Lets Talk Tires!
You've got them on your truck tell us what you think of them.
Here are the categories
Mud
Snow
Rain
Sound
Ride
Braking
would you recommend or buy again?
pros
cons
Give us a pic!
Printable View
Lets Talk Tires!
You've got them on your truck tell us what you think of them.
Here are the categories
Mud
Snow
Rain
Sound
Ride
Braking
would you recommend or buy again?
pros
cons
Give us a pic!
Here is the first aftermarket tire I've installed.
I wanted to maintain the ride as best I could and wanted something good for snow.
The duratrac has the snowflake that signifies that its a serious winter tire, and it maintains the aggressive look of a Mud terrain tire.
MUD -
Ehh not great here, the type of mud makes a difference. If its not super soft, the duratrac will kind of float over the top with its wider tread. In deep wet mud that you sink in, they gum up. I never got stuck with them, but if i knew i was up against deep soft mud, I might go another way.
SNOW -
The snowflake means they are good, and they are. The compound is softer so when they are cold they arent as grabby as they are warm, but they are sure footed in the snow and ice. I once tried to climb a steep driveway that had 10 inches of untouched snow on it, and failed. It was an extreme test. Im not sure any tire would have made it up.
RAIN -
You wont even notice rain with these on. Wet traction is superb.
SOUND -
Silent. The tread pattern and the softer compound together equal complete on road silence.
RIDE -
Also superb. If your trying to maintain the best possible ride, this tread pattern and rubber compound is hard to beat.
BRAKING -
I dont remember ever really being in a dangerous situation with these tires where I jammed the brakes, but the compound and amount of rubber on the ground (small voids) lead me to think that they would stop very well.
RECOMMENDATION -
Yes, I would recommend them to anyone who was looking for a SMALLER tire. they don't come in a real 35 size. Their largest is 34.4 and they didnt measure to reach that mark. If you want a real 35 or 37 you have to look elsewhere. HOWEVER. IF goodyear did make them in larger tire sizes, they might be a force to be reckoned with.
Pros - Good at almost everything
Cons - Cant get larger tire sizes.
Attachment 390
These are Black Betty's tires at the time of this posting.
We HAD to go to 37s to show them crammed into a 2.5 inch lift. I was terrified of losing the power we had gained with the RIPP supercharger. I searched high and low for the lightest mud terrain tire, and the second thing I was looking for was sound, followed by ride quality. These do not disappoint in any of those categories.
Here we go -
MUD - Its the KM2's natural habitat. These things fling mud all day long. Nothing seems to stick. I dont live in the mud, but when I have been in it, I've never gummed them up. AND Im not hard on the throttle.
SNOW - They are not snow tires, but I have driven to Maine in a blizzard and they never slipped. For fun I would toss the truck in deep snow, and never once was she stuck. You cant drive like a fool on any mud tire in snow and icy conditions, but if you drive it like you know your wearing mud tires, and are careful, They could be 4 season tires. We got about 50 inches of snow overall in NJ this past winter, and I never wished for snow tires. The KM2s handled the poor conditions admirably.
RAIN - Also very good. They have large voids, so hydroplaning isnt really a concert, the lugs get pressed to the pavement under the weight of the truck and the voids spill the water out the sides. Wet traction is very good.
SOUND - This is where the KM2 stands alone. So much research has gone into the development of the tread pattern that they can be one of the most aggressive mud tires available, but STILL are very quiet. They were silent up to my first tire rotation, now I hear them a little, but only when I'm trying to hear them.
RIDE - You will feel the lugs when you slow to a stop sign, but you get used to it quickly and its in no way jarring. That is a tiny downside to the incredible highway manners these Mud Terrains offer. 7 hour road trip? No problem. I did one in January (7 hours 1 way) and on the way back, I did the first 5 hours before turning the controls over to the co-pilot. I could have done the whole 7 hours at once. Its a joy to cruise on them, as at speed they behave excellently.
BRAKING - This was a surprise. I assumed with the large voids and big lugs, this would be the category that would the KM2 would fail. And if I had to guess, without experience with the tires, I would guess this would not be their strong suit. HOWEVER. I was in a situation on the 37 inch KM2s where I had to jam the brakes, and they bit the pavement like I couldn't believe. They really saved Betty's paint job. I was certain i was going to plow into a car in front of me that had been cut off and jammed his brakes. (and I was probably driving faster than I should have been.)
