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By Kurt Spurlock
The BFG KO2 tire is one of the most popular, best-selling, and widely praised all-terrain tires of all time, yet somehow it still has its fair share of critics. We decided to get to the bottom of the KO2 debate by mounting up a set on our test truck and taking them through every type of terrain we could find. Below we answer all the internet’s most popular questions and most notorious rumors about the KO2.
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If you’re planning on taking your vehicle off paved roads, swapping out your OEM tires is both the simplest and the single most impactful upgrade you can make. With that being said, any decent set of new tires is a big investment, and doing your research before pulling the trigger is key. You asked, and we delivered: Here are the most common questions we found about the KO2, and our take on each after putting a set through its paces.
Believe it or not, road manners are actually one of the strong suits of the KO2. Our test tires actually felt more confident cornering on both wet and dry pavement than the street-focused OEMs, which we chalk up to the increased contact patch as well as the wider shoulders and stiffer sidewalls of the KO2. We pushed our luck on many a curvy backroad and interstate on-ramp, and never managed to break traction once (unless we were intentionally hooning around, which is tough to avoid with a manual transmission and switchable traction control).
From a ride quality perspective, we will note that the heavier/stiffer construction of the BFGs translated to a slightly rougher/bumpier ride than the stock tires.
You’ll feel bumps, rough pavement, and potholes much more directly if you’re coming from a highway terrain tire, but the KO2 was on point with other all-terrains we’ve used in the past like the Falken Wildpeak and Cooper Discoverer.
Any time you increase the spacing between the lugs of your tires, they’re going to make more noise on the pavement. Part of that is due to the taller and wider tread “squirming” around under load, and part of that is the sheer amount of air being caught between the lugs.
With that being said, we were pleasantly surprised at just how quiet the KO2 is compared to other AT and MT tires we’ve tested. Granted, they definitely have a low audible “hum” that’s more noticeable than the old highway tires, but they are by no means loud or obnoxious. We never felt the urge to crank up the stereo to drown them out, which is more than we can say for others we’ve used in the past.
This is one of the most common questions we see from folks looking for a more aggressive off-road tire. Ultimately the decision all comes down to your intended use, so here are a few things to consider.
First, unless you’re planning on taking your vehicle rock crawling or through deep mud on a regular basis, chances are you’ll be better served by the BFGoodrich KO2. Don’t get us wrong, the KM3 (aka Mud-Terrain T/A) is a fantastic tire for aggressive off-road use, but its tread pattern is specialized for more “hardcore” situations, and as such, it doesn’t perform as well as an all-rounder.
Second, KO2s have fantastic off-road prowess and are insanely tough (they share the same CoreGard sidewall technology as the KM3), but they also benefit from improved road manners and better all-weather traction in wet or wintery conditions (we drove ours in both rain and snow). If you’re looking for one off-road tire that does it all and does it all well, you’ll be much happier with the KO2.
We haven’t run our current test set down to the wear bars yet, but we will say they’ve been “aging gracefully” for the 5,000 or so miles we’ve had them. To date, our current set has lost a little over 1/32″ of tread. Assuming we maintain regular rotations (between 6,000 and 8,000 miles) and stay on top of our air pressure, we expect the KO2 to deliver a solid 50,000 miles or so of enjoyment. Typically with all-terrains you’ll want to swap them out before they reach the “legal limit” of 2/32 for ideal off-road performance, but if you’re looking to get your money’s worth, we belive they’ll go the distance.
If ever there were a reliable place to find someone with a contrary opinion, the internet would be that place. Somewhere lurking within the swamp of every YouTube comments section is at least one person who doesn’t agree that 1+1=2.
As such, it should come as no surprise that even a tire as popular as the KO2 has its naysayers. We tested each of the most common gripes about BFG’s most popular all-terrain, and here’s what we found.
Any all-terrain tire is going to be heavier than its highway-only equivalent, and there’s a reason for that. Tires like the BFG KO2 (and any AT worth buying) employ thicker and stronger materials throughout their construction to make them competent and reliable when the pavement ends. Thicker tread, reinforced sidewalls, and tougher tire beads all work to increase a tire’s capability off-road, but they add weight as a consequence.
With that being said, the only fair comparison to test this complaint is to compare the KO2 to other popular ATs on the market of the same size and see how they stack up. For the purpose of this test, our tire is a size 265/75/16 with a heavy-duty “E” load rating.
0 lbsNow obviously, not everyone needs an E-rated tire (we certainly don’t on our little Tacoma), but as far as objective data goes, the BFG KO2 fits right in with the competition in terms of weight. In fact, the only tire that weighs significantly less in this list is the Goodyear Wrangler Adventure, which we only included because it’s the factory tire specced on the Tacoma. In real-world terms, the Wrangler doesn’t even compare performance-wise with any of the other tires on the list above since it’s designed to favor fuel economy over traction for regulatory purposes, which brings us to our next complaint.
