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Old 06-28-2018, 08:04 PM   #1
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2wd/non-lift tires

I have gone through a some of the tire discussions/gallery and notice certain tire brands popping up, however everyone has a lift and/or 4wd.



I need new tires and am wondering if something like the BFG AT is complete overkill and even counterproductive. I'll mostly be doing asphalt driving. Only occasionally will I be in snow, and off road will be basic campground stuff, dirt road, or perhaps a field here and there.


Or perhaps there is enough benefit to all-terrain tires regardless to merit? Keeping my baby son safe is very important.

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Old 06-28-2018, 08:25 PM   #2
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I'm a firm believer in the BFG KO and 2's in size 265/75-16 for 3 of my E350s. (only suspension mods have Bilstien HD shocks)
My current set all the rest have always broke 50K miles.
From the sandy shores of Key West, FL to the deep snow in Avon, CO and mud in between have been great while giving a firm ride while hauling heavy weight up the interstate or airing down for comfortable ride on washboard roads.
And you'll basically forget about hydroplaning in the rain.
All those miles and only two flats, on the KO2's.
And the looks... will get complete strangers asking if it's "all wheel drive" or "4X4" LOL.
But that's just my thoughts,ha.
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Old 06-28-2018, 08:53 PM   #3
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I'm in a similar situation, looking at AT tires for a 2wd van, and I'm leaning hard towards the KO2. I had all season tires on a previous pickup, and after the third puncture on dirt/gravel roads I went AT and never looked back. I had Toyo AT2s on my last two vehicles, but I really like the looks, prices and reviews of the KO2s. 99% sure thats where I'm headed.

As far as size, I REALLY want to go 285/75R16 on the factory wheels. I have a set of Moog 880 coils in my garage which hopefully will get me close to 2" higher than stock in the front. I have the sad suspicion I'll only be able to swing 265s, however the guy who had my van last kinda butchered the inner fender lip where he attached some mud flaps. So I may be better off trimming a bit anyway....
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Old 06-28-2018, 08:59 PM   #4
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Thanks. It's really good to hear your experiences. I was looking at the KO2's. Discount tires has a rebate going on tomorrow, so I'll order a set.
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Old 06-28-2018, 09:05 PM   #5
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Originally Posted by jpau00 View Post
Thanks. It's really good to hear your experiences. I was looking at the KO2's. Discount tires has a rebate going on tomorrow, so I'll order a set.
Do you happen to have any more info on that rebate?
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Old 06-28-2018, 09:13 PM   #6
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Not sure if they're still a favorite or not, but I was super impressed with the set of Cooper Discoverer AT/3's that I ran in size 245/75r16 on my non-lifted E250 for a couple years. Quiet, awesome (straight) tracking on the highway, and long-wearing. Got em in the rain/ice only several times but they were certainly sure-footed and confident.

Nowadays I'm running the BFG KO2's on my lifted van and I sure do like their ride quality! But I truly believe the Coopers tracked better on the highway. (Easier to keep the van going straight without it wandering.)

I believe the only real downside to the newest BFG KO2's is that they have a softer tire compound than previous versions of the tire had, so they don't give you as many miles. Still, for a recreational vehicle like our vans that (usually) don't get as many miles per year racked up (compared to a daily driver), you'll likely "age out" any set of tires on a van long before you'll hit the treadwear limits. (If you believe the rule of thumb that after 6 years, tires ought to be discarded.)
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Old 06-28-2018, 09:29 PM   #7
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Do you happen to have any more info on that rebate?

If you go to Discount Tires website (Called America's Tires in CA) they have the details. Basically it is $100 rebate via a prepaid mastercard on their "Best" tires, which the KO2 is. You can get additional rebate with buying wheels or applying for their credit card. It is available the 29th & 30th. Also available July 1 but only for online orders.
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Old 06-28-2018, 10:33 PM   #8
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Got my KO2s before the 4x4 conversion and loved how the van handled with them before the conversion. Even better afterwards.
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Old 06-28-2018, 11:37 PM   #9
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For pavement AT tires are noisier and look different. That's it.
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Old 06-29-2018, 04:08 AM   #10
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They could be a softer compound but my current set of KO2 are set to break 50k miles with probably 4k more before the bars. Same as the previous model.
As for noise, maybe louder but the gained benefits I'm sure out weight noise issues... unless the vehicle occupants are sensitive. (But it's a van)
I personally can't comment about tire noise, I drive a 7.3 lol
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