BF Goodrich KO2 vs KO3 ?

[Ratbert]

Has the rubber compound of the KO3 changed from KO2? Has there been a notable improvement in wet handling?
If you have read, many of us have an issue with the KO2, and its poor wet road handling.

According to the various comparison videos and articles: yes and yes. The grooves are significantly different and extend across the tread to direct water out.

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[Bill_BCNtoNY]

The F designation means that the tire is a Load Range F. BF Goodrich (and others) are designing the tires that way to accommodate the load carrying capacity of the new generation of light trucks that are coming to market.

Thanks for chiming in here! I have a couple questions you may/may not have answers for:

(1) Would you happen to know if the load range for the other sizes in the chart? I.e. did BFG tell if the absence of a letter at the means they’re all load C, D, the same as each size is today for the KO2, etc.?

weight advantage has always been one of the KO2s advantages and that usually tracks with load range given the additional plies in the sidewalls.

(2) did BFG share any insight into black lettering vs white? I’m a big fan of the white letter look and hope it doesn’t go away!

 

[DaltonGang]

According to the various comparison videos and articles: yes and yes. The grooves are significantly different and extend across the tread to direct water out.

That's good to hear, with the change in compound. But, I will let others be the Guinea Pigs. Been down the "New Improved" BF Goodrich KO tires too many times. Fool me once, shame on you, fool me 4+ times, well, no more.

 

[Ratbert]

That's good to hear, with the change in compound. But, I will let others be the Guinea Pigs. Been down the "New Improved" BF Goodrich KO tires too many times. Fool me once, shame on you, fool me 4+ times, well, no more.

4+ times? The KO was released in '99. The KO2 in '15.

 

[DaltonGang]

4+ times? The KO was released in '99. The KO2 in '15.

Yep, had them probably 4 times, starting around 2000. Between various trucks, SUV's and a Jeep. I count my spouses vehicles too. They were especially pissed when roads were wet.

 

[dragoneggs]

I’ve had 4 sets over the years on my F150 and now JLR. I don’t think they are terrible in wet but maybe because our roads are wet a lot and I am used to it? Also we don’t often get heavy rain, just a lot of it.

In heavy rain I have experienced some hydroplaning at high speed but if I slow down, no issues.

I will probably go with the KO3s on my next need. The tread design seems to be improved for channeling water all the way from the center to the edges unlike the KO2 design. I thinking they will be much improved for wet traction.

 

[DaltonGang]

I’ve had 4 sets over the years on my F150 and now JLR. I don’t think they are terrible in wet but maybe because our roads are wet a lot and I am used to it? Also we don’t often get heavy rain, just a lot of it.

In heavy rain I have experienced some hydroplaning at high speed but if I slow down, no issues.

I will probably go with the KO3s on my next need. The tread design seems to be improved for channeling water all the way from the center to the edges unlike the KO2 design. I thinking they will be much improved for wet traction.

When I speak of wet roads, I am talking about wet roads, not hydroplaning. I am specifically interested in knowing if the compound material (for the tread) has been changed, or improved.

 

[Ratbert]

When I speak of wet roads, I am talking about wet roads, not hydroplaning. I am specifically interested in knowing if the compound material (for the tread) has been changed, or improved.

The compound has changed. We hope that's an improvement.

I'm not sure what you mean when you say you're talking about wet roads and not hydroplaning. My understanding is that hydroplaning is what happens on wet roads when water can't escape from under the tire. That's what these "wet road-related" design changes are intended to prevent.

 

[DaltonGang]

The compound has changed. We hope that's an improvement.

I'm not sure what you mean when you say you're talking about wet roads and not hydroplaning. My understanding is that hydroplaning is what happens on wet roads when water can't escape from under the tire. That's what these "wet road-related" design changes are intended to prevent.

Hydroplaning is where there is so much water that the tires tread cannot channel/push the water away, fast enough. Then the tires ride on top of the water, leaving a cushion of water between the tire and the pavement. You are basically sliding on top of the water, like you are on ice, losing the ability to control. This usually happens at higher speeds, with a lot of standing water on the road.

With poor compound in tires, be they too hard, or whatever, any wet roads feel slick. You Feel the tires slipping when trying to accelerate from a slow speed or stop, or when you make low speed turns in neighborhoods. This is more pronounced on asphalt rather than cement roads. This is what the BF Goodrich KO tires have been doing.
Perhaps when they reach the half way point, the compound gets harder, and doesnt adhere to the road as well. I don't know.

And if what they say, as far as the compound changing, well, time and miles will tell. I'm sure others will chime in, over the next couple of years. Hopefully it will be good news.

 

[Discount Tire]

Thanks for chiming in here! I have a couple questions you may/may not have answers for:

(1) Would you happen to know if the load range for the other sizes in the chart? I.e. did BFG tell if the absence of a letter at the means they’re all load C, D, the same as each size is today for the KO2, etc.?

weight advantage has always been one of the KO2s advantages and that usually tracks with load range given the additional plies in the sidewalls.

(2) did BFG share any insight into black lettering vs white? I’m a big fan of the white letter look and hope it doesn’t go away!

1) In a nut shell, the tires that are not load range F, still maintain the same load rating as their KO2 counter part.

2) Looks like the 70 and 75 aspect ratio sizes will continue to be available in the raised white letter. The lower aspect ratio sizes (65,60,55,50) will a raised black letter or black side wall only.

 

[Discount Tire]

Has the rubber compound of the KO3 changed from KO2? Has there been a notable improvement in wet handling?
If you have read, many of us have an issue with the KO2, and its poor wet road handling.

I can't speak directly to compound changes in the tire, but improvements have been made in the tread design itself to improve wet traction. I have customers across several different forums, and they all report much better wet traction capabilities.

 

[dragoneggs]

When I speak of wet roads, I am talking about wet roads, not hydroplaning. I am specifically interested in knowing if the compound material (for the tread) has been changed, or improved.

Maybe your roads are slicker than ours when wet. Seriously, buildup of oil, etc between rains make a difference discounting hydoplaning. Personally, haven't witnessed any problem unless a bunch of standing water is on the road.

Then again, I don't drive as aggressively on wet road as dry. Common sense. I'm amazed how many do... and think they can stop in similar distances.

 

[DaltonGang]

Maybe your roads are slicker than ours when wet. Seriously, buildup of oil, etc between rains make a difference discounting hydoplaning. Personally, haven't witnessed any problem unless a bunch of standing water is on the road.

Then again, I don't drive as aggressively on wet road as dry. Common sense. I'm amazed how many do... and think they can stop in similar distances.

I understand oil and all. I also understand aggressive driving. Neither have been contributing factors in my observations.

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