A tire’s effect on your gas mileage depends on several factors. Tire size, weight, tread pattern, and even tread compound all play a role in your final MPG.
When we hear owners complain about their gas mileage after switching from OEM tires to dedicated all-terrain tires like the KO2, however, there’s one factor that’s almost always to blame: Bigger tires.
Look, we get it: Half the appeal of moving up to all-terrains is the look of the tire, and getting a larger and/or taller tire that fills up the wheel well adds curb appeal to any truck. Keeping that in mind, we equipped our test truck with the largest KO2 that could fit on our stock suspension and evaluated the results.
Are they heavier? Yes. Do they look better? Oh yes. Kurt SpurlockAfter running several full tanks of gas through our test vehicle on a mixture of highways, city traffic, and off-road terrain, we found that we lost an average of 1.2 mpg over the previous tires. That’s particularly impressive considering the street-oriented Toyo Open Country A31 tires we pulled off the truck were smaller, narrower, and over 20 pounds lighter than the KO2s.
We’re gonna go ahead and call BS here, all things considered. Keep in mind though, that the bigger you go, the harder your engine has to work to maintain the same speeds as before. Expect to lose more mpg’s the further you drift from stock sizing (especially if you aren’t regearing your vehicle to match a larger diameter tire). Had we stuck with the OEM size, the mpg difference would have been even less, but even with a significantly heavier and larger tire, we didn’t experience any drastic change in fuel economy with the KO2.
This is a complaint you’ll hear from folks who have purchased and enjoyed more budget-friendly all-terrain options like the General Grabber AT mentioned above. While tires like this will certainly be an improvement over OEM tires off-road, you’ll want to consider the other tradeoffs that typically come with budget ATs. These tires tend to lack important metrics like wet stopping distance, all-weather handling, and chip/tear resistance on off-road terrain.
We won’t dig into the specifics of each, but here’s a quick rundown of current prices for the same tires/sizes mentioned above:
Again, the KO2 fits in right alongside other popular brands in terms of price, and is only marginally more expensive than budget-friendly favorites like the Grabber, which, truth be told, borrows heavily from the BFG tread pattern. Considering that the KO2 is a well-documented and proven performer in damn near every environment out there, cost doesn’t seem to be a relevant sticking point to us.
If you are taking your truck or SUV off-road regularly, you've probably heard of KO2 Tires.
These rugged all-terrain tires from BF Goodrich are well known among consumers who drive off the beaten path. Should you be new to this type of driving or are considering switching to this tire brand, you might be curious about how long the KO2 tires will last. We researched this brand of tire from numerous professional sources so that you will have a definitive answer.
Under normal circumstances, a KO2 tire from BF Goodrich will last 50,000 miles. The tread life of this tire is guaranteed up to this amount. Of course, how you drive and maintain the tires will significantly impact their longevity.
Now that we know how long KO2 should last, we'll take a closer look at this type of tire. You might also be wondering when you should replace KO2 tires or if BFG KO2 tires are worth the money. How often should KO2 tires be rotated? Is there a wear indicator for these tires? For the answers to these questions and more, read ahead in this post to see what our research has uncovered.
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A KO2 tire is a popular model tire from BF Goodrich. This tire is classified as an "all-terrain" tire. It is engineered for drivers who spend an equal amount of time driving on and off-road. As stated earlier in this post, you can expect to get 50,000 miles out of this tire. To get this amount of mileage, you'll need to make sure that the following maintenance items are routinely completed:
While there are many factors at play that can cause premature wear on your tires, this one is the most significant. Driving around on tires that are not correctly inflated will do a lot of damage to them and decrease their useful life. It's a great idea to check their pressure routinely and keep them inflated to the manufacturer's recommended psi.
An easy way to get into the habit of checking your tire's pressure is to check it yourself every time you refuel.
Generally, there will be an air hose nearby that you can utilize if you are low on pressure.
Driving around with low pressure in your tires greatly increases the risk of a blowout on the road (or off-road). It will also lead to the tires wearing out prematurely and unevenly.
We'll take a much closer look at this bit of maintenance ahead in the post. For now, know that routinely rotating any tire is recommended, as it will mean a longer useable life for the tires.
A vehicle that is out of alignment can cause a lot of undue damage to your tires. Tires will suffer from uneven tread wear, from inside out, or vice versa. This type of wear is not reversible and will lead to costly replacements much sooner than you intended.
