KO2's in the snow

I have dedicated snows. But, I just got KO2's this summer. I plan to do some FSR traveling this fall - but where I go I'll be on some higher mountain passes and will probably see some snow.

I would rather have my KO2's instead of the the snows on the trails.

How do the KO2's do in the snow/ice?

 

Bad in anything slushy/wet.

 

I don't have any personal experience, but I've heard this repeatedly.

 

For me, they were good, but not great in snow. I have had other AT's that were better. Nothing besides a dedicated winter tire will be good on ice.

I would run the winter tires personally. I liked my KO2's, but they won't be anywhere near a dedicated winter tire in snow.

 

Yeah, I have had KOs and KO2s for the last 7 years, great in 3 seasons but on wet icy compacted snow not great, but really any AT tire sucks compared to a real winter.
Lots of tires are fine in dry powder snow including KO2s. Its Ice you have to worry about.
I did run my KO2s last winter without swapping over but I took it real easy if it was icy out.

 

Thanks guys! My concern is that I'll be running the forest service roads. I did them last year in my snows but would prefer my KO2's. I sure like the KO2's for the summer.

Guess I'll be swapping to the snows when it starts to look crummy - which could be soon here.

 

I had the older pre K02s on my 1st Gen. Got stuck alot even on snow covered black top. Bought Goodyear Duratracs and no more issues under same conditions! Also had BF Goodrich Mud and Snows, those were a great tire.

 

Don't the new KO2's have the snowflake? I'll have to go check.

 

buy some chains and call it a day right?

 

They do. What snow tires do you have?

 

$100 SCC Z-583 Z-Chain Extreme Performance Cable Tire Traction Chain - Set of 2

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001H9GRD2/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

depending on tire size

 

Ko2’s do great in deep snow, and most other off road terrains aside from deep/thick mud. They’re not so great on wet pavement, or wet slushy snow.

 

Thanks guys. I don't remember what snow tires i have. They're not Nokian
Hakkapeliitta- which are supposed to be awesome. Maybe michelin. I should go look at them in the garage.

I do carry chains. And, last year after putting the shitty ones on ONCE on a chain required trail- I went out and sprung for the good ones. They were expensive so I only got 2 but they're bad ass.

If I need chains I figure I'm in some deep doo doo. I drive mountain passes all winter - I don't put on chains every time it snows.

 

I had KO2s on my last vehicle, and I live 350km down an FSR. I ran them last winter and they were perfect for the FSR... but I get a lot of snow here, so it was never slushy or icy, just packed down or fresh.

My taco has 4 ply tires and I would NEVER recommend using them on an FSR. I've gotten 3 flats in the last 1500 kms (the truck only has 5k). I would take KO2s in the snow over anything that isn't 10 ply on the FSR.

 

You only need 2 chains for a 3rd Gen, rear tires only. Check your owners manual. Seems there is not enough clearance in the front and serious damage can occur if a chain comes loose.

 

There's not enough clearance period. You can't even make a single revolution without the chains beating on the UCA.

 

Good to know. I have a pair of cheap chains bought long ago. Plan to buy some V bar type chains next month.

 

I had K02 and swapped to winters. Now I've got RT and still plan to swap.
Once you've driven on winter tires you won't think AT are 'decent'; ABS and TCS flashing all the time, spinning from stops, and white knuckle driving on the highways.. no thanks.

 

100% agree with this

 

personal expereince they are fine. i live in the Breck in the rocky mountains and need 4 wheel drive to get home everyday up my driveway. last year i was lazy and never switched to my dedicated studded snow tires and i was just fine. Now dont get my wrong my studded snow tires are way better but the ko2 are fine and if i did not live up here and dealt with minimal snow it would probably be my year round tire.