35x11.5 on a Sasquatch – Bigger or Smaller? I finally have my answer…

[Sundy]

I got the KO3s 35/12.5 so wider and kind of wishing I went narrow sometimes since the passenger front tire kisses the sway bar at full articulation. To fix the issue I’ll probably get some aftermarket wheels with a negative offset.

How are you liking the day to day drive with narrow tires and off roading performance with them?

Honestly, one thing I didn't mention is the brakes actually feel a bit better. Maybe it's just in my head, but the whole truck feels a little more composed day to day. I still need to get them out on a trail before I can say much about off-road performance.

Sponsored

 

[Sundy]

I’m not sure if you feel these are smaller because they stick out less, or if it’s because you think they look smaller from the side as in the photos above, but in the photos, the BFGs are in shadow and blend in with the fender liner, so you aren’t seeing the tire as well-defined as the Goodyears.

I think I kinda figured it out... the KO3 sidewall is flatter, while the stock Goodyear had more of that rounded, fat sidewall look. That’s probably why they seemed smaller at first. After a week though, I’m really liking them. Nothing else to complain about

 

[Sundy]

Yeah I’ve done it too. It’s disappointing and I was never happy. 12.5 fixes this honestly

the white wall picture on the right looks to fill the fender wells more causing a larger tire appearance then the left.

Haha, I know the feeling. I'm already hoping I can wear these out and finally make the jump to 37s. Still kicking myself for playing it safe.

 

[Sundy]

There are a lot of thoughtful anecdotal online videos on this. Pizza cutter is getting more focus (again) as (1) more bloggers pick up the issue, and (2) more ute vehicle drivers go off road.

This goes way back to WW2 when GM raised the issue with the US Army. (German Army was transitioning to wider tires; US took a pause before committing $100s of millions to build out and produce 10,000,000 tires). The theater feedback was they weren't failing in the European terrain. And that continued during the Korean war. So heritage wise, that stuck until "mud" tires got heavy marketing. So, here we are.

I doubt any of the tire companies are willing to release the internal studies. This is too good an issue for the tire marketing group. Keep it vague and inconclusive. Make buyers resolve it for their personal situation, then further confuse other buyers.

How many of you have dual sets of tires, or maybe triple (winter, summer, off-road)? Be honest, raise your hands. I've seen your garages.

That's a really interesting read. I honestly didn't know the history behind the whole pizza cutter thing. Thanks for sharing!

 

[Knownman]

I was looking at the KO3s. They make a 35x12.5 in load range D, and they offer a 315/70 in load range D. I believe those two sizes are nearly the same (almost exact). Why would they make both and which is better for replacing stock Sas tires on a non-modified Sas Bronco?

Not sure if those KO3's are available yet. They weren't when I was shopping even though they listed them on their site

 

[Sundy]

Falken 35", 11.5" x 17" measure out at 34" or so on the Bronco at 39 psi with stock suspension Sasquatch. They might be pizza cutters but I think they still look good. Although compared to the 35" 12.5" x 17" Baja Boss MT's they're not as good on gas or street driving dynamics. But they're way better in comfort and noise. And they climbed quite well on a recent jaunt over the mountain from Big Pine to Coyote Flats. If you know the trail you know what's up.

Now we're talkin'! Finally somebody put a tape on one. Appreciate you posting that. Killer setup too

 

[timhood]

I think I kinda figured it out... the KO3 sidewall is flatter, while the stock Goodyear had more of that rounded, fat sidewall look. That’s probably why they seemed smaller at first. After a week though, I’m really liking them. Nothing else to complain about

I’m actually thinking of going 35x11.5 instead of 315s for my off-road tires because they will be a little better for rock crawling and a little better for street driving to/from. Probably not a huge difference, but if that also means avoiding E load, that’s another benefit. Depending on how my KO2s hold up, that’s at least next year, or possibly the year after.

 

[Sundy]

I’m actually thinking of going 35x11.5 instead of 315s for my off-road tires because they will be a little better for rock crawling and a little better for street driving to/from. Probably not a huge difference, but if that also means avoiding E load, that’s another benefit. Depending on how my KO2s hold up, that’s at least next year, or possibly the year after.

Yeah, avoiding E load was definitely part of the appeal for me too. So far they feel great on the street. Haven’t had them on the rocks yet, but I’m looking forward to seeing how they do aired down.

 

[BCT1212]

I’m actually thinking of going 35x11.5 instead of 315s for my off-road tires because they will be a little better for rock crawling and a little better for street driving to/from. Probably not a huge difference, but if that also means avoiding E load, that’s another benefit. Depending on how my KO2s hold up, that’s at least next year, or possibly the year after.

If you’re doing rock crawling I’d definitely want E load much less likely to puncture. C is just for margin ride quality and weight if you care.

 

[BCT1212]

Not sure if those KO3's are available yet. They weren't when I was shopping even though they listed them on their site

Ko3 are out I passed them up for the nittos

 

[timhood]

If you’re doing rock crawling I’d definitely want E load much less likely to puncture. C is just for margin ride quality and weight if you care.

I haven’t had any issues with my KO2s, and I’ve done Moab plenty, and also Utah’s infamous trails with tons of sharpies—rocks from grapefruit to football size with sharp edges. I don’t know if the KO2s are just great or what. I go out at least 10 times a year, up to 20.

 

[BCT1212]

I haven’t had any issues with my KO2s, and I’ve done Moab plenty, and also Utah’s infamous trails with tons of sharpies—rocks from grapefruit to football size with sharp edges. I don’t know if the KO2s are just great or what. I go out at least 10 times a year, up to 20.

You’d have an even better chance at never suffering a puncture with E’s. Just saying nothing wrong with them and they ride fine too.

Sponsored