If you notice your vehicle pulling or drifting to one side, this is a great sign that you could have an alignment issue. Should this be the case, have your vehicle aligned as soon as possible. Even if you don't drive off-road often, road hazards like potholes and debris can knock a vehicle out of alignment.
Even if you don't notice any pulling from your vehicle, having the alignment checked routinely once per year is advised as a precautionary step.
As we pointed out earlier in this post, the number of miles you can expect to get out of a BF Goodrich KO2 tire will depend upon how you treat the tire. Tire rotation, routine tire inspection, and keeping your vehicle alignment in check are critical to extending the life of your tires.
BF Goodrich backs their KO2 tires with a 50,000-mile treadwear warranty. This is unheard of with all-terrain tires, as the manufacturers generally don't give this type of guarantee with tires that will be used a lot off-road. Later in this post, we'll discuss whether or not this tire is worth the money.
Even though this model tire has a 50,000-mile treadwear warranty, you might need to replace your KO2 tires sooner (or later) than this number.
When the tires should be replaced is based on the condition and the tire's age, more than it is the tire's mileage.
The treadwear of a tire is the best indicator of when it should be replaced. If the tread depth falls below 2/32 of an inch, it's time to get an appointment for a new one. Low tread will make it a lot harder for the tire to grip surfaces when it's wet or snowy, so it can be hazardous to drive them on low treads.
If they are riding really rough, it could be a good sign that they are nearing the end of their useful life. Carefully inspect the tires if the ride isn't as smooth as you think it used to be. While rough rides can also indicate other issues, older tires are a pretty common one. Checking their condition will help you rule it out.
Lastly, age is a factor. The rubber in tires begins to deteriorate after about eight years. Even with super low miles on a tire, they won't last forever, as the tire will start to separate. After ten years, it's usually considered unsafe to drive on tires.
So if you have low mileage on really old tires, it's a great idea to shop for replacements.
While the cost of the BF Goodrich KO2 tires is higher than the average all-terrain tire, consumer forums rave about this tire being worth the extra money. The longevity alone is what makes the KO2 tires stand out amongst others in their class.
The KO2 tires from BF Goodrich are highly rated among consumers. The sidewalls, which are 20% thicker than others in their class, make for longer useful life. These tires also come with built-in "stone ejectors," which help to dislodge small rocks from the treads on their own. Doing so prevents the uneven wearing from gravel that is caught between the treads.
The 50,000-mile treadwear warranty is unheard of within all-terrain tires. Most brands will offer a 40,000-mile warranty at best. BF Goodrich also has a sixty-day satisfaction guarantee on these tires, and consumers can return them for any reason within this time frame for a full refund.
As we mentioned earlier in this post, tire rotation is one of the key factors in making your tires last. This is just as important with any all-terrain tire.
The BF Goodrich KO2 tires should be regularly rotated every 5,000 miles. Rotating at this interval is about the same as with any type of tire and for just as important reasons.
Tires will wear out independently of each other, so rotating them will help to even out the wear. This is especially important with vehicles that are all-wheel drive. Uneven wear for prolonged periods of time will make the drive train work harder and cause lasting harm.
Tires should be replaced if the tread is less than 2/32 of an inch deep. Does this mean that you should always carry a small ruler around so that you can routinely check?
Not necessarily so. BF Goodrich has designed a quick and effective way to measure your tire's tread without a ruler or fancy tool.
All it takes is a penny from your change holder.
Grasping the penny from the base of Lincoln's shown body, insert the top of the penny into the spot where the tread looks to be the lowest. If the tread covers any part of Lincoln's head, then your tire is safe and legal to drive on (or off) the road. If the head doesn't get covered at all, it's time to replace the tires as soon as possible.
Any tire should be considered for replacement if the depth falls below 2/32 of an inch. At this tread depth, the tires will have difficulty gripping wet or icy surfaces, making them more dangerous to operate with.
The mileage warranty for the KO2 tire is 50,000 miles. This covers treadwear only and doesn't include damage to the tire from road hazards, punctures, or lack of proper maintenance.
The BF Goodrich KO2 tire is a leader in the class of all-terrain tires. Consumers will pay more out of pocket for this brand, but the vast majority feel as though the durability and guarantees make this tire worth the extra expense.
As with any brand of tire, making it last entails some routine maintenance and inspections. Doing so will help ensure that you get the most out of this popular model tire.
If you found this post on KO2 tires to be helpful, we believe you'll enjoy reading the following automotive posts:
Here's Why Driving with Bald Tires Can Kill You
What SUVs Have Full-Size Spare Tires?
Do Tires Degrade Over Time? Even When Not Used?
A few years ago, MICHELIN brand BFGoodrich introduced the new All-Terrain T/A KO2 SUV tire, which is the successor to the legendary model that opened the off-road tire category back in the 1970s.
