BFG KO3 review

Road noise is really low compared to the ko2 265 I had on my 2015. 285 on the 2022 are really quiet compared to my work truck on at3 but the company work truck just noisy from rack and stuff so hard to compare. Also I got the OE load C with the S on the middle which might contribute to the low road noise. No rain in my area for last three months of them being on the truck so can’t review wet road ability yet!

 

I had KO2s in 265/75/16 E load and my big complaint was they had poor wet traction. I'm curious how the KO3s are in this configuration on wet roads, and if they are any louder than the KO2s.

If not any louder and they actually hold the road in the rain, I'm in.

 

just scheduled install for Friday, hoping for the best! Loved the GY Duratracs but after 40k plus miles, I'm wanting to try something different.

 

Looks like I will have to make my KO2's last until mid 2026 for the size I want to be released.

 

Same, 33x10.50-17 C for me.

Edit: not sure where I saw that but can't find it now. Would be great. Or a 265/75r17

 

Its happening! Looked like a struggle to balance 1. Hoping for a quiet, smooth ride home.

 

I ran KO2s E load in 265/75/16 for around 3 years, just didn't like the rain performance which was awful.

I replaced them in May with Toyo AT3s, SL load. Much grabbier than the KO2s and great in the rain, but really loose in the turns due to the weaker sidewall I think, and probably the loudest tires I've ever had on any vehicle, just mind numbingly loud. And didn't see much improvement in gas mileage either.

So I replaced those last week with the KO3s E load, and these are pretty sweet. I drive fast and the truck holds up much better in the turns, they are very quiet, even more so than the KO2s, and after driving in the rain yesterday, a remarkable improvement in wet traction over the KO2s.

 

After 1 week, 200+ miles, I'm loving them so far. Big diff from the 2's.
Super quiet for now and wet traction is better than expected.
Surprised the shop had them at 30 psi, it was like driving on air pillows so I increased to 33.
Will report back after more use.

 

This is a good review to read. How is the wet traction compared to the Toyos? I am really interested in waiting for the stock size D-loads coming out in February. I’m not necessarily opposed to the heavier E load 265/75s either, but I think I prefer stock size and a bit lighter load.

The KO3s do appear to have fixed the KO2 flaws and made themselves a pretty desirable tire.

 

I'd say the KO3s are a shade below the Toyos in wet traction, but the Toyos are grippy as hell, wet or dry. They are softer, I drove them for 3500 miles and the tread depth was already down to 11/32" compared to 13.4/32" new (according to the specs, I didn't measure when I bought them). So I would estimate the Toyos wouldn't last as long but are hard to beat in the rain.

With the KO2s I had to really slow down going into a sharp turn in the rain or else would go sideways. No such worries with the KO3s though, I think BFG listened and solved the wet traction problems with the new tread design.

 

Good to hear. I imagine what you are experiencing is about on par with an LT set of Toyos, which are definitely less grippy than SL, but last longer. I’m at about 13K on my latest set of SLs, and around 8.5-9/32. We’ll see how long they go, but I’ll be looking to change it up probably in February when that stock KO3 comes out. We’ll see.

 

Picked up some used Ko2 285/70/17 to throw on a Steele for a spare. So naturally here are some side to side comparisons pics!

 

Appreciate this - the lack of wet traction in my KO2s has me worried about KO3 performance and looking at non BFG brands.

 

Got mine (and the new wheels) installed today!

 

Love the white letters did that on my 4runner.

 

I’m not sure why, but I’ve always liked the white letters out.

 

With four BFG KO3s,the 4th gen is starting to look like a real 4X4 truck. The total cost at Discount Tire was $1215 (including the current $80 rebate).(265/70-17)
The 2nd gen work truck in the background has KO2's, still in decent shape with 76K miles.

 

If I get my trailhunter then maybe the stock size LT265/70R18 119/116S Load Range D 8 ply in (Feb?) 2026!

 

Hey guys, new to the forum and found this thread hoping to get an answer. I know there are two versions of the KO3 tread design. I just ordered a set and was hoping to get the new updated design but I got the 1st gen. Is there a special way to order the newer design? Is it THAT much better? I ordered through a dealer who was having a buy 3 get one for a $1 special and there was only one blackwall K03 option to pick. Not a huge deal to me overall, but just curious how you guys are ordering.

https://youtu.be/gTKgiqgDNwQ?si=GkvQYrjmWvxQDdi3

 

weird that you got the original tread design because i thought that only came stock on certain vehicles early on