Falken AT4W vs KO3

[BoverW]

Toyo OC AT3
Nitro Ridge Grappler
Toyo OC R/T

I personally would not touch the Falken AT4ws due to the excessive weight for what the tire gives you. These things weigh more than an E rated Baja Boss AT. If you want good wet traction get the AT3w. If you want a good all rounder go with the KO3. If you want to save money without sacrificing much go with a Toyo. And if you want a bullet proof tire with a reasonable weight go with the MT pizza cutters.

Toyo is not cheap anymore... I see they are $350+ for a 35''.

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[C1 Ret]

I watched that video several times of the Falken vs the BFG's. They ran the BFG's first; then the Falken's on what appears to be the same stretch of roadway, which...means any snow on the road got compacted down. That would have likely changed the conditions for the test on the second set of tires. That may explain the significant difference in stopping distance for the Falken's. I have had the older Falken wild peaks before and they did pretty well in our local snow conditions. But.....

I pulled the trigger on the KO3's and will be putting them on my Wildtrack Sasquatch Bronco today. The weight difference between the two is what tipped the scale for me. Snow season is here for us, although mostly at higher elevations, but that will change soon at my elevation (5200 ft). I will give my opinion on them after a first good snow dump and a chance to try them out.

 

[Gotchaa]

I watched that video several times of the Falken vs the BFG's. They ran the BFG's first; then the Falken's on what appears to be the same stretch of roadway, which...means any snow on the road got compacted down. That would have likely changed the conditions for the test on the second set of tires. That may explain the significant difference in stopping distance for the Falken's. I have had the older Falken wild peaks before and they did pretty well in our local snow conditions. But.....

I pulled the trigger on the KO3's and will be putting them on my Wildtrack Sasquatch Bronco today. The weight difference between the two is what tipped the scale for me. Snow season is here for us, although mostly at higher elevations, but that will change soon at my elevation (5200 ft). I will give my opinion on them after a first good snow dump and a chance to try them out.

What size did you go with?

 

[C1 Ret]

What size did you go with?

My Bronco came with the "wrangler" 35's (315, 70 R17) so I went with the same size. This is day 3 and I already notice some significant improvements over the OEM tires. The KO3's are much quieter and the handling seems easier. I know they are heavier than the OEM's, but I haven't noticed any performance issues from the weight change. We'll see what it does to my mileage. The real test will be when it rains and snows and we get some icy roads, hopefully soon.

 

[Transfer]

My first post to B6G!
I have a '21 Wildtrak 4dr that I bought used 2 years ago and at 34k miles I'm ready for new tires. The OEM Good Years still have ok tread but I love new tires, so it's time. I haven't had any major complaints with the GYs but unless I'm super impressed with a tire, I'm gonna try something different.

I have AGONIZED over what to get for living in the PNW. Priorities include wet and snow traction, ride comfort/noise, durability with sharp rocks and at least moderate off road traction.

I think I've watched and read everything available for KO3 vs AT4W with no clear winner when considering my above priorities, but also the significant weight gain expected with anything other than OEM replacements. AT4W are just so damn heavy, but KO3 are only barely lighter and F rated should mean worse ride on paper...

I watched the TFL video and really wish they would have done more to try to figure out the stopping distance disparity on AT4W. It makes no sense but still makes me wary since uphill in snow seems to struggle a little bit too.

I've now made my final decision and will also be getting the KO3s installed in a week. Factors that swayed me were slightly less weight, many positive reviews and none that seemed to place the AT4W over KO3 (always "depends on your situation"), impressive snow performance in video reviews, and despite F load rating those who are running this tire don't seem to notice any ride comfort issues. I also saw several references to the D load not coming out until 11/2025. Gross, why?

So I'll put another data point or two down when I get mine installed. I think I'm most curious for handling and comfort in comparison to OEM so we'll see what I think.

 

[Gotchaa]

My first post to B6G!
I have a '21 Wildtrak 4dr that I bought used 2 years ago and at 34k miles I'm ready for new tires. The OEM Good Years still have ok tread but I love new tires, so it's time. I haven't had any major complaints with the GYs but unless I'm super impressed with a tire, I'm gonna try something different.

I have AGONIZED over what to get for living in the PNW. Priorities include wet and snow traction, ride comfort/noise, durability with sharp rocks and at least moderate off road traction.

I think I've watched and read everything available for KO3 vs AT4W with no clear winner when considering my above priorities, but also the significant weight gain expected with anything other than OEM replacements. AT4W are just so damn heavy, but KO3 are only barely lighter and F rated should mean worse ride on paper...

I watched the TFL video and really wish they would have done more to try to figure out the stopping distance disparity on AT4W. It makes no sense but still makes me wary since uphill in snow seems to struggle a little bit too.

