Thoughts? - BFG A/T KO2 - 315 /70 R17 113T C2 vs. Falken A/T 3W 315/70

[Barnaby’sdad]

I‘m not in love with the stock Falken A/T 3W 285’s, but I’m happy enough with them, so I was thinking about just getting the 315/70 version of those. Looking at them on DiscountTire, they’re load rating E. I’m assuming the ride is going to be rougher with those going from load rating C (6 ply) to load rating E (10 ply).

I’d like something that has similar ride manners and noise level to the stock Falken A/T 3W 285’s. The next logical choice for me is the BFG A/T KO2 315/70 with the C load rating. The benefit of these over the Falken appears to be: 1. Load rating (better ride?), and 2. They‘re 10 lbs lighter per tire vs. the same size Falken.

What are your thoughts? I searched for a bit, but didn’t see a similar comparison. Thank you.

Edit: Google was helpful.

https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/...e-any-experience-with-this-combination.34469/

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[gouacats]

I'm looking to go 35s on mine right now. Currently have the 33 Falken MTs. I'm looking for something that weighs similar and load rating C (and of course, looks aggressive). Load rating E tires and tires weighing more than 70 lbs were out.

I think I'm down to the KO2s that you're looking at and the 35/11.5r17 Nitto Recon Grapplers (also available in C). I'm leaning towards the Nittos because they are a bit less expensive.

 

[Barnaby’sdad]

Good luck with your decision. From my perspective…all of the options (I checked the Nitto’s out, as well) are close enough in price that I think it’s more what you want, as they’re all up there, price wise.

I’m just going to pull off the band-aid and go with the BFG’s.

 

[Mball488]

I took off the stock M/Ts and when I had my lift installed I went with the 35 KO2's. It has been such a positive experience so far. So much quieter and the ride is way better, part due to lift and part for tires. Im glad the KM3's were sold out and ended up with these.

 

[chorky]

I recently put KO2's on my little TJ as it needed tires. A lot of folks talk great things about them so I figured would give them a chance. People say quiet, ride nice, great grip, etc.. Well... IMHO I absolutely HATE them. And I want to sell them and put on my old tires again.... Total waste of money to me. Previously I had old worn out Cooper Discoverer STT Pro (an aggressive MT). And compared to those, the KO2's were noisy, terribly bumpy, and do not have good grip on the highway and feel down right scary in the rain (haven't had them in the snow/ice yet - Dont even want to try they're so terrible on the dry).

So for the Gladiator, I will likely stick with the Falkin's, or consider Duratracs, or a full on MT. Falkins have much better rain traction than KO2's. Duratracs I think are even better in rain/wet roads - but their disadvantage is apparent weak sidewalls (I had duratracs on my huge OBS 350 7.3 and never even came close to a sidewall tear and put those tires through a LOT). They kept that truck planted better than any tire I have ever had. It will be interesting to see how well the falkins do this winter for the gladiator since they do also have the 3peak rating, and are studdable.

For all the hype of the KO2's I think they are horrid. Just one guys' .02 and I know people will throw eggs at me for saying this, but I think they are worthless - I have used multiple types of tires on multiple types of vehicles.

 

[Barnaby’sdad]

What a difference. Look awesome (perfect size, in my opinion) and rides great.

Edit: These measure 33.5” under load with ~38 PSI. With the AEV Procal Snap at 3, 3, 5…the speedometer is right on.

Before:

After:

 

[gouacats]

Nice! I ordered the Nitto's on Thursday. Ended up getting them for $307/tire (Glad I waited for Labor Day). Should be at the shop on Tuesday or Wednesday. Can't wait!

 

[Barnaby’sdad]

Damn. That’s a pretty solid deal, considering the prices these days.

 

[gouacats]

Damn. That’s a pretty solid deal, considering the prices these days.

Yeah, they were something like $365 the other day, but came down to $323 on Wednesday. I used the Discount Tire card to bring it down another 5%. Pretty happy with the deal!

 

[Discount Tire]

What a difference. Look awesome (perfect size, in my opinion) and rides great.

Thank you for posting photos of your new tires, Your Gladiator looks great.

Yeah, they were something like $365 the other day, but came down to $323 on Wednesday. I used the Discount Tire card to bring it down another 5%. Pretty happy with the deal!

Thank you for posting your experience.

We appreciate both of your support.

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