Bf Goodrich KO3 release dates announced
Mudding
Joined: Nov 2022
Posts: 174
Likes: 50
Supposedly, per my tire guy / owner today, K03 in 255/65R19 XL load is scheduled for August, which JLR needs for the Defender OCTO about then. I can't wait either, just repaired the 3rd OEM Wrangler - 2nd one that picked up a stone break dead in the middle of the tread when I was driving NC-197 (party gravel where I live) up the mountain. 3rd was a pair of finishing nails, so - hard to blame the tire.
I have had it nine months now.
I have had it nine months now.
Rock Crawling
Joined: Feb 2023
Posts: 390
Likes: 187
Well, in the event your tire guy will have early claim in August before anyone else, I will gladly buy a set from him. I guess we’ll have to wait and see when the 19s rollout everywhere. This is awesome news in any event, so glad I do not have to fuss with downsizing to 18s.
The pair on the back are already replaced.
Mudding
Joined: May 2022
Posts: 208
Likes: 226
From: Colorado
From the video, tire sizes will be phased in the coming 2.5 years. Attached is a screen grab from the video with current sizes to be released May, August, and October 2024. Hopefully this helps others who are planning tire changes.
Rock Crawling
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 342
Likes: 256
Tire Rack is showing KO3 as available now in 255/70 R18 size BUT it's a D rated tire rather than XL which means it's almost 15lbs heavier than the standard tire. Not sure I want to wrestle that extra weight around when changing or rotating tires, plus getting the standard tire on and off the rear door is hard enough. I know there are more "plys" (or equivalent) in the D rather than XL, but does that make it ride like it's a horse cart on steel rims? How about mpg if you run them at lower pressures to get acceptable ride? I've had good experiences with KO2s on other vehicles but I don't want to lose all of what makes the Defender a pleasure to drive on the road in return for slightly better sidewall durability.
Coincidentally I just checked my local tire installers website earlier today and the KO3's are indeed available in the 275/55R20 size but alas, only in D range. Relatively speaking for me, these wheels/tires are lightweights so I'm not worried about that - but I am worried about the impact on mileage since this is a daily driver for the family. Also more rotating mass means more likelihood of CV halfshaft wear and tear, brake wear and suspension wear.
Side-by-side they will look identical. They are basically the same diameter and both have 6" of sidewall. Only difference is width.