I've now made my final decision and will also be getting the KO3s installed in a week. Factors that swayed me were slightly less weight, many positive reviews and none that seemed to place the AT4W over KO3 (always "depends on your situation"), impressive snow performance in video reviews, and despite F load rating those who are running this tire don't seem to notice any ride comfort issues. I also saw several references to the D load not coming out until 11/2025. Gross, why?

So I'll put another data point or two down when I get mine installed. I think I'm most curious for handling and comfort in comparison to OEM so we'll see what I think.

Here is the official answer why:

”The introduction of the KO3 tire is bringing huge volume of new tires into the marketplace, so BFGoodrich is taking the appropriate time needed to make sure we launch the KO3 with excellence. A phased approach ensures that we can deliver the highest quality product with the highest service levels. ”

 

[Stever39]

My first post to B6G!
I have a '21 Wildtrak 4dr that I bought used 2 years ago and at 34k miles I'm ready for new tires. The OEM Good Years still have ok tread but I love new tires, so it's time. I haven't had any major complaints with the GYs but unless I'm super impressed with a tire, I'm gonna try something different.

I have AGONIZED over what to get for living in the PNW. Priorities include wet and snow traction, ride comfort/noise, durability with sharp rocks and at least moderate off road traction.

I think I've watched and read everything available for KO3 vs AT4W with no clear winner when considering my above priorities, but also the significant weight gain expected with anything other than OEM replacements. AT4W are just so damn heavy, but KO3 are only barely lighter and F rated should mean worse ride on paper...

I watched the TFL video and really wish they would have done more to try to figure out the stopping distance disparity on AT4W. It makes no sense but still makes me wary since uphill in snow seems to struggle a little bit too.

I've now made my final decision and will also be getting the KO3s installed in a week. Factors that swayed me were slightly less weight, many positive reviews and none that seemed to place the AT4W over KO3 (always "depends on your situation"), impressive snow performance in video reviews, and despite F load rating those who are running this tire don't seem to notice any ride comfort issues. I also saw several references to the D load not coming out until 11/2025. Gross, why?

So I'll put another data point or two down when I get mine installed. I think I'm most curious for handling and comfort in comparison to OEM so we'll see what I think.

It still says

Here is the official answer why:

”The introduction of the KO3 tire is bringing huge volume of new tires into the marketplace, so BFGoodrich is taking the appropriate time needed to make sure we launch the KO3 with excellence. A phased approach ensures that we can deliver the highest quality product with the highest service levels. ”

Looks like I’ll be getting the Yokohama AT4 G018. I was hoping to wait to decide between those and the K03 D rated before our family trip in March down to Florida. I’ll either need tires before or after.

 

[C1 Ret]

My first post to B6G!
I have a '21 Wildtrak 4dr that I bought used 2 years ago and at 34k miles I'm ready for new tires. The OEM Good Years still have ok tread but I love new tires, so it's time. I haven't had any major complaints with the GYs but unless I'm super impressed with a tire, I'm gonna try something different.

I have AGONIZED over what to get for living in the PNW. Priorities include wet and snow traction, ride comfort/noise, durability with sharp rocks and at least moderate off road traction.

I think I've watched and read everything available for KO3 vs AT4W with no clear winner when considering my above priorities, but also the significant weight gain expected with anything other than OEM replacements. AT4W are just so damn heavy, but KO3 are only barely lighter and F rated should mean worse ride on paper...

I watched the TFL video and really wish they would have done more to try to figure out the stopping distance disparity on AT4W. It makes no sense but still makes me wary since uphill in snow seems to struggle a little bit too.

I've now made my final decision and will also be getting the KO3s installed in a week. Factors that swayed me were slightly less weight, many positive reviews and none that seemed to place the AT4W over KO3 (always "depends on your situation"), impressive snow performance in video reviews, and despite F load rating those who are running this tire don't seem to notice any ride comfort issues. I also saw several references to the D load not coming out until 11/2025. Gross, why?

So I'll put another data point or two down when I get mine installed. I think I'm most curious for handling and comfort in comparison to OEM so we'll see what I think.

I went with the KO3's over the Falken's. I am not disappointed. The road handling seems better than the OEM's, and they are definitely quieter than the OEM's. It still hasn't snowed here yet so I have yet to test them in snow or off road conditions. I did go with the F rating.....I wanted that extra sidewall for the sharp rocks we get in the mountains here, and I carry extra gear and plan on adding a roof rack and tent next spring. That said....yes....my mileage has dropped, but not by much. I was averaging 18.4 around town previously, and it has dropped to 18.0 over the last week and a half that I have had them on. I do not think you will be disappointed with the KO3.

