BF KO2 vs Falken AT4W

[LakeEffect]

Its time to replace my tires and I‘m considering going to 35’s. I’ve been running 295/70R17 STT Pros with a Mopar “ 2 inch “ lift with stock sport gears. If I go to 35’s I’ll plan to regear but realistically I don’t really trail ride much anymore. Main reason for the larger size is aesthetic, I think my “33’s” look a little small with the lift.

My STT pros were load range E and were never really comfortable. I also want better snow traction and tread life. So I plan to move on to an All-terrain tire.

I’m looking at 315/70R17 KO2’s for $280ish a tire and 35x11.5R17 Falken AT4Ws for around $300 a tire. Both are load range C and should behave better for daily driving.

What I’m trying to figure out is if the narrower AT4s are worth being around 6lbs per tire heavier. Or if its worth having a lighter tire that’s wider than I’d like for my driving habits.

Extra credit for those that live in eastern Iowa and know wher I can re-gear my jeep!

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[Punkn89]

So many threads on tire choices/options. KO2s suck in the rain. Falkens are better. I always go functionality over aesthetics so I would go the Michelin defender LTX route (staying at 33’s) if not off-roading. To each his own!

 

[jadmt]

I have had KO2's and AT3w (not the at4w's) and prefer the Micky Thompson baja boss at's and mt's to either of those. might look at them....I run two sets of tires the Baja bosses in both MT's and AT's and the MT combo is much heavier combo but the weight difference has no affect on how they feel running around.....

 

[Jeffy56]

I have had both KO, KO2s and AT3w as well. The Falken's have done well on ice and snow with the Jeep. The KO2s I had on a couple of 4x trucks. 27 yrs ago the earlier KOs were nearly as good as tire cables coming out of Flagstaff. Early winter storm, south on I-17. Tractor trailers off either side in the ditch, people stuck in swales because of ice, etc. I aired down 3 - 4 psi and bought some tube sand for an extra 160 lbs low over the rear axle. Many people expect SUV tires to perform at speed like street tires. Not an ideal choice. Or too much air in them.

 

[CowboysFan]

I went from KO2s to AT4W, I vote for AT4W.

To me, Falken rides and handles better.

 

[AcesandEights]

I'd go with BFG 285/70/17 with snowflake/mountain for wet winter traction.

Narrower, which you want.
Load range C which you want, for a better ride.
33" tall, so less need to regear.
33" tall, so better power AND mpg.

Find some take-off suspension, or trade someone for their Rubicon suspension.

You don't really off road much, so why chase something that makes driving worse?

 

[F4Flyer]

KO2s get my vote.

 

[Old Dogger]

We in our Family have run KO2'S, Falken Wildpeak A/T3'S, and are currently running A/T4'S. The Falken is the superior tire in every way. Ride, less noise, they start out with more tread depth, great on wet roads, are snow rated, and they don't pick up rocks/stone like the KO'S do.

 

[CowboysFan]

AT4Ws in 35 x 11.5 load C if you need a reference

 

[Scott97]

We in our Family have run KO2'S, Falken Wildpeak A/T3'S, and are currently running A/T4'S. The Falken is the superior tire in every way. Ride, less noise, they start out with more tread depth, great on wet roads, are snow rated, and they don't pick up rocks/stone like the KO'S do.

Thanks for the reference on the AT4. I did not know they were quieter. Good to know for tire shopping next year. I am happy with the noise level of the KO2 on my 2024 Willys but have noticed a significant increase in the noise level of the Goodyear DuraTracs on my Ram truck as they have worn to about 50% tread. The tendency to hydroplane has also increased. Some tires are more sensitive to these things than others.

Lots of new choices out there now, KO3, AT4, DuraTrac RT

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