Toyo Open Country AT3 and BF Goodrich KO2 are two prominent off-road all-terrain tires engineered for vehicles such as Jeeps, pickup trucks, and SUVs