One thing we’re also looking into is some more aggressive AT tires. I’ve been a big fan of the K02s on my raptor and thinking the same thing for a defender

Would love to keep the stock wheels possible.

Also will be ordering the wider wheel arches.

 

I have been running K02s for almost a year now, also added wheel arches. Perfect tire if you’re keeping stock wheels, great ride on pavement and aggressive enough off road.

 

I had them on my JK Wrangler 2-door in 315/70-17, about 34.5" high, the same width as the Raptor I believe. These were strictly street tires -- I have 37" bias ply Intercos for the trails. I only left the KO2s on for 7000 miles before replacing. Didn't care for them at all. Found them to be loud and having poor traction in the wet. Now this could be due to that particular size I was running, or the batch I had, maybe they're different now. Mine were on in 2018/19. But I wasn't a fan.

I've had BFG KM (OEM), KM2 (285/75-17, 34"), KO2 (315/70-17, 34.5") and the current Kenda Klever RT in 35x10.5x17. RT is a designation that sits between AT and MT in aggressiveness; most brands have an RT tire now. In order of preference for street driving, it would be Kenda, KM, KM2, KO2 for me.

Kenda Klever RT:




KO2:





315 KO2 vs 285 KM2, my previous tire:





285 KM2:





Pitiful little 255 KM as she came:





And just for grins, 37" Interco Q78-16:

 

Have them, love them. I have a roof rack so any increased road noise is covered by the rack so I can't speak to that. I've run BFG ATs for a long time, but always in bigger, heavier vehicles than wranglers so maybe that is why I have never had any issues on wet roads.

 

ebarry, I have the exact same stock wheels. What is the size of KO2s you mounted? I know they're not available in the exact size of the stock tires. Also, did you have to install any spacers or other mods to make them work?

Thanks!

 

I'm really curious about the road noise with KO'2s. I have 33" Goodyear Wrangler Duratracs on my 2019 Chevy Silverado Trailboss and they HOWL on the freeway. That said, they ride nicely and they have been fantastic in the snow. I'd like to get a more aggressive tire when I get my Defender but I'm hoping there is less road noise than the Duratracs.

 

I replaced my OEM’s with BFG KO2’s and I love them. I can only hear them if I’m listening for it. Not bad at all. I’ve also got them pumped to 37/40 front/rear and the ride is quite smooth. Cant really tell any comfort difference.

cheers,

K

 

@ebarry sorry quite keen on learning why would one want to keep the stock wheels if one is replacing it? Is that for re-sale / trade-in purposes? Or just to switch tyres when not offroading?

 

I believe you’ve misinterpreted something. ebarry said he’s “running KO2 tires,” and he’s “added wheel arches”, meaning the black plastic wheel arch extenders on the body, but he didn’t indicated he’s replaced his stock wheels. He’s just saying that the K02s are a good choice if mounting them on your stock wheels.

 

Thank you for clarifying. On stock wheels, I haven’t found any wheels in the aftermarket world that really grab my eye. Always had Black Rhinos on my Hummers, just waiting for them to manufacture for Defender.