Tirerack doesn't show the right size of KO3 available for the Defender. Are these available elsewhere?

 

I'd contact the tire maker for specifics. They'll be able to clear that up if the details aren't on their site.

 

I also want to improve upon the OEM Goodyear off-road tires in support of driving in snow. We live in normally snow free conditions but experience ice and will often drive up elevation for an hour or so into potentially heavy snow. Heavy towing and more than modest off-roading are not my requirements.

The K03s were my first choice, but are not yet available for the Defender’s 20” wheels,

My other top choice was the Falken Wildpeak AT/4W but they were ~$200 more out the door, had a bit more lead time, and are ~4 lbs heavier than the tire I selected.

I’m having the Nitto Terra Grappler G3s installed tomorrow. 275/55 20 XL, 44lbs per tire, three peak rated. $1,450 for 5 installed including replacement certificate for each tire via Discount Tires. Nitto had an end of year $80 off promotion on select tire types. (Discount Tire reduced the total cost of replacement certs from ~$280 retail to ~$130. Otherwise I would have forgone the tire “insurance” and just self insured.)

Since the Nittos were released relatively recently, I have not yet found snow oriented reviews of them. Let alone new Defender oriented reviews.

Although not a test, this video was helpful in explaining the design and background of the Nitto:


and this one that explains how different the new and old Wildpeaks are from each other - at least in design and construction:

 

After some further consideration and looking at reviews, I'm now leaning towards the Toyo Open Country III. Probably want to do LT size E load. On one hand I know that might be overkill and might give a harsher or rougher ride, but I'm hoping the Defender can help smooth that out. I occasionally tow a 4,000 lb trailer off-road, and as I mentioned above I've had a Goodyear Wrangler front tire split on me, even without the trailer. I think the Defender is just heavy, and any sort of sharp rocks coupled with the advice to not air down too much, creates a lot of risk to tires that aren't tough enough. Has anyone used the e load Open Country tires here?

 

Yes, but not on the Defender - and in the MT tire so I'm not sure how comparable it is. It was an extremely durable tire that I offroaded over punji sticks without a problem. Never a flat, never a blowout. The only time they failed was when they went offroading over a Volvo who rudely put its hood under my truck. It was a much harsher ride than my Mickey Thompsons for sure. Snow performance was adequate but not great - but then again I don't think the same tire tread pattern would be on the Defender.


For what its worth - up here in Maine the Falkens are very, very popular for winter conditions. My mechanic recommended them to me several years ago indicating that its what he sees on most of the vehicles (full size and super duty trucks) he works on.

 

What size wheel do you have? I'm on 20" wheels and running LT265/60R20 Wildpeaks. You can fit any tire as long as the diameter is less than 32.6." KO3 isn't available in this size yet, but it will be available in 2025 per the BFG website. They are also offering the KO3 in the OEM 255/60R20 as well as the OEM 255/65R19 and 255/70R18 will also be available sometime in 2025.

 

Falkens have been great for me in snow and ice (as good as any non winter tire will be) in tons of big weekends in Mammoth Lakes

Similar if not better than the KO2s I had on my 4Runner before but also different cars

Plan to stick with them

 

Which Falkens? You can't buy ATW3s anymore.

 

I have the 20". Do 265/60R20 fit without any rubbing, in any mode and steering position? My understanding was that the only size that fits that way is the 275/55R20... is that right?

 

I’m traveling and can double check when I get home but believe the ATW3s