I am considering upgrading the stock Goodyear wranglers to the biggest possible diameter 275 section width tires (don’t want to lift it, but am cool with a heat gun to eliminate rub)

Currently in the running is the BFG K02 and the Nitto Recon Grappler

My main concern is being able to air down to about 25 Psi while avoiding pinch flats, so I’m shooting for a high ply rating and an LT tire.

i do long road trips as well, so highway noise is something I want to minimize, or I’d definitely go the K02 route.

Can anyone share their perspective on these choices re: pinch flats and road noise?

thank you!

 

i have had both in different sizes, running the recons now and have not taken them off roading yet. if the k02 has your size i would say go with them. they have been around for a long time and proven. I got the recons when they first came out with limited reviews. they are louder than the k02’s

 

I went KO2, heard recon was louder. Word is the KO3 will be even quieter?

 

Wow I didn’t know the KO3 was coming. Did some googling. Not 100% sure when a 33 that would fit the defender would be out but looks like May or so.

@Ehloo great information. I think based on your post this decision changes to get KO2 now or wait a while for KO3!

as a side note thanks for being a great resource you helped iron out my audio upgrade as well..

 

I also had both and the Nitto is definitely louder. I was told that the K03 was for certain Chevy or Ford trucks.

 

Not in your ask, but just to throw out the data points. I ground my calipers and installed 18" Evo Corse DakkarZero wheels and 285/60R18 Nitto Ridge Grapplers. My experience is that they have taken on everything I've thrown at them. I'm not an @sarek level off-roader - but I don't mind putting it through stuff. I haven't ridden in snow (I'm in Texas) so no insights there. Mud, does great. Rocks, awesome. In my reading, the thing with a Defender2 is to NOT air them down and I don't. I put them on the light load setting and let the mad wizardry from Lucas Electronics' grandchildren do their deeds. I also have the original wheelsets with the standard "Offroad" tires. 20" Goodyears. The nitto's are louder, but with my tone deaf hearing it isn't anything to be concerned with. Highway speeds, no problem. They are now my "daily wheelset". Any "offroad" tire will be louder. I'd suggest going to a local land rover club meet up and ask someone for a ride. If you are near a metro area, there will be one. Try to take a highway ride with someone else. Good luck!


Glamor shot after a wash

Close up of east Texas red clay

Last year's SCARR in Texas

 

All looks good!

I searched the Tire Sticky extensively… but doesn’t seem too clear.

Does anyone know the biggest KO2 that can fit off the top of their head? I’d love to achieve 33inch diameter.

I’m thinking of 265/60r20.

has anyone been able to fit 275/60r20 without lifting? I’m open to letting the shop go at the wheel well with a heat gun.

 

I have 275/60/r20s and been running them for months. No rub.

 

Just to add more confusion to the fire - if you are looking for an all terrain LT tire that's quiet with superior highway performance, investigate Vredestein Pinza AT. The construction is more robust than most with the belt having 2 steel, 3 polyester; + 2 polyamide and the sidewall with 3 polyester. It doesn't have the same aggressive looks that many want, but I can assure you that it handles the trail with ease. I haven't lifted the truck and run the LT265/70-18 with zero rub at all heights. LT275/70-18 will clear if you modify the front wheel well. There are several 20" LT options if that's how you roll. But for trail work, I prefer the taller sidewall you get with an 18" wheel.

 

18” not an option as my spec is the V8!

Seekibg clarification after the confusing mess of the no lift sticky:

Whats the biggest KO2 anyone’s ever fitted without lifting the truck?

seems to be 265/60/r20 or 275/55r20?

id love to get 33s on there and I also have the GAP tool, but I don’t want the bouncy ride tradeoff that comes with lifting…

can someone set me straight?