Mickey thompson or Kenda klever rt?

[WILDHOBO]

I have the MT baja boss in 255/85r17. Two different shops tried to balance them and they're still not quite right. Both times it took a crap ton of weights. Wear is about 55% and they're loud enough that windows down driving is really annoying. They've been substantially in the rain then my ko2s, about the only positive thing I can say about them.

I can't wait till they wear out and I can justify switching to ko3s.

Also, you didn’t say if they were at or mt. I’m referring to the Baja boss AT.

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[S Kama Do!]

I have the AT. I'm running 34 psi, the tires didn't come with any literature regarding inflation pressure nor do I see any online.

 

[WILDHOBO]

I have the AT. I'm running 34 psi, the tires didn't come with any literature regarding inflation pressure nor do I see any online.

You need to call Mickey Thomson. They’ll ask you for your door tag information about your specific jeep. Based on that, and the specific tire model AND size, they’ll give you the correct cold PSI. It varies more than you’d think. My 37x12.5x17 Baja boss at’s are to be run at 27 cold with my gladiator. The same Baja boss at model in 35” pizza cutters like on my friend @Mightytalldude ’s gladiator call for 40psi.

I ran my first set for like 6000 miles at 34, not knowing this. They did not last as long. The tread wear corrected over time after I was running the right pressure, but too much pressure will have them wear too much in the middle, wear out faster, and not perform well.

How much more NOTICEABLE performance you’ll get my running the right psi is huge.

 

[SimonH]

Hey
we have an JT with overland trim, so low fenders (only available in Europe).
We went with a 3 inch AEV HD springs lift, falcon 2.1 shocks and 8,5 wide rims. There we have the BFG K02 315/70/17 Tire, which equals to US 35" 12,5 wide version of the tire, even its only around close to 34 in real world diameter.
It does not stick out. so what go with strange sizes like 255/85r17.

or simply go with 285/70/17 equaling 33's

 

[Bear Hunter]

I have the Kenda RTs and they have been excellent in every condition. They also balanced well and ride smooth down the road. Good mileage wear also... I would like to try the MTs but also would like to try the Coppter rugged trek...

 

[Mightytalldude]

I have the MT baja boss in 255/85r17. Two different shops tried to balance them and they're still not quite right. Both times it took a crap ton of weights. Wear is about 55% and they're loud enough that windows down driving is really annoying. They've been substantially better in the rain then my ko2s, about the only positive thing I can say about them.

I can't wait till they wear out and I can justify switching to ko3s.

Odd, I have the same Mickey Thompson tires, and they are more quiet than the Falcon Wildpeaks, but can still hear them on concrete roadways. Call MT, give them all your door tag info, and the original tire size, and they'll get the the correct pressure to run them at. They are a Load E, so higher psi than expected. Balancing can be a bit, a tech who's good, can balance match the rim and tire, but you'll need to search hard for that tech, or find a shop that specializes in high performance or 4x4 applications.

 

[JJmoto]

Looking into 35 inch tires and want to keep my stock wheels. Have been looking at the Mickey thompson baja boss at's in 255/85r17. Also looking at the Kenda klever rt in 35x10.5r17. My rig is being built for overlanding. My jeep has the wider axles as its max tow and I bought a set of quadratec fender flares that match the rubicon flares in height and width. I don't want the tires to stick out past the flares but have also been looking at 35x11.5r17 nitto tires as well. What is everyones opinion on these tires? Right now I'm leaning toward the mickey thompsons but have read a lot of good reviews on the kenda klevers. The nittos are a little expensive for me.

Im on my 2nd set of Kenda Klevers. I got about 53k miles out of the first set.
No warranty or unusual wear issues at all. Both sets work great in rain and dirt (never used in deep snow, just slight dusting).
I typically run 36psi. They measure 34.4 tall and do not stick out beyond the fenders either.
Overall they are excellent tires and the aggressive sidewalls really enhance the look!
A great option for sure!

 

[WILDHOBO]

Odd, I have the same Mickey Thompson tires, and they are more quiet than the Falcon Wildpeaks, but can still hear them on concrete roadways. Call MT, give them all your door tag info, and the original tire size, and they'll get the the correct pressure to run them at. They are a Load E, so higher psi than expected. Balancing can be a bit, a tech who's good, can balance match the rim and tire, but you'll need to search hard for that tech, or find a shop that specializes in high performance or 4x4 applications.

This.

These tires are not candidates for guessing or chalk testing. Just ask the manufacturer. They have so many sizes and load ratings for the same tire, that it varies a lot. My 37’s in comparison to your 35 pizza cutters are load D.

