like it happened due to a burnout, or whatever. Well, a v10 excursion can't do a burnout. This was at about 45-50k miles, with plenty of treadlife left.

Now, I'm seeing it on my 03 Toyota Land Cruiser.

Has anyone else see this on other vehicles, or on your Jeep? I'll try to post up some pictures tonight.

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[Discount Tire]

Bullmoose1776-

Thank you for the tag on this thread, we are curious about this as well. Although we have not seen any major issues with the BFG's sidewalls, there are a ton of variables with a tire that can cause issues.

We look forward to the photos to better determine what may be happening.

 

[BullMoose1776]

Some photos. 2 different tires, both on driver side. Happy to discuss off the forum, or in the store. Thanks for the quick responses

 

[Discount Tire]

Bullmoose1776-

Thank you for the very detailed photos. We would certainly like to look into this further, PM on the way

 

[Toycrusher]

Hate to say it, but from the cracking, they simply look old and sunburned.

I love KO2s, I've owned a few, but never put that many miles. I think one set wore out at around 30k miles, but the other sets were all on vehicles I sold before wearing out the tires.

 

[btaylor769]

OP, Michelin (Parent company of BFG) had some quality issues in the past with this. They call it “weather cracking” or “ozone cracking” they actually sent us dealers cards in order to gauge the severity. Your tire according to pictures is eligible for a pro-rated warranty replacement depending on the age of the tire. Take it back to discount tire or to a local Michelin alliance dealer and they can take care of that for you. If you were in Atlanta, I’d have it handled for you. Hope this helps.

BFG Consumer Care phone # 1.877.788.8899

Some photos. 2 different tires, both on driver side. Happy to discuss off the forum, or in the store. Thanks for the quick responses

 

[HoundDude]

what's the DOT date code on the tire? I'm curious to see how long since manufacturing, thanks

 

[1996cc]

After cutting 4-5 different sidewalls on different BFG mud terrain tires, I will never run them again (without a major construction redesign). They are great tires on and highway and provide a great long life (got 60k miles out of some all terrains on a 7,000 diesel truck), just not meant for real off road use. And when you feel the sidewall thickness versus a durable tire, it’s instantly evident. They are super thin.

 

[DanW]

They've held up great off-road, for me, on both my JK and JL, and are wearing very well, too.

The OP's pics look like they were caused by manufacturing defects, not off-road use. They aren't punctures, but appear to be cracks.

Hopefully, DT will get that handled for him. I buy my tires from them because they have great CS.

 

[BullMoose1776]

They've held up great off-road, for me, on both my JK and JL, and are wearing very well, too.

The OP's pics look like they were caused by manufacturing defects, not off-road use. They aren't punctures, but appear to be cracks.

Hopefully, DT will get that handled for him. I buy my tires from them because they have great CS.

Completely true. My wife only like the IDEA of 4 wheel drive. That Land Cruiser is a grocery getter and a mall crawler! Lol.

DT (where I buy all my tires) reached out to me, and I'll update here on results. They are the best in the business so I know they'll take care of me.

 

[DanW]

Completely true. My wife only like the IDEA of 4 wheel drive. That Land Cruiser is a grocery getter and a mall crawler! Lol.

DT (where I buy all my tires) reached out to me, and I'll update here on results. They are the best in the business so I know they'll take care of me.

They really are great as a company. My local DT has a guy that is a Jeep nut, too, and has a badass built TJ. He goes the extra mile to take care of me and my Jeeps, but all the DT stores I've ever patronized have been top notch.

 

[No IFS]

Let’s get the dot numbers. Living in Southern California that looks like sun damage to me. Do you ever notice those big covers on the motor home tires when parked. This is the reason.

 

[rubicon.ca]

BFG have always had poor sidewall strength,and rubber that is prone to premature cracking . Was hoping they had improved .

 

[DanW]

BFG have always had poor sidewall strength,and rubber that is prone to premature cracking . Was hoping they had improved .

Not in my experience. They've held up to plenty of rock crawling and I had a set that were 7 years old (KO's) on my F150 that sat in the sun all day, every day. They had no cracking at all. I've not lost a BFG tire yet to a sidewall puncture or tear.

One thing, though is true. No sidewall holds up well to people who spin tires when off roading. If you see people doing that, like tv commercials, they'll lose tires right and left and it won't matter what brand they are. Most of the sidewall damage I've seen off road was from spinning tires, especially in the rocks. Also, failing to air down greatly raises the risk of a sidwall puncture. That's another common denominator in many sidewall tears/punctures.

 

[jeepdabest]

I'm a big fan of the stock Rubicon tires. I've owned 5 different sets, including 1 of the previous generation, and I normally get VERY good mileage (50-60k) out of them.

However, I've now witnessed 2 different sets, that have sidewall splits.

First set was on my Ford Excursion. @Discount Tire said they looked like it happened due to a burnout, or whatever. Well, a v10 excursion can't do a burnout. This was at about 45-50k miles, with plenty of treadlife left.

Now, I'm seeing it on my 03 Toyota Land Cruiser.

Has anyone else see this on other vehicles, or on your Jeep? I'll try to post up some pictures tonight.

How many years were they in use?

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