*UPDATE* - 285/17/R18 BF Goodrich KO3 tires on stock Trailhunter - before & after photos

[VermontTaco]

Thanks to you guys, I've decided to go with 275/70/18 for my next set of tires for my black TH. Now the only question remaining is KO3 or AT4W. Also if I do go with the KO3 will the white lettering be too much.

KO3's go on today, I debated the AT4W's as well. I really don't think you can go wrong.

I'm going white letters in, black out. I've seen both and for my taste (and Icecap color), I think it's the better look. Personal preference though.

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[bsquaredMTB]

What are everyone's thoughts on Load Range. The weight difference is pretty significant going from SL to C. The difference between C and E isn't too much so I'm less concerned that that will make a huge difference in MPGs. I like going off-roading but don't do it a lot, maybe once every 2 or 3 months so I'm wondering if SL is "enough" for my needs. I'm mostly curious if the Tacoma will struggle with the heavier tires. Does anyone have any long-term experience with this?

 

[tacorancher]

Anyone else experience DT ignoring the yellow dot on the tire (lining it up with the valve stem)? They ignored the dot on my tires. They didn’t even know what it meant. I feel like this is lazy as they rely entirely on the road force balancer, resulting in more weights than needed. Anyone have any thoughts? I don’t think there’s much vibration but I can’t tell for sure. Should I get them done correctly?

 

[Lets_Taco_Bout_It]

Anyone else experience DT ignoring the yellow dot on the tire (lining it up with the valve stem)? They ignored the dot on my tires. They didn’t even know what it meant. I feel like this is lazy as they rely entirely on the road force balancer, resulting in more weights than needed. Anyone have any thoughts? I don’t think there’s much vibration but I can’t tell for sure. Should I get them done correctly?

HAHAHHAHA I actually had no idea what that meant......brb....RUNNING to my truck to check mine.

Did you get the add'l coverage?

 

[tacorancher]

What are everyone's thoughts on Load Range. The weight difference is pretty significant going from SL to C. The difference between C and E isn't too much so I'm less concerned that that will make a huge difference in MPGs. I like going off-roading but don't do it a lot, maybe once every 2 or 3 months so I'm wondering if SL is "enough" for my needs. I'm mostly curious if the Tacoma will struggle with the heavier tires. Does anyone have any long-term experience with this?

It’s enough for most people. If they had SL in my size I would have done it. Yes the extra toughness is great and I appreciate it, but not worth the weight and stiffness if there is an SL option for me. I had SL Falkens on my 22 Tacoma and did a lot of off-roading (not Moab levels but pretty decent rocky stuff in Texas) and never had one issue.

 

[tacorancher]

HAHAHHAHA I actually had no idea what that meant......brb....RUNNING to my truck to check mine.

Did you get the add'l coverage?

I didn’t get the coverage bc it cost the same as a new tire and I’ll just buy a new tire if I get a puncture. If I get 2 then I’ll lose money. I got an E load so they should be good!

Yellow dot is bugging the shit out of me bc I’m ocd. How did yours line up ?

 

[Lets_Taco_Bout_It]

I didn’t get the coverage bc it cost the same as a new tire and I’ll just buy a new tire if I get a puncture. If I get 2 then I’ll lose money. I got an E load so they should be good!

Yellow dot is bugging the shit out of me bc I’m ocd. How did yours line up ?

I'll take a look when I get off work. there might be a chance they've already worn off though

 

[bsquaredMTB]

It’s enough for most people. If they had SL in my size I would have done it. Yes the extra toughness is great and I appreciate it, but not worth the weight and stiffness if there is an SL option for me. I had SL Falkens on my 22 Tacoma and did a lot of off-roading (not Moab levels but pretty decent rocky stuff in Texas) and never had one issue.

Thanks for the input! I'm thinking I'll go with the Nitto Grapplers because they do have an SL option.

 

[VermontTaco]

First day on the KO3's (275/70/18). Will post more pics and a better review later. So far, so good. Much different look from stock now.

I think I need to air down a bit, the shop set them at 43 psi... Ride might be a bit smoother at 39 or so.

 

[JaKOwNz7]

What are everyone's thoughts on Load Range. The weight difference is pretty significant going from SL to C. The difference between C and E isn't too much so I'm less concerned that that will make a huge difference in MPGs. I like going off-roading but don't do it a lot, maybe once every 2 or 3 months so I'm wondering if SL is "enough" for my needs. I'm mostly curious if the Tacoma will struggle with the heavier tires. Does anyone have any long-term experience with this?

Yea weight makes a huge difference on MPG. AT4W in 265/70/18 comes in SL 50lbs or E load 57 lbs. Might go with the SL for my TH as I will only be off-roading few times a year.

 

[JaKOwNz7]

First day on the KO3's (275/70/18). Will post more pics and a better review later. So far, so good. Much different look from stock now.

I think I need to air down a bit, the shop set them at 43 psi... Ride might be a bit smoother at 39 or so.

Do you notice any significant changes with the handling going from 40 pound tires to 60? Any regrets? This is my preferred tires as well but worried bout MPG

 

[VermontTaco]

Do you notice any significant changes with the handling going from 40 pound tires to 60? Any regrets? This is my preferred tires as well but worried bout MPG

No significant changes in handling that I've noticed yet, though I haven't driven that much on them. The ride is slightly bumpier at certain speeds, but I think the PSI is too high. Gonna drop it to 39 and see if that makes a difference. It is a big jump in weight from the stock wranglers, but so far surprised at how good they ride.

 

[tacorancher]

No significant changes in handling that I've noticed yet, though I haven't driven that much on them. The ride is slightly bumpier at certain speeds, but I think the PSI is too high. Gonna drop it to 39 and see if that makes a difference. It is a big jump in weight from the stock wranglers, but so far surprised at how good they ride.

I went to E load 275/70/18 Falkens. I was shocked at how little it impacted performance and noise, but also shocked as to how bumpy they are. Small bumps are felt and big hits hit way harder. I went from 38 at the shop down to 31. 31 is super comfy but I’m not sure it’s a safe pressure for an E load—and it may wear unevenly that low. Will find something in between. Curious to hear folks’ PSI on Load Range E.

E Load totally unnecessary but options are sparse for lower loads in this size. Will say they “feel” bulletproof and the truck feels more like a truck and more sturdy / planted.

43 is way too high. The technical load equivalent is 38 for our trucks from OEM to LT275/70/18. I would not go up a single PSI over 38.

 

[Mini2nut]

First day on the KO3's (275/70/18). Will post more pics and a better review later. So far, so good. Much different look from stock now.

I think I need to air down a bit, the shop set them at 43 psi... Ride might be a bit smoother at 39 or so.

That tire size looks perfect! It’s the Goldilocks tire for the Trailhunter IMO. Not too big, not too small.

Can I assume zero rubbing with this size?

 

[VermontTaco]

That tire size looks perfect! It’s the Goldilocks tire for the Trailhunter IMO. Not too big, not too small.

Can I assume zero rubbing with this size?

So far, zero rubbing. Full lock it's REAL close but there is some space. More than the image below illustrates, bad camera angle I think. Plus I have Rokblokz rally flaps which do take up a bit more space. I think a leveling lift for the front would buy even more space, if I can find one for a TH that is..

is...

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