Recommendation-
If you want big tires, these are the tires. Yes they are a little more expensive. But tires are a mod that you feel every time you drive. On road, off road. Tires are always under scrutiny. Power? if you want to keep as much as you can, you need to keep the tires as light as possible. The lightest 37" tire available? The KM2.
PROS -
Everything Really.
CONS -
They are expensive.
Attachment 403
Attachment 401
Attachment 402
I think its only fair we review the stock BFG Mud Terrains that come on a Wrangler Rubicon. Many, honestly the majority of Jeep owners don't purchase a rubicon because of their limited off road use and buy a Wrangler sport with all terrain tires. Like any jeep owner, they're probably soon considering a tire upgrade for appearance and performance.
Bottom line up front - I've been pretty satisfied with the stock 32 inch BFG Mud terrains and would highly recommend them as an upgrade to Jeep's all terrain options. They can be had on Craigslist for a fair price if you watch closely, and often with OEM Jeep Aluminum wheels and TPMS. It can be cheaper to do a driveway swap to mud terrains than to get new all terrains installed.
Mud - These tires do surprisingly well in the mud. They have pretty large voids and really impressed me with their off road abilities. I've aired them down as low as 12psi, but 15 i feel is safer. They offer really decent grip on dry rocks, and dirt, and the voids stay pretty clean in the mud. Definitely a true mud terrain.
Snow - Not so great. They do OK in the snow..but nothing to write home to mom about. They clear themselves out of packed in snow pretty quickly. I never aired dwon for snow but I would imagine it would offer better performance.
Rain - No me gusta. If you drive your jeep like a sports car, then all terrains are probably for you. These do inspire a bit of pucker factor when cornering or going through standing water in the rain. At reasonable speeds they are fine, but I'd be scared to be on a highway at 75 with these in a heavy downpour. Slow down to 60 and you're fine..but not 100% trustworthy in the rain.
Sound - Surprisingly quiet for a mud terrain. Minor drone at speed, but thats being pretty picky considering you can cruise on them at 75 without issues.
Ride - They ride fine, and corner well. I rotated mine every 5000 miles and after 20,000 miles, I still have 15/32nds worth of tread. That means I could probably get a total of about 40k miles on them before they needed to be replaced. That is great for a mud terrain. I think "wear" should be a factor in these reviews. Softer mud terrains used on road = buying new tires regularly.
Braking - A bit of wandering steering under hard braking but it is manageable.
Would you recommend or buy again? - I would recommend any Jeep owner wanting to upgrade to 32s from stock and get some pretty serious off road performance, consider buying a set of of used/new stock Jeep wheels/tires. I don't think you can do better for an initial upgrade. If anything, use them for a while and you'll have a great basis for comparison for your next purchase.
pros - can be had cheaply, great tire wear, solid off road capability
cons - rain performance isn't great, only 32"
Brand new spare:
Attachment 409
After 20k miles:
Attachment 408
In use @ 15PSI:
Attachment 410
This made me spit my coffee. You owe me a new keyboard. LOLQuote:
Originally Posted by Snarf77
This is a thread I can sink my teeth into.
Lets get some MUD GRAPPLERS in here.
Ive found them cheaper than the BFGs. I'd love to know how you guys like them.
Grapplers coming up!
Which grapplers are you doing? I run MUDs on mine(35x12.5) and dad runs 33(ish) Terra's. I could write up the ones you don't.Quote:
Originally Posted by JeepLab
Deola! I say you write up any tire you have used kind of like the above. You may have a vastly different experinece using the tires than another member becuase of how or where you off road or your usual driving conditions, jeep, etc. I'm pretty interested myself in hearing about both so I say go for it.Quote:
Originally Posted by Deola
Agreed. Please give us your opinion. And you know we love PICS.Quote:
Originally Posted by Snarf77
Nitto Mud Grappler aka Reptilian Awesomeness
Size in use- 35x12.50x17 shoved under a heavy 2012 JKUR. Used in a mountainous region of Virginia where every known weather condition other than a Tsunami is typically experienced weekly. No large rocks like the out west crawlers get to experience really, but lots of loose shale, smooth stone, and step ups present a similar problem for tires.
Mud- Owns it! Can slow roll up the mountain without ever clogging its tread with the nasty red clay. It will claw (pun intended) through all the nasty stuff and ask for more. The huge side lugs really help make this happen.
