Tire Size or Brand??

[Backwoods Rambler]

Tough decision really.

I need to choose between getting the tire size I want 33x10.5x15 in a good brand (BFG AT's or MT's) or getting the brand I want Hankook MT's in the size they offer 33x12.5x15.

So what would you do? sacrfice size, or brand?

Also, I'm not 100% sure I can fit 12.5's on my stock rim'd and stock width XJ? I already rub with the 33x10.5x15 BFG MT's right now. So it seems that size is paramount.

 

[Crikeymike]

It sounds like the 12.5's will be too wide for you. Do they maybe make a 32x10.50 in the tire you want? Get rid of the rubbing all together, but get the tire you want.

 

[Backwoods Rambler]

No, the next size option would be 32x11.5

I do consider that a viable option, but I built my suspension around a 33" tire, so I'd like to stick with that.

 

[Guinness44]

Go with BFG. The new KM2, rides even better than the MT. If you even think about a little mud, KM2. But snow? The AT with the snowsymbol (the mountain with the snowflake). Wishing KM2s would come with that rating.

 

[Backwoods Rambler]

Go with BFG. The new KM2, rides even better than the MT. If you even think about a little mud, KM2. But snow?

Seriously it rides better? You've had both? So, it's smoother or quieter, or both?

I'm not a mudder, but mudders get you over the rocks we have here in colorado, plus I'm bound to run across some mud on the trails here; it's practically unavoidable. But I don't go looking for it.

 

[Guinness44]

The KM2 in our size, rides way smoother for sure, noticable even just running new shoes up front. (Same tirepressures, and roads driven). About noise? Would not worry about that, much less important than ridequality, or traction for where you wanna go. (All our trucks are Diesels, so tirenoise is not an issue).

 

[Backwoods Rambler]

OK, I know mine (33x10.5x15), but what are "our" tire sizes? For a diesel I'm guessing at least a 32" equivilent, no?

 

[7wt]

I would do the BFG's in the size you want. You just can't go wrong with them. I put off getting the AT's for the longest time, I simply wanted something that not everybody had. I picked the Bridgestone Revos and liked them pretty good when they were new but after 10,000 miles or so the traction and wear went south in a hurry. I reluctantly went with the BFG's and they have treated me like a king. I will always have either the MT's or AT's from BFG on my truck from here on out.

 

[Backwoods Rambler]

Yeah, I've had two sets of BFG AT on my XJ's when they were stock, and they took me everywhere I wanted to go (stock)

Now that I'm lifted and can go bigger & better places, I'm thinking MT's. I have a set of well worn (and by well, I mean the tread is low, but they were rotated regularly so they wore well) 33x10.5x15 BFG MT's now. I only have highway and city miles on them and I'm not sure I like the road noise (I know, man up right?) But perhaps a new set will be better? I drive 90% highway/city and 10% trail as this is my DD.

I could probably go with BFG AT's again (in the 10.5 or even 9.5 width) but I'd really be dissapointed if that choice hindered me on a trail where everyone with MT's made it through no problem.

Before I was lifted, I never thought the tire decision would be such a big one, but when your talking 1k for a set and you're stuck with 'em for approx 4 years, well that's a whole new ballgame.

 

[motomech]

I have a way different size 37/12.50/17 but i can tell you theBFG KM2 is a wayyy better tire than the old BFG mud T/A.

I've always ran BFG tires with the exception of one set of Good-year MTR'S (Complete junk IMHO)

The new KM2's are way quieter than my old ones,better handling on the street and in rain.

The only down side i see in the new KM2 is a softer rubber compound that is leading to chunks missing in the tread,Mind you I'm in a huge vehicle that weighs a lot and my rock crawling buddies keep dragging me out into sharp rock land.So far i have almost 8k miles on them.I have not yet rotated them and at this point i see no strange wear patterns(I know i need to rotate them....but they are so heavy lol)

 

[Backwoods Rambler]

Thanks for the old vs. new feedback, much appreciated :costumed-smiley-007

I've also ran the MT/R's in the 37x12.5x15 variety on my old Scout II, and they were OK at best I think.

 

[Pskhaat]

the BFG KM2 is a wayyy better tire than the old BFG mud T/A.

I have neither tire so I'm curious what leads you to this conclusion? Better in terms of wear or traction on wet/dry/mud/snow, &c?

 

[motomech]

I have neither tire so I'm curious what leads you to this conclusion? Better in terms of wear or traction on wet/dry/mud/snow, &c?

Better as in quieter, traction (due to a softer compound) I only have 8k miles on them so i can not say anything about wear compared to my old BFG MT'S.

I think the softer compound makes them feel better in the rain and hard pack roads...never had them in the snow yet(Hope to change that in a month or so)
Possibly they may wear faster being softer but a lighter vehicle may benefit from it.

 

[jeepmedic46]

Go with the BFGs You will be happier with them:arabia:

 

[mrbishi]

Just 2 add my 2cent guys.

I've run BFG MTs in a 33x12.5 and they were horrendous on the road to the point of being dangerously slippery in the wet.

I've also run the BFG ATs in a 31x10.5 and they were ok - nothing to write home about.

I'm currently running Goodyear Wrangler MTRs 33x12.5 and have been nothing but impressed with them. Superior handling on the road over both the BFGs and they kill it offroad - heaps and heaps of grip, can drop them really low and they don't chunk.

Most guys over here in Aus who go offroad run either Goodyear MTRs, Maxxis Bighorns, Coopers STs (bad reputation for chunking) and Mickey Thompson MTZs (also chunk).

Conditions are probably quiet different over here but its interesting to see the varied opinions. Most guys in my club wont touch BFGs with a 10 foot pole.

That being said the KM2s look interesting but I'll be awaiting some local reports.