Fargo
Adventurer
Currently I have Cooper STTs in a 285/75R16. They have been great tires, but they are now at about half life so I am hoping I can get $125-$150 each for them and buy a new set of tires. So that puts me in the market to try out a 255/85R16.
I'll be honest and admit that most of my driving is on the road. I live in ND and the only time I really get offroad (other than a prairie trial on occasion) is when we take a vacation in MT or CO every couple of years. So I really need a tire that is reliable on the highway to make those trips. My STTs have been great. The noise has been pretty minimal and the little siping they have has been enough through the rain and even the snow in most cases.
The reality is that the STMAXX is probably a better tread design for my needs. They are also a little shorter than the KM2s so they might fit a little better. Although I am setup for the 285s so I don't think that is a big issue.
The KM2 of course are more aggressive and look better. I also understand that BFG has software sidewalls and I wonder if it might ride better with the KM2s. I do have some concerns that the KM2s have no siping and could be terrible in the winter and bad in rain. But I expect I could sipe them.
So the way I see it, the STMaxx has a quieter tread advantage and possibly better wet weather. The BFGs might have a ride advantage but I expect will be noisier. The KM2 is also taller to give more clearance and aggresive tires just look better. They could also be siped if winter driving becomes an issue.
Now here is the crazy part. From checking with local pricing, I can actually get the KM2s about $20 cheaper per tire ($250v$230) than the Coopers. Of course once I add siping to the price, they are about a wash in pricing.
So what are your thoughts and recommendations. Anyone had both STT and KM2s or STMAXX to compare to my current tires.
I'll be honest and admit that most of my driving is on the road. I live in ND and the only time I really get offroad (other than a prairie trial on occasion) is when we take a vacation in MT or CO every couple of years. So I really need a tire that is reliable on the highway to make those trips. My STTs have been great. The noise has been pretty minimal and the little siping they have has been enough through the rain and even the snow in most cases.
The reality is that the STMAXX is probably a better tread design for my needs. They are also a little shorter than the KM2s so they might fit a little better. Although I am setup for the 285s so I don't think that is a big issue.
The KM2 of course are more aggressive and look better. I also understand that BFG has software sidewalls and I wonder if it might ride better with the KM2s. I do have some concerns that the KM2s have no siping and could be terrible in the winter and bad in rain. But I expect I could sipe them.
So the way I see it, the STMaxx has a quieter tread advantage and possibly better wet weather. The BFGs might have a ride advantage but I expect will be noisier. The KM2 is also taller to give more clearance and aggresive tires just look better. They could also be siped if winter driving becomes an issue.
Now here is the crazy part. From checking with local pricing, I can actually get the KM2s about $20 cheaper per tire ($250v$230) than the Coopers. Of course once I add siping to the price, they are about a wash in pricing.
So what are your thoughts and recommendations. Anyone had both STT and KM2s or STMAXX to compare to my current tires.