Goodyear Wrangler All-Terrain Adventure W/Kevlar Vs. KO2's

FL335i · April 21, 2016

Yes another tire tread. I'd like to steer this topic more toward daily driving concerns and mainly driving them in heavy rainstorms in FL. I have no lift, nor do I plan to get a lift or aftermarket wheels for my truck. I've made the decision to bump up one size to LT275/65R18's which is what the F150 and Ram's are running for a equivalent equipped truck. I've narrowed my tire search to these two contenders. The GY is a LT, C rated tire. The KO2's are a LT E rated tire. My main concern is has anyone driven either or both of these tires in rainstorms and how to they hydroplane? The Ko2 design does not scream water evacuation. It has a closed pattern. The GY's run a more open pattern. My 2nd concern is the KO2's are 5 Lbs heavier each compare to the GY's and are E rated. Which means harsher ride and more MPG/braking/handling/performance impact. Both are LT rated, both have 15/32" tread. Both are rated well over what I need for towing and or hauling. I live in FL and do most of my daily driving on the HWY and when it rains, well bad tires stink. I work in construction and am on sites everyday. I currently still have the OEM SRA's on my truck and have 43k on them. I want something a bit more aggressive, I've been cautious to say the least with the SRA's. I am getting my monies worth out of them though... Some feedback on these two tires would be great. Thanks.

FL335i · April 22, 2016

I think from a cost and business use perspective the GY's have a big advantage. And from what I've seen there is a big difference in "aggressiveness" between the P rated version and the LT rated version of the GY's. The LT's look much more aggressive and have deeper treads. I'm leaning hard toward the GY LT's.

Big Whiskey · April 26, 2016

I've always been a fan of BFG's, and the new version is supposed to be even better. However, for your needs, I think the Goodyears will suit you better. The five-rib design is generally better at forcing out water than a design like the BFG. And, like you said, you can get them in a load range C, which is plenty for a 1500. That's the same reason I went with Cooper AT3's previously and my current Toyo's...the deeper tread and LT rating in a C load range. I'd recommend the Goodyears.

FL335i · April 27, 2016

^agreed. I have brand-new 33" original BFG KO's on my '89 K5 GMC Jimmy. Came with the truck... Can't wait until I'm done with the restoration to try them out.

andreej · May 27, 2016

No experience with the BFG's but I had the Goodyears and they were terrible... Hydroplaned very easily, were loud and rough and large mpg drop!

Also, I had more flats with this set of tires than in the rest of my life combined - perhaps just a coincidence but maybe not!

jt1425 · July 18, 2018

On 4/22/2016 at 9:40 AM, FL335i said:

I think from a cost and business use perspective the GY's have a big advantage. And from what I've seen there is a big difference in "aggressiveness" between the P rated version and the LT rated version of the GY's. The LT's look much more aggressive and have deeper treads. I'm leaning hard toward the GY LT's.

What tires did you end up going with?

MaverickZ71 · July 20, 2018

Suppose the OP has long since bought his Goodyear Wrangler Adventure tires with kevlar. If they haven't, or for anyone else reading this thread, the Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac tire is much more competitive with the BfGoodrich K02.

FL335i · July 21, 2018

I did KO2's for my '14. LT275/65R18 E. I run them at 45psi front, 40-42 in the rear when empty. The only downside is the rougher ride. The tires weigh 55lbs which is prettty heavy. I have 29-30k miles on them now and still have 10/32" left. Sticking with the Ko2's. So wear wise it's looking pretty good if they maintain this rate. Noise is excellent. I really wish they made a C rated version in my size but oh well.