Tire recommendations

PNWschusser · 09-01-2021, 02:27 PM

Hi all,

My 4x4 2014 E350 needs new tires. Right now I have the Toyo A/T II Open Country Xtreme LT285/75R18. I live in the PNW and will be using it on snowy roads quite often, but want an all terrain tire that doesn't shake at 60 mph and will remain balanced!!! I'm leaning towards the BF Goodrich All Terrain T/A KO2... Thank you for any recommendations.

Twoxentrix · 09-01-2021, 02:47 PM

I've run Toyo MT's for many many years, Have had others but these have been the best IMO. Never had an issue with them, they have a high load capacity, and the only terrain tire that I've ever purchased where each one required very little balancing (have probably gone through about 9 to 10 sets now). I can travel at 75 mph and they run straight with no adverse characteristics. Perform very well in all types of conditions (snow included). I do rotate periodically, and maintain the FE alignment.

pjpvi · 09-01-2021, 06:22 PM

I used to run Toyo M/T's like Twoxentrix (probably 3 sets) but my experience is that they "chunked" pretty easy from 4wheeling on rough / sharp rock surfaces and lifespan was not great. They are also on the heavy side of tires. When I was heading to S. America last year (yeah, didn't make it because of COVID) I switched to a set of Nitto Ridge Grapplers and absolutely love them over the Toyo M/T's for the way I use my van. The Toyo's definitely did a bit better in the mud, but the Nitto's do OK too. Much quieter ride than the Toyo's and much lighter. Not sure if I'm going to get any better life out of them. I usually got about 25K out of the Toyo M/T's before they just were no good any more. I'm at about 15K on the Nitto's now and thinking they may make it to 30K??? My slight right hand pull also disappeared when switching from the Toyo M/T's to the Nitto Ridge Grapplers (may have just been a quirk with my van).

Just offering my perspective. For purely 4-wheeling, the Toyo M/T's were a better tire, but for all around, I'm preferring the Nitto Ridge Grapplers.

shenrie · 09-01-2021, 06:50 PM

I’ve had 3 sets of tires on my van since owning it. Toyo at2’s”s we’re first. For me they were good for around 30k miles, but we’re worthless in the snow by that point. No flats on any of the 5. Rode kinda rough, especially at the end. Traction was fine, no complaints. They were heavy though. I’ve been told toyo has beefy sidewalls.

Next set was ko2’s. Good for around 35k and we’re still decent at 30k in the snow but taped off fast at the end. No flats on any of the 5. Rode better than the Togo’s. Traction was better for me than the toyos all around, but not by leaps and bounds or anything. Was really surprised they dropped the rim protector part of the tires. One of my main draws to the originals.

Currently running general at2’s. They ride nice, but a little on the squishy side for my liking. Traction seems about the same as the ko2, which really isn’t a surprise since they look identical to a ko2. Not sure how they get away with that, lol. Will have to report back on longevity though.

I wanted to try the kenda r/t tire, but a friend bought me the generals before our annual trip to the Teton pass. I’m not one to turn down a gesture of that magnitude. I really like the looks of them but haven’t seen any reviews from anyone but jeep owners so I’m scared to try them just yet. I gotta weigh twice what most jeeps do. I’m afraid I’d wear them out in a summer hearing how sticky they are for the jeepers.

86Scotty · 09-01-2021, 07:23 PM

I've bought around 10 sets of KO2's for every van, SUV, Jeep and truck I've owned in the last few years.

But......

https://coopertire.com/en-us/find-ti...overer-stt-pro

WhitH · 09-01-2021, 08:03 PM

I also live in the PNW I went through a set of KO2s on my van. They were fine in all conditions but I’ve been really pleased with the General Grabber ATX. I would recommend them over the KO2s. I’ll get another set when it’s time.

86Scotty · 09-01-2021, 08:29 PM

I've heard a lot of good things about those too, Whit.

I've been meaning to check them out.

WhitH · 09-01-2021, 09:43 PM

Solid in the dirt and better in my opinion on the pavement and in the snow than the KO2. Mine have always balanced easily as well.

shenrie · 09-02-2021, 05:44 AM

Hate not having my van in my possession...

After reading what Whit added I’m not sure whether I have the the a/t2’s or the a/tx’s. They look identical in pix (both appear to be a complete ripoff of the ko2 design), but there’s got to be some differences. Will have to look into that. Either way, we are pleased with the grabbers so far and the price of the generals was right about a hundred less per tire for the size we’ve been using, 315/70r17.

Whit, have you had more than one set? Curious what kind of mileage to expect with these tires.

Forgot to add, never really had any balance issues with any of the 3 brands. Our wheels have a larger center bore than any of the balance machines I’ve had access to over the years and none had a center bore die big enough, so I’ve had to take them all to a tire shop for balancing. None of the brands were forced to use excessive weights, but the bfg’s used less weights overall then the toyo’s and generals.

WhitH · 09-02-2021, 08:00 AM

I’ve had just one set and I’m going on about 40k miles with them. I’ll likely get a fresh set before snow and rain season hits.