Rain- These tires have plenty of off road grip in wet grass and forest leaf litter, when wheeling in rain. I have never experienced any hydroplaning while on road with the mud grapplers, but I realize I’m in a lifted JK on mud terrains that the bank still owns….so my on road thrashing tends to stick to when surfaces are dry. They do tend to bite well when on the brakes hard on wet pavement, better than the stock 32” Rubicon tires in my opinion.
Sound- Huh?! I can’t hear you! Seriously though the stock radio will be in excess of volume setting 20 when travelling above 60 mph. There is no carpet in my Jeep though, but everywhere there was carpet there is Line-X sprayed in. This is not a highway tire.
Ride- Much better than expected in dry conditions than I would have originally thought. I routinely cross three steep curvy mountains in my travels, and I fling the Jeep when the roads are clear and the traffic is nil. At low speeds on pavement you feel the aggressive tread (<10mph).
Braking- If you’re driving for your skill, your vehicle capabilities, the weather, and the ominous “other driver” your fine just don’t ask them to compensate for your lack of judgment. Overall I have been truly impressed with these 35’s that stop better than stock smaller rubbers.
Would I buy again? Well this is my second set. I picked up (5) 35x12.5xr17s for $1,475 mounted and balanced. I think they are a great off-road tire for the money. I am a career Firefighter/EMT for a department 30 miles from where I live, which means no matter the weather I have to get to work on time. I trust these tires to help my Jeep get me there.
Pros- During hunting season last year I took my jeep up abandoned logging roads on Jack Mountain in Highland County. Not impressive really until you add in the ¾” of ice under 21” snow in 0 degree weather. After I got my deer I stopped on the way down to pull out two family members who tried to follow my tracks (one on a 4-wheeler the other in a side by side). I have a winch, but I have never had to use it and I credit to these tires.
Cons- THIS IS NOT A HIGHWAY TIRE. If you buy this tire to ride around town, it would be like buying a Rottweiler to stuff in your girlfriend’s purse. This tire does a great job doing what it’s made to do, however if my JK was my daily driver I would have a different set of tires.
Excellent review and they seem reasonably priced.It sounds like they do really well off road. One thing that was nice about the stock Rubicon tires was just how well the drove on the highway. You could hit 85 in those things and not worry. I guess its all a trade-off.
Deola put just about the same way I would have. They dig, and claw and spit mud like champs.
if you dont mind the noise.
Bravo!
I really think that's why this forum and threads like this are so useful. A jeep is a rolling tool to suit your needs, and everyone has different priorities of what they NEED. Ads from companies for jeep parts are shady at best anymore. Unless you have access to honest reviews then you may be buying a part only to turn around and buy a different version that works for your use. When I pulled my stock rubicon tires off my dad pulled the street slicks off his sport and threw the BFGs on, and they were perfect for him.Quote:
Originally Posted by Snarf77
Some tire images I had on my phone.
Those are really meaty on the sidewall. I bet they grip like hell when aired down as more of that side wall gets under the jeep.Quote:
Originally Posted by Deola
That thing is MEAN. I cant keep my eyes off the hood.Quote:
Originally Posted by Deola
Keep These coming. Im going to be in the market soon. Maybe show some ATs
I will be doing the terra grapplers soon, just want to put them through their paces a bit more.Quote:
Originally Posted by Pznivy
Quote:
Originally Posted by Deola
This guy's on FIRE!
Im tire shopping.... Anyone with Goodyear MTRs?
Nitto Terra Grapplers
These are on a 2013 JKU Sport S, it totes a soft top, AEV steel front and rear bumpers with their BB and Geometry Control brackets. The tires are sized P285 70 r17 s.
Mud- These tires hold their own in mud, especially if aired down. Wet muddy fields and trails aren’t an issue until you get several inches deep. In red clay or swamp mud, throttle control was the key to keep momentum going. You’re going to have to spin through it.
Snow- Great here lately on all the snow covered roads. Dry powdery snow isn’t a worry, and wet slush wasn’t an issue either…even the 7” that got dumped on us the other day. I feel the weight of the rig really helps in the snow and a light 2-door may want to air down a bit if you’re planning on spending the day in the snow.
Rain- These tires channel water very well and I could only get the ABS to take over to early if I stood on the brakes in standing water. Highway speeds, lane changes, and braking were all great.
Sound- These tires are just as quiet as the stock Jeep sport street tires at all speeds, pretty impressive.
Ride and Braking- These tires took anything I threw at them on dry roads at 32 psi. Cornering, accelerating, braking, quick moves all were within the terra grappler’s abilities. Off the line the RIPP made sure that you left your mark…about 60’ of it.