 

[Mightytalldude]

This.

These tires are not candidates for guessing or chalk testing. Just ask the manufacturer. They have so many sizes and load ratings for the same tire, that it varies a lot. My 37’s in comparison to your 35 pizza cutters are load D.

Word on the interwebs is that these were designed for full size dually 4x4 use, which would explain the Load E range. However they are quite capable aired down to 15psi for extra traction.

 

[AmosMoses]

I have the kenda klevers at and they've been great tires. I have 40k+ miles on them so far. I'll be switching to baja boss at's for added grip in wet conditions because I've heard they are great in rain and snow. I would buy the kendas again if the baja boss didn't wow me.

 

[WILDHOBO]

Word on the interwebs is that these were designed for full size dually 4x4 use, which would explain the Load E range. However they are quite capable aired down to 15psi for extra traction.

I must concur. I’ve seen you hold v notches with a tiny corner of the tire touching. Zero slip.

 

[pcrawfordpt]

Two sleeper tires to consider are Nexen and Hercules/TIS. Both are made in Korea, not China. The Nexen MTX is an amazing performer and extremely durable. Have run this MT for years and tested against some of the best with a former off road equipment testing company. They rock…literally. The new Hercules RT1 (TIS RT1) is a fantastic “rugged terrain” hybrid. Witnessed some prototype testing on these last year. Again they kept up with or outperformed against what is considered the best in the industry….including Nitro and Toyo. Both these brands will provide a significant savings if that’s a concern.

 

[Kang22]

I replaced the stock tires with the Mickey Thompson Baja Boss A/T 255/85 R17 in January. They have been fantastic. I've not done much real offroad on them yet (summer is coming...). I can say they were fine on the highway (made a trip from Chicago area to Jacksonville). On the way home I got caught in a massive storm, wind and rain with wet slippery interstate. They handled beautifully. I'm running at 38 PSI cold, but after reading I may want to push it up a little higher even. Mine is a Max Tow as well, no lift - pictures here: (1) 35s and No Lift Thread | Page 26 | Jeep Gladiator (JT) News, Forum, Community - JeepGladiatorForum.com

 

[ourjeeps]

Preston /Metalhead we'd say go with the Kenda Klevers. We did.

Adding a Kenda Klever RT plug here (35x10.50R17 on 2017 granite Rubicon Recon rims) on a 2024JTRX. Also allowed us to *NOT* buy yet ANOTHER set of wheels! We are pleased with the handling, ride, noise level, we have logged no rock crawling miles on them yet...

No surprise- lots of good posts here on Mickey Thompson, BFG, others, all GREAT tire designs.

Our Perspective - possibly different (or maybe same) from/as yours: Over the many decades, we have acquired a fleet of deliberately acquired, RVs, trucks, Jeeps, tractors, trenchers, motorcycles, utility vehicles, and trailers of all sorts, (mountain property) that we stick with/don't sell frequently (the devil you know). We mechanically/electronically absolutely distrust the newer ones, and are thankful for the blessed over-20 years old vehicles retained. Especially the pre-emission diesels.

So, out of necessity, we look for balance between price and performance, leaning towards value. Value in light truck tires is harder to find these days with COVID/ post-COVID logistics/mgf disruptions/ stubborn price increases.

With decreasing hydrocarbon prices trends and the demise of OPEC, these input costs into tires prices should improve, and prices reflect that to a degree. Also "pizza cutter" tires are gaining in popularity, and they use less tire tread material, than the currently popular in USA "fatties."

Great deals are few, good deals only occasionally these days.

Yes BFGs are well designed and manufactured top tier tires no question.

Yes MT's are proven designs with great performance, and a slightly improved price point.

However we've chosen to prioritize value, so went with the Kneda Klever RTs (mid-way between AT & MT). Of the 5 mounted (matching spare), only one needed extra tire weights to get it into a good dynamic balance, so appears to be a fundamentally good tire.

If you have a single, or few light truck/Jeep vehicles, and it's always YOUR choice, consider the BFGs or MTs more heavily, budget allowing.

Enjoy all those CJs, YJs, TJs, JKs, JLs, and JTs! [Not a single emoji here!!! Ha! Ha!]

 

[Solo25]

Love my Mickeys. Just grabbed a set of 37" boss MT last week. Had 35 baha legend exp on it before. If your sticking g with stock wheels a 35x12.5 will fit just fine also. I ran a 37 on stock wheels on my 19 JL. If your worried about poke you can always grab a set of the XR flares to ad on.

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