Designed for the most aggressive driving style and tested in the most extreme competitions, including the famous Mexican Baja and the most difficult endurance race - the Dakar Rally.
Of course, we do not pretend to the laurels of the Dakar, so we simply put our editorial Chevrolet Avalanche in these tires and started testing.
Already in the process of tire fitting, several amusing moments became clear. Firstly, it was not possible to do without balancing weights. Secondly, the slope of the side elements of the wheel tread is, as it were, one-sided, and if you put them with white inscriptions outward on both sides, it turns out to be asymmetrical. If, however, complete symmetry is achieved both on the left and on the right, then one of the sides loses beautiful contrasting inscriptions. We chose beauty, especially since the tires are officially non-directional and the bending of the side tread does not affect their patency. nine0003
The sidewall itself, thanks to the use of special CoreGard technology, first used by BFGoodrich in the Baja T / A KR2 sports tire, has become 20% stronger (its material is thickened by 4.5 mm). It is clear that the thickness adds mass to the tire - the wheels are not easy. On the other hand, they show excellent survivability, and massive blocks placed in the shoulder area and moving to the sidewall are able to withstand damage in the most vulnerable places.
Breaking through such a wheel is almost impossible! nine0003
In general, the All-Terrain T/A KO2 has become more durable due to the use of a new rubber compound, modified to reduce abrasive wear. Even on a heavy pickup truck, after five thousand kilometers, the wheels rolled only slightly, sprues disappeared from them, and the tread remained at the level of almost new. The manufacturer claims that the tire lasts twice as long on gravel, and 15 percent on asphalt.
There are some innovations in terms of cross-country ability and handling. The variable pitch of the shoulder blocks provides more maneuverability and maneuverability on soft ground and in deep snow. Dividers between the blocks prevent clogging of the drainage channels with dirt and soil, and additional walls of the blocks of the shoulder zone improve traction on rocky and muddy surfaces, especially when driving at reduced pressure. Those who have already tried KO2 attest to its increased performance in both mud and snow.
And in the snow it is even more noticeable. Although there is nothing particularly surprising here, because the tire is labeled 3PMSF (snowflake against the background of three peaks). Such a mark indicates suitability for operation in winter conditions and CO2 can be used in regions whose legislation requires driving in winter only with winter tires. nine0003
We also rolled on these wheels more than one thousand kilometers on snow, ice and icy mud ruts. We compared their grip in warm and cold weather. Admittedly, studded winter wheels cope with ice better, but KO2, with skillful use, behave quite predictably and stably. As for off-road races in terms of heat, even without the M / T designation, they are enough for most expeditionary fishing needs. And they know how to combine comfortable movement on asphalt with the ability to safely move off it. At the same time, due to the slow wear of the tread, the grip of the new wheels is not too different from the run-in ones. nine0003
In general, the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 model deserves extremely positive ratings.
Given the all-season and durability, it can be a good choice for those who do not want to change shoes twice a year and are ready to sacrifice speed and spectacular turns in favor of patency and resource.
Further development of the proven BF.GOODRICH All-Terrain wheels. The new generation of tires, according to the manufacturer, is the most durable, reliable and durable in the history of the company. nine0003
The main differences from the previous series are:
- Increased sidewall strength by 20%, thanks to the use of advanced CoreGard ™ technology - the manufacture of the sidewalls of the tire from the rubber compound used on the Baja T / A® KR2 racing tires, which has increased strength;
- Shoulder zones made of thicker rubber and extending further into the sidewalls provide additional sidewall protection where the risk of damage is highest;
- Computer-simulated tread pattern designed to provide flotation in the harshest conditions, including gravel, mud, rocks and snow.
nine0029 - The use of a new rubber compound makes it possible to increase tread wear resistance by 15% on asphalt and by 100% on gravel, as well as uniform wear over a long period of time;
- Tires are marked 3PMSF (3 Peak Montain SnowFlake - Snowflake on the background of three peaks). This abbreviation confirms the possibility of confident driving even in the most extreme winter conditions.
Inch size : 33x11R16
Metric size : 285/75R16
Part number : 05855
Load/Speed Index : 126R (Maximum speed: 170 km/h or 106 mph. Maximum load 1700 kg.)
Disc diameter : 16.0"
Line structure : Radial
Tread pattern : Non-directional
Tread type : Universal (AT )
Studding : None
Tread Depth(x) : 12mm,
Contact Patch Width (inches) (Normal Pressure) : No Data
Actual Height : 32.8"
Actual Width : 11.30"
Recommended Wheel Size : 7.5 " - nine"
Maximum pressure : 5.30 atm.
Maximum load : 1688 kg.
Weight : 26.
76 kg.
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