I would recommend these tires to someone who uses their Jeep as a daily driver, and sees moderate off road conditions. Aired down you can push them a little farther than you would think.
Pros- Great bite for an AT. Long wear life, my friend got 65k miles on his 07 JKU with these.
Cons- Not a ton of sidewall bite, but this is an AT tire. I felt myself giving this tire a bad rap at first, but I had to step back and stop judging them off road against my mud grapplers. After that I was able to give them a better review for what they are made for.
Here are the pics
I like the lug pattern on those terragrapplers.
Is there a window cut in the lower part of the driver's door?
Haha nah, that's just a reflection from his basement windowQuote:
Originally Posted by JeepLab
So my nitto mud 35x12.50r17 weighs 11bs more than a 37x12.5r17 BFG KM2. That's depressing
I like my 315 Duratracs. Like was said earlier they are small for their size and don't come any bigger.
I noticed they were really quiet on the road until I rotated them. The decibel level did go up some but I've either gotten use to it or they have quieted back down.
I might have to try a true 35 once these wear out.
Quote:
Originally Posted by WhiteRavenRR
I LOVE THE DURATRAC. If you are trying to go "polite" with your rig. Not loud not agressive, but good all around, and good in snow. Its too bad they dont go bigger. But if they did, i may never have discovered the KM2 which i feel is a superior tire.
The noise those grapplers make is also depressing. But yours is a pure trail rig, speed and fuel economy are secondary to offroad performance.Quote:
Originally Posted by Deola
Also that extra weight is somewhere on the tire. Maybe more ply? maybe thicker tread?
For pure offroad abuse, the extra weight might work for you.
I wheel about 20 times per year. The rest of the time im on the road with my foot planted in the gas pedal. In that situation, the lightest tire wins.
That's good to know. The KM2's came in second place to the Duratracs but I may have to try them on the next go 'round.Quote:
Originally Posted by JeepLab
I am running falken Rocket Mountain ATS II (also known as wild peaks). They are 285/75-16's (got to love auto correct on phones), they aren't the most aggressive, but they handle well in the rain, and dirt. Haven't ran them offroad or in the snow yet. They look great and handle well. I am on stock 16" wheels with no spacers and currently no lift installed. There is only slight rubbing on the driver side sway bar at full lock.
what tire size?Quote:
Originally Posted by ljvsnyder
Hey JeepLab... I've been looking into upgrading to 37's and I've always remembered your posting on these tires. These tires interest me a lot but I have a question on the width. My Micky T's Baja ATZ's have a size written on them of 35"x12.5x20", however, when I measure the tire, they are actually 13.5" wide. I REALLLLLLLLY like the look of the 13.5" width vs. other 12.5" widths I've seen. On your KM2's, are they measuring at 12.5" wide or are they coming in wider? I see they offer a 38" but it is 14.5" wide. I like the 37" because they are only 4 lbs heavier than my 35" ATZ's, whereas the 38" is showing 16 lbs heavier than my ATZ's.Quote:
Originally Posted by JeepLab
I'll measure.
My tread is 9.5 inches, the tire is a little over 12.
I use a lot of pressure, so they are tall and thin. Would probably be wider with a wider rim. My rim is 8.5
Okay, thx. I just measured mine again (as it had been a while) and my treadblock is 10", and the tire overall is 12.5" to 12.75" (eyeballing it.) My rim is 10". What do you think the KM2's would flatten out to with a little lower pressure and a 10" rim?Quote:
Originally Posted by JeepLab
You are for sure right on your research about those KM2's. Based on all my research, I really do think they are the best tire out there for all around every day use. I just wish they made them in a 13.5" wide. 35's in 12.5" look good, but add a little height to them and they get a little narrow looking. I've found some 37"x13.5" (Toyo's, etc.) but DANG do those tires get heavy quick, some upwards of 90+ lbs! Yours are seriously only a few lbs heavier than my Baja ATZ.
We need to get the new BFG KO2 on this page. That thing is the white whale right now. Seen some pics, but no one's got them.
Are they available yet?
WHAT!?!! Oh yeah, another tire to consider...Quote:
Originally Posted by Yoinkers
I LOVE it when the marketing department goes and talks with the engineers and says "what sort of cool things did you build into the product that we should let people know about?" That's the sense I get with this video...
http://vimeo.com/99741350
http://www.fourwheeler.com/news/1312...-in-the-works/
cool video. Lets see them in 37s!