Tires-BFG Rugged Trail T/A or All-Terrain T/A ko?

[gbraden]

It is getting time to replace the original tires. I pull a 10k (approx) 5-th wheel trailer and since I am safety concerned I want to make sure the truck tires are appropriate for the task. Also, I want a tire with a somewhat aggressive tread because we sometimes go on Forest Service roads and on sandy desert areas.

If I stick with BFG tires my choices are:

1. LT265/70R17/E; 31. 4 dia. ; 3195 lbs. load range "E" (Rugged Trail T/A) This is the same tire that came with the truck

or

2. LT285/70R17/D; 32. 8 dia. ; 3195 lbs. load range "D" (All-Terrain T/A ko)



Note that both tires have the same load rating (3195 lbs) even though one is Load Range D and the other is Load Range E.



I kind of like the idea of the slightly larger tire (tire #2).



But, being a worrier, I wonder if I am overlooking something important?



Any ideas?

Glenn

 

[Bschneider]

MPG is something you're overlooking; but the difference should be +/-1mpg. When I'm buying tires, I'm always looking for how long they'll last. I've always bought TAKOs and got 70k miles from them, but I'm currently running stock Rugged Trails and I've got 53k on them now and no sign of needing new ones any time soon. Looks like I'll get 70k-80k out of these too.



Both should handle the job well.

 

[Regcabguy]

Go with an E Range tire of your preference. There is a difference. Sidewall stability is the advantage of "E's"

 

[TinyInOhio]

I believe "E" range tires are 10 ply, where "D" range tires are only 8 ply. So there is a difference. Toyo M55s come in a 10 ply 285, but they are pricey.

 

[joaker]

As far as I have heard, the All Terain is the better all around tire, not sure if you get winter, but if you do, they are a far beter tire for ice and snow too, though my personal favorite still has to be the Goodyear Wrangler MT/R it is an awesome tire, I have had good likfe out of them so far, and my da has also with his welding rig which is ALWAYS overloaded, and atleast 50% gravel too.

 

[roadking]

i like the ko's for the winter if you go with #1 265/70/17 bfg ruggedtrail's i've got 5 for sale 4@70%, 1 new, cheap!

 

[BHolm]

E range tires are 10 ply rated, they do not have 10 plys anymore, same with the D rabge and 8 ply RATING. I run 285/70-17 AT KO's on both my srw trucks. One is a work truck hooked to a heavy gooseneck trailer. There is no stability issue in my experience either. For any winter use the AT KO is the ticket. I also like the AT KO better than the two sets of GY MT-R's I have on the off-roading trucks, for street use anyway.



I voted with my $$ twice now. I really am impressed by the BFG AT KO. This is also the stock tire on the PowerWagon, DC must approve too.

 

[LightmanE300]

Also, I want a tire with a somewhat aggressive tread because we sometimes go on Forest Service roads and on sandy desert areas. Any ideas?

Glenn

Glenn - judging by this statement I'll go on a limb and recommend you do NOT get the rugged trail/oem tires. I'm not sure about sandy conditions specifically, but I can tell you that these are by far a street tread tire designed for pavement. I have gotten in several situations with trailers and off camber areas with the stock tires when conditions were wet or muddy. They are pretty scary and worthless on anything slippery, including snow. I can't tell you how much safer and better I feel in those situations now with some meat under the truck

 

[ilovetrains]

Honestly, I do not see the comparison. I have the OEM Rugged Trail and will not go back with them. I will run TAKO just like my last two trucks.



Viva le TAKO!

 

[Posm]

I've worn out a set of both tires. The Stock tires lasted well (60K with some life left until it got to the wear bars) but were dangourous on wet roads after about 30K. They were not very aggressive though. The TA KO was a much better tire for traction both off road and on wet pavement, but did not last very well. I put 30 K on them and they got to bouncing pretty bad. They were wearing pretty even and would probably go to 40 K before they hit the wear bars. They selection of 17" tires is dismal, but growing. The best tire that I have found for wear, wet traction and occasiinal off road trips is the M/S Michelin. They are now producing a dually tire, and with any luck they will produce one in the 275, 285 or 295 width soon.

I was tired of the poor selection and shelled out the money for the Rickson tires. if they wear as advertised I should be able to get a pay back in 200K (3 years).



Bryan

 

[Regcabguy]

BFG KO's are now available in e-rating, 285-75-16. Hopefully 17" to follow.

 

[99CTD]

I run the KO's. On my 2nd set. Got 60,000 on the first but I do rotate mine allot. Love the traction.

 

[Kyleny]

i just put the all terrains on my 05 quad cab and every day i pull a 7000 pound enclosed trailer and i can not notice a differance from the stockers except the truck looks a lot better

 

[GSX600]

I have the Cooper Discoverer ATR's. They have a semi agressive tread, are quiet and good handling. The best tires I have ever owned.



2003 QC LB HO 48RE 373 silver

 

[WhiteSheep]

BFG Rugged Trail Blow Out at Speed

My truck came with the BFG Rugged Trail LT267/70 R17 this thread has mentioned. I just changed them to GY MTR 285/70 R17 last week. Here is why.



On a boy scout trip with my son's troop, carrying my best friend's kid, my driver's side front tire blew at 65 MPH on a two lane black top. The blow out was so violent it jerked the Ram into the on coming lane. Luckily there were no vehicles coming my way. The blow out appeared to have started in the tread and then cut the side wall in two places about 30 degrees apart. These cuts looked like some one had taken a knife and cut the sidewall from tread to rim. The cuts were that straight and clean.



The tire that blew was the spare that came with the truck. The rim was brand new purchased for full price from my dealer. This tire was rotated in from the spare position just under 9,000 miles ago. Needless to say, the BFG Rugged Trails bothered me the rest of the trip.



Upon returning to Phoenix I researched this forum and my 4x4 mags as well as talked to my tire dealer at Purcells. In the end I bought six GY MTRs, placing one on the old black steel spare rim I had kept. I considered the Nittos, Toyo and ProComp. I really didn't want a MT on this tow, travel vehicle. I finally decided on the MTRs because of the service they have given me on my 1984 Ford F-150 hunting truck. These tires can really take some abuse.



Why six tires? I have now had two experiences on I-40 at the beginning of an out of state trip with a destroyed tire in an odd size. No way was the local Holbrook tire shop going to have a 17" load rated tire. In fact, so I would still have a spare I had to purchase a C load rated Cooper. I paid $185 for this tire only to sell it to a used tire store in Phoenix for less than $10. :{



So why did the spare blow? Was it a manufacturing defect? Is the spare located too close to the exhaust (stock)? Has anybody had a similar experience?