 

[C1 Ret]

I went with the KO3's over the Falken's. I am not disappointed. The road handling seems better than the OEM's, and they are definitely quieter than the OEM's. It still hasn't snowed here yet so I have yet to test them in snow or off road conditions. I did go with the F rating.....I wanted that extra sidewall for the sharp rocks we get in the mountains here, and I carry extra gear and plan on adding a roof rack and tent next spring. That said....yes....my mileage has dropped, but not by much. I was averaging 18.4 around town previously, and it has dropped to 18.0 over the last week and a half that I have had them on. I do not think you will be disappointed with the KO3.

Oh...one additional note on the KO3, F rated. I have not noticed any significant ride comfort change over the OEM, but then I also changed my suspension to the Fox 25 adjustable, and currently have them about mid-range.

My first post to B6G!
I have a '21 Wildtrak 4dr that I bought used 2 years ago and at 34k miles I'm ready for new tires. The OEM Good Years still have ok tread but I love new tires, so it's time. I haven't had any major complaints with the GYs but unless I'm super impressed with a tire, I'm gonna try something different.

I have AGONIZED over what to get for living in the PNW. Priorities include wet and snow traction, ride comfort/noise, durability with sharp rocks and at least moderate off road traction.

I think I've watched and read everything available for KO3 vs AT4W with no clear winner when considering my above priorities, but also the significant weight gain expected with anything other than OEM replacements. AT4W are just so damn heavy, but KO3 are only barely lighter and F rated should mean worse ride on paper...

I watched the TFL video and really wish they would have done more to try to figure out the stopping distance disparity on AT4W. It makes no sense but still makes me wary since uphill in snow seems to struggle a little bit too.

I've now made my final decision and will also be getting the KO3s installed in a week. Factors that swayed me were slightly less weight, many positive reviews and none that seemed to place the AT4W over KO3 (always "depends on your situation"), impressive snow performance in video reviews, and despite F load rating those who are running this tire don't seem to notice any ride comfort issues. I also saw several references to the D load not coming out until 11/2025. Gross, why?

So I'll put another data point or two down when I get mine installed. I think I'm most curious for handling and comfort in comparison to OEM so we'll see what I think.

 

[Transfer]

Sounds great! Thanks for your update.

 

[DriveAllNight]

It's probably too soon, but I'm wondering if there have been reportrd tire balancing issues with the KO3s

 

[BroncocnorB]

Is it just me, or does Tommy sound like Carl Sagan?

 

[Retired Old Man]

Tires are a very personal thing.
Does it look good, tough, brand loyalty, how much does the tire cost, etc.
But ...
I bought my first real 4x4 in 1979, a 1979 Jeep 2 door Cherokee, manual transmission, no power anything, no AC, I absolutely loved it, owned it for the next 15 years then sold it in 1994 to a friend when my family outgrew the seating capacity.
But ...
It came stock with Uniroyal "passenger" style tires, they were very nice on paved roads and on a nice sunny day,
But ... failed in every other possible way, opposite of what I bought the Jeep for in the first place.
So ...
After struggling for about 3 years; (I know, but ... I was growing my family and my business, and didn't have a lot of extra cash back then), I finally went to my local truck tire dealer and asked for help.
He didn't hesitate, up sized the Jeep to 33-12.50-15's, BF Goodrich All Terrain Radial tires.
What a difference.
I've owned 10 4x4's since then and no matter what tire they came with, after testing the OEM tires, even Falken's, which were nice but currently reside in my shed, I eventually buy BFG's.
Two of my 4x4's have BFG's, the other two 4x4's are land yachts and don't deserve BFG's
All of the above is my opinion.
And ... Opinions are like ass holes, everybody's got one, and they all stink.
So, take it or leave it.
But ...
You're getting that opinion from a guy who's been using the tire in question for the last 42 years.
The BFG's haven't failed me yet; always got me and my family home, and just like the girl with the ruby slippers said; "There's no place like home".
And ... if I'm still alive, (I know, only old geezers say that), and when the OEM BFG's need replacing, and BFG finally gets around to making a 37-inch KO4, I'm putting them on too.

 

[telenerd]

The K03 on my ranger raptor do everything I need. They grip great in the sand dunes, icy snowy roads they stay planted, on the trail the sidewalls are solid, and they grip pretty dang well. I haven’t gotten them in deep mud yet but really impressed with them and very quiet on the road. I still have the Good Years on my Bronco. I think they work well but the sidewalls are pretty soft when you air down and lose quite a bit of ground clearance. I might go with Micky Thompson MTs on the Bronco since it’s my primary rock crawler/trail machine and not my daily.

 

[coadr]

AT4/W over here, have about 2500 miles on them so far. Only one snow storm here in Denver so far and I didn't notice any poor performance, but it was also just on city streets. KO3s were definitely interesting but didn't want to jump up to E load range

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