KM2's vs ST/Maxx (sorry!)

[Fargo]

Post pictures when you get them. The 255/85R16 ST Maxx is high on my list. The other one I am waiting to see is what the new BFG AT2 has for size options. I like the ST Maxx better but if BFG has a load range C or D in that size I would go that route. The 34x10.5R17 they introduced gives me hope.

 

[RememberTheFallen]

Post pictures when you get them. The 255/85R16 ST Maxx is high on my list. The other one I am waiting to see is what the new BFG AT2 has for size options. I like the ST Maxx better but if BFG has a load range C or D in that size I would go that route. The 34x10.5R17 they introduced gives me hope.

Will do. I also looked at the new BFG AT's as I have the old style now and they are pretty good. They are not making the sizes I want and I didn't wanna wait until Nov.

 

[Fargo]

Personally like the look of the ST Maxx better. I also like that the tread looks more open. I think the ST Maxx will be a little better offroad. I think Coopers are usually a better bang for the buck as well. The only reason I am excited about the new BFG is I hope for a load range C tire in a 255/85 or 33x10.5. Those load range Es are pretty stiff on a light jeep.

 

[RememberTheFallen]

Personally like the look of the ST Maxx better. I also like that the tread looks more open. I think the ST Maxx will be a little better offroad. I think Coopers are usually a better bang for the buck as well. The only reason I am excited about the new BFG is I hope for a load range C tire in a 255/85 or 33x10.5. Those load range Es are pretty stiff on a light jeep.

According to their website they are not going to make a 255/85. Also looks like 95% of the tires will be "E's".

 

[Fargo]

According to their website they are not going to make a 255/85. Also looks like 95% of the tires will be "E's".

Not immediately, but I keep hoping they will add it after they are up to full production. I saw a note on their facebook page that they will be maintaining all the current sizes of the old AT. So I keep hoping they will add something in a 16" rim to complement the 34x10R17. Otherwise, I am back to the 255/55 in an E or looking for 17" rims. I'm not sure if a 17" D is so much softer than a 16" E to justifiy new rims.

 

[Kmrtnsn]

Before everyone gets all squishy over the 34X10.50R17, that is essentially a 295/70R17. Cooper makes tires that size, as does Toyo, Nitto, and a few others.

 

[Fargo]

Before everyone gets all squishy over the 34X10.50R17, that is essentially a 295/70R17. Cooper makes tires that size, as does Toyo, Nitto, and a few others.

You better look again. They're not even close. Looking at 295/70R17 ST Maxx it measures 33.2x12x17. Thats a very different tire than the 34x10.5R17. Sure the heights are similar, but the 295 is a full 2" wider. Thats like saying a 33x10.5 is the same as a 33x12.5. They are very different.

The closest size is actually a 255/80R17. That size tire typically measures 33.3x10. So its very similar in size, but its very limited in options. That is why people are excited about this tire. Its offered in a size that many people have already been looking for. If you want that size tire in an AT tread you now have 2 options, ST Maxx and BFG AT. If want an MT you can add in Toyo MT, Maxxis Bighorn, and one Interco tire. Thats it. The BFG AT is a very welcomed tire to that size category. Plus, its the only one of two that is not load range E. Which is nice for lighter vehicles.

 

[Kmrtnsn]

You better look again. They're not even close. Looking at 295/70R17 ST Maxx it measures 33.2x12x17. Thats a very different tire than the 34x10.5R17. Sure the heights are similar, but the 295 is a full 2" wider. Thats like saying a 33x10.5 is the same as a 33x12.5. They are very different.

The closest size is actually a 255/80R17. That size tire typically measures 33.3x10. So its very similar in size, but its very limited in options. That is why people are excited about this tire. Its offered in a size that many people have already been looking for. If you want that size tire in an AT tread you now have 2 options, ST Maxx and BFG AT. If want an MT you can add in Toyo MT, Maxxis Bighorn, and one Interco tire. Thats it. The BFG AT is a very welcomed tire to that size category. Plus, its the only one of two that is not load range E. Which is nice for lighter vehicles.

According to BFG's own website the 34 is actually 33.5" Dia. with a 10.6" section width. In 295/70R17 the STT, the nearest Cooper competitor to the KM2, is 33.46" and 11.8", so a whole 1.2" wider in section and essentially the same diameter. In my book, that is pretty close to the same. As those running 255/80 KM2's have painfully found out, finding a damage replacement tire for these BFG orphan sizes is near impossible. You can be excited about them, I'll be giving them a pass.

 

[Fargo]

... so a whole 1.2" wider in section and essentially the same diameter. In my book, that is pretty close to the same.

In my book that is worlds apart.

I currently have the Cooper STTs in a 285/75R16. I would absolutely love them to be an inch narrower. That 1" would solve my rubbing issue, it would keep them tucked inside the fender flares better, it would provide less rolling resistance, it would provide less push resistance in snow or mud, and all other things being equal they would be lighter and thus provide better mpg and more power.

Honestly the issue of finding a spare does not concern me at all. In the wheeling I do the chances of blowing out 2 tires in the same trip and needing an additional spare is very unlikely. If I blow my spare, I will have time to find a match or sell my 4 tires to someone with open diffs who can use a smaller spare.

From my perspective saving an inch in width is a huge win. I see no negatives to a tall skinny tire.

 

[Willman]

I sure love my Cooper Maxx's...Great around tire in my book. They out perform my old KM2's in the snow hands down. The KM2's are down right great mud tires....But snow,ice,highway, & slick pavement...Coopers have won my bid!

 

[RememberTheFallen]

Got them installed today!

Along side my pretty well worn 32x11.50r15 BFG AT's

 

[Fargo]

That looks really good. Did you add any additional lift or anything? How does the load range E ST MAXX ride compared to the BFG load range C? I'll bet its stiffer feeling.

 

[RememberTheFallen]

That looks really good. Did you add any additional lift or anything? How does the load range E ST MAXX ride compared to the BFG load range C? I'll bet its stiffer feeling.

Thanks!

No additional lift. OME heavy kit. Sits about 2 1/2" in the front and close to 3" in the rear. Kinda surprised that it doesn't rub while turning in reverse. That is usually the worst place for Tacomas. Heck, it even has the mud flaps still on it!

Honestly I can't tell too much of a difference right now. I just finished up installing a supercharger this morning so I was having too much fun killing my auto transmission on the way home. Did notice it wandering a little but that is to be expected with new tires.

 

[jpat30]

Those look great; how do they measure out? True 33?

 

[kb7our]

I sure love my Cooper Maxx's...Great around tire in my book. They out perform my old KM2's in the snow hands down. The KM2's are down right great mud tires....But snow,ice,highway, & slick pavement...Coopers have won my bid!

Another +++ for these tires. Mine are 255/80R17 which got me hooked on the taller but skinny band wagon. Love these things so far.