BFG K02 vs Toyo AT3: FXE Specific Question

[maxp0wers]

Have a Rubicon FXE. GVWR 5222lbs or so.

Looking to move to 35s/315s and narrowed down to these two: both in C.

I'm aware of the stronger sidewall on the K02 but trying to understand if it provides any real benefit for my needs.

I use my Jeep for off road often but pretty much top out at level 5 or so. I'm up by Tahoe so plenty of rocks, but again, not hitting anything too hardcore. The lighter weight on the Toyos is appealing given the fatty weight of the Rubicon FXE but not a sole determining factor. Load rating on k02s is higher but both are well in excess of the weight of the Jeep so doesn't seem like much of a concern. )( 2400lbs for Toyo AT3, 2535lbs on the k02s ).

So the question is does the stronger sidewall on the k02 translate to better support and handle the greater weight of the Rubicon FXE better or are both pretty equal on that front? To put it another way: is the stronger sidewall on the k02 about strength and support of a heavy vehicle or is the stronger sidewall only in reference to thickness and defense of the tire carcass?

My assumption is that the load rating is really the answer to my question here and that both tires should equally handle the weight of the rubicon fxe just fine, but wanted to clarify.

If the k02s don't give any major benefit in reference strictly to the weight of the Rubicon FXE, then I'll probably go for the AT3s.

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[2nd 392]

Have a Rubicon FXE. GVWR 5222lbs or so.

Looking to move to 35s/315s and narrowed down to these two: both in C.

I'm aware of the stronger sidewall on the K02 but trying to understand if it provides any real benefit for my needs.

I use my Jeep for off road often but pretty much top out at level 5 or so. I'm up by Tahoe so plenty of rocks, but again, not hitting anything too hardcore. The lighter weight on the Toyos is appealing given the fatty weight of the Rubicon FXE but not a sole determining factor. Load rating on k02s is higher but both are well in excess of the weight of the Jeep so doesn't seem like much of a concern. )( 2400lbs for Toyo AT3, 2535lbs on the k02s ).

So the question is does the stronger sidewall on the k02 translate to better support and handle the greater weight of the Rubicon FXE better or are both pretty equal on that front? To put it another way: is the stronger sidewall on the k02 about strength and support of a heavy vehicle or is the stronger sidewall only in reference to thickness and defense of the tire carcass?

My assumption is that the load rating is really the answer to my question here and that both tires should equally handle the weight of the rubicon fxe just fine, but wanted to clarify.

If the k02s don't give any major benefit in reference strictly to the weight of the Rubicon FXE, then I'll probably go for the AT3s.

KO2’s rated 130lbs higher, weigh 5lbs more, worse in wet, worse rock magnets, also don’t ride as well as replacement AT3’s, but larger size could be a ride factor….. need a whole 130lbs more ??‍

 

[maxp0wers]

I suppose if I needed that extra 130lbs load rating I'd have bigger problems.

It does seem like the at3 are the play here.

Max psi is 35 on the at3. That's what I run on my 33" ko2s. Seems odd max psi is so high. I'd probably run around 30 anyways on a 35" tire but running so close to the max psi is a bit intimidating.

I guess that's what they were designed for though.

 

[2nd 392]

I suppose if I needed that extra 130lbs load rating I'd have bigger problems.

It does seem like the at3 are the play here.

Max psi is 35 on the at3. That's what I run on my 33" ko2s. Seems odd max psi is so high. I'd probably run around 30 anyways on a 35" tire but running so close to the max psi is a bit intimidating.

I guess that's what they were designed for though.

My only AT3 downside is running 30-32 psi was a constant cold morning TPMS warning PITA. The last straw that cost me a Tazer to eliminate.
Just reminded by @GrayWolf.Overland that yes they are slightly louder, one side looks a little better than the other, but still not impressive. Sidewall pic posted upon request, PS, the current drenching atmospheric river doesn’t care, but I do care about the better wet traction.

 

[GrayWolf.Overland]

both C rated tires - I don't think you will notice the sidewall difference that much at road psi - where you need to worry about the 4xe weight on cornering etc.

BFG sidewall durability is only going to be a factor off-road if you often go on trails with sharp wedge like rocks, cactus, or the likes of those sidewall torturing elements.

AT3 is going to be a better rain/wet traction tire compared to KO2, both are equally good by AT-standards on snow. AT3 slightly noisier due to more spaced lugs, KO2 looks much better due to a more beefy sidewall shoulder lugs compared to the bald looking AT3 design.

 

[maxp0wers]

Thank you both for your response. It helped me make the decision to go with the Toyo AT3.

I live right at the snowline so lots of heavy rain and a few big snow storms a year, and I head up the mountain many times for snowboarding. I also have a long gravel driveway...and yeah I take most of my driveway with me on the k02s everything I leave!

One last related question: Toyo AT3s come in 35x11.5 and 35x12.5. I'm sure you guys know the specs ( both Q rating, 118 load rating on the 11.5 vs 111 on 12.5, 61 lbs on 11.5 vs 59 lbs on 12.5 ).

It seems the 11.5 width may be the better choice for me for better snow performance as long as no real trade off in dry/off roading. I can't see 1" width really having that big of an impact for someone like me who off roads a lot but limits out at level 5 or 6 trails. Especially when the tire is aired down anyways.

Any particular thoughts?

If all things are equal for my preferences I'll probably go with the 11.5 width.

Wheels are 17x8.5 0 offset. Don't think I'm really looking at rubbing/fitment issues either way, correct?

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