Defender LTX or BFG KO2's

MO GMC · August 28, 2018

Hi Everyone, I am looking to upgrade my goodyear SRA's to a better tire since i live in the northeast and i love the outdoors. I am looking at the Defender LTX and also the BFG KO2. I know they are 2 completely different tires, I use the truck 90% on the road and the rest would be on log roads/camping/outdoors.

I was wondering what peoples thoughts were? I am a little worried the BFG KO2 will drop my gas mileage significantly And also Road noise? I had the Michelin Defenders in the past and had no complaints however i was thinking of a little more of a A/T tire than a highway tire.

mrskiff · August 28, 2018

I would go with ko2s. I have them on my truck they are not that loud at all.

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vinemann12 · August 28, 2018

I upgraded from crap 275/55/20 SRA's to 285/55/20 BFG-K02's on my RCSB and Love Them..

Had BFG All-Terrains on my old truck as well as Tahoe..

Zero problems and overall great traction..

Cheers----K

MO GMC · August 28, 2018

Did you notice

Just now, vinemann12 said:

I upgraded from crap 275/55/20 SRA's to 285/55/20 BFG-K02's on my RCSB and Love Them..

Had BFG All-Terrains on my old truck as well as Tahoe..

Zero problems and overall great traction..

Cheers----K

How did they compare to the SRA as far as road noise and MPG?

dbrobins27 · August 28, 2018

Those 275/55-20 have about a 14lb difference per tire with the BFG being the heavier tire(54 lbs). I put on a set of the BFG's to replace the OEM Bridgestones and while the tires were quiet and smooth, I lost about 2 mpg. My next set of tires will be the Defender LTX(40 Lbs).

vinemann12 · August 28, 2018

I did get a bit More road noise, but not like some of the radical tread tires out there...

Road noise is not as bad as my All-Terrains

For MPG,, lost about 1-2, but overall still get 18+ overall and 22+ @ 65...

Cheers---K

mookdoc6 · August 28, 2018

meh...If your not actively off-roading I see no reason too? I just put on Defender LTX's 5k miles ago. Absolute dream and If I do hit the dirt I would have no problem knowing that sand,mud "aka" slop is where TKO's will prevail. I am probably the only who could care less about 4hi-4Lo going away too. Never used 4low and that was with work trucks in sand,mud "aka" slop.....

btj_z71 · August 28, 2018

Neither, go for the Falken Wildpeak AT3W. I have had these on my truck for 20k+ miles now with no complaints.

MO GMC · August 28, 2018

25 minutes ago, mookdoc6 said:

meh...If your not actively off-roading I see no reason too? I just put on Defender LTX's 5k miles ago. Absolute dream and If I do hit the dirt I would have no problem knowing that sand,mud "aka" slop is where TKO's will prevail. I am probably the only who could care less about 4hi-4Lo going away too. Never used 4low and that was with work trucks in sand,mud "aka" slop.....

They are going away with the 4WD Low?

CadillacLuke24 · August 28, 2018

On the New Silverados I believe the midlevel trucks (think LT) have a single speed transfer case.

Go Michelin. I have them now and they do great. Gas mileage from the SR-As is basically unaffected, traction is a MILLION times better, and snow traction is unreal for a highway tire. Dirt road traction is great too, though I can't speak for ,mud or sand traction.

They hold up well too. The roads around here aren't always the best, and they don't even flinch. They also mow down a rabbit without hesitation

mookdoc6 · August 28, 2018

40 minutes ago, MO GMC said:

They are going away with the 4WD Low?

Yup, some trim levels will still have the 4low.....Something I don't want but having owned many KO's I will take the Michelin's without hesitation!

aseibel · August 28, 2018

normal A/T tires are more than capable for the light off-road use you describe. I would not spend the money on the BFGs.

I personally like Cooper Discoverer A/T3. I will be buying those for my new ride. I had the old version on my last truck for years and I loved them. Great all weather performance. But I'm more likely to drive in snow than mud.

rkj__ · August 28, 2018

I'd say none of the above.

If 100% road, I would say defenders for sure.

If hitting dirt frequently, KO2s are a good choice.

For mostly on road, but occasional off road, I suggest the Yokohama Geolandar AT G015. They look cooler than Defenders, but are not too aggressive. They have a quiet and efficient ride. Many sizes are severe snow rated. Great traction on wet roads. Good treadwear warranty.

Check 'em out.

Edited August 28, 2018 by rkj__

steelcity · August 28, 2018

54 minutes ago, aseibel said:

normal A/T tires are more than capable for the light off-road use you describe. I would not spend the money on the BFGs.

I personally like Cooper Discoverer A/T3. I will be buying those for my new ride. I had the old version on my last truck for years and I loved them. Great all weather performance. But I'm more likely to drive in snow than mud.

AT3 XLT iseven better -