BF K02 OR KM3

[rocketman9132]

I am installing a set of 35" tires on my new rubicon. I do live in a snow climate and will be keeping my stock wheels (could install them in the winter.) Curious if the KM3's are going to be a lot louder than the BF AT K02's? I will not be doing aggressive off roading, however will be doing some. I really like the look of the KM3, however haven't seen the K02 anywhere. opinions appreciated.

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[jessedacri]

I am installing a set of 35" tires on my new rubicon. I do live in a snow climate and will be keeping my stock wheels (could install them in the winter.) Curious if the KM3's are going to be a lot louder than the BF AT K02's? I will not be doing aggressive off roading, however will be doing some. I really like the look of the KM3, however haven't seen the K02 anywhere. opinions appreciated.

I've been doing nothing but an insanely overkill amount of research on this trying to nail down my tire choice over the last couple of months. The KM3 road noise is going to be noticeable most of the time whereas your KO2s are basically silent, and they get louder as they age, as all MTs seem to. They seem to be quieter and more refined than a lot of other MTs but I've seen a few videos where you can absolutely hear them with some miles on them - if you're looking for a tire that's mostly going to get out of your way and deliver like the KO2 when you're on-road I wouldn't make the switch - especially because the KO2s are much better in winter conditions on the road. The only other more aggressive tires that are definitely closer to the stock noise levels are the milestar Patagonias and the Nitto Ridge Grapplers, although the Nittos are more of an AT. The pats have their own quirks - they don’t last as long but are inexpensive.

As for your use case, I have KM3s on my list because I wheel my Jeep a lot, and have plans to hit the three local badge of honor trails and then the Rubicon trail this fall. If this was a mostly road going in a winter weather region and light trail rig I would stick to an aggressive AT, or maybe the Pats.

All that being said I haven’t driven KM3s yet, but I’ve probably seen every video and read every long term review ever uploaded to the internet about them at this point haha.

 

[Notorious]

OP Where you live, if you’re sold on BFGs, the KM3’s will suit your driving needs much better.

 

[blnewt]

If you don't want to change back to stock K02s in the winter you might be better off just getting 35s in the K02 for year round off roading since the K02s are snow rated. sounds like you're planning for good off-roading but not the type that an MT would be needed.
Here's a good thread
https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/forum/threads/km3-in-snow.42295/

 

[Z&KOJL]

KO2’s. I grew up and live in MInnesota, and lived in Wyoming and North Dakota. The last 4 sets of tires I’ve bought including 3 1/2 ton Chevys and the Jeep were all KO2. Like others know, they are not a great mud tire, but that’s what makes them a great snow tire. I have zero experience with the KM3. The KO2 is great on road and off but not a great mud tire, if you do more mud than anything I would recommend the KM3.

 

[DanW]

The Ko2s have surprised me as to how good they are off-road. Honestly, they are superior to the KM2's I had on my JK everywhere but in the mud. And there, they aren't as bad as I thought they'd be. Best of all, they ride much smoother and are much quieter. In snow, there is no comparison. The KO2 trounces any mud tire I've ever driven in the winter.

 

[Fsttanks]

I have owned both on my prior built up JKU. By far the KO2 is a better all around tire especially in wet or snowy weather. KM3 is great looking and an excellent tire for a Jeep if maximum off road performance out ways everything else.

On my 2020 JLUR I opted for another set of KO2s in 315/70/17s “35s” in “C” load range. Not much mud out west so no need for the the KM3 and it’s associated rougher ride and much higher noise draw backs for me.

Recent photo from the trail running the KO2s. No lift yet and no rubbing either.

 

[Zagman]

I've been doing nothing but an insanely overkill amount of research on this trying to nail down my tire choice over the last couple of months. The KM3 road noise is going to be noticeable most of the time whereas your KO2s are basically silent, and they get louder as they age, as all MTs seem to. They seem to be quieter and more refined than a lot of other MTs but I've seen a few videos where you can absolutely hear them with some miles on them - if you're looking for a tire that's mostly going to get out of your way and deliver like the KO2 when you're on-road I wouldn't make the switch - especially because the KO2s are much better in winter conditions on the road. The only other more aggressive tires that are definitely closer to the stock noise levels are the milestar Patagonias and the Nitto Ridge Grapplers, although the Nittos are more of an AT. The pats have their own quirks - they don’t last as long but are inexpensive.

As for your use case, I have KM3s on my list because I wheel my Jeep a lot, and have plans to hit the three local badge of honor trails and then the Rubicon trail this fall. If this was a mostly road going in a winter weather region and light trail rig I would stick to an aggressive AT, or maybe the Pats.

All that being said I haven’t driven KM3s yet, but I’ve probably seen every video and read every long term review ever uploaded to the internet about them at this point haha.

Hi there - here in NZ the Rubicon has only just arrived and comes as stock with the KM2s (255/75/17s). Read a heap of reviews, some good, some bad, but they seemed safe on most tarmac surfaces and pretty much unbeatable off road. But the road noise and occasional dodgy tracking wasn't for me so I've just fitted BFG AT T/A KO2s (275/70/17). An issue is finding a tire that doesn't totally throw out the speedo and these show only a 0.31% differential. Way quieter, better tracking, better on sand and snow, and seem great on mud. I'll get a set of OEM 17" spare wheels for the KM2s but dobt I'll use them. I reckon the KM2s were only chosen to add to the looks of the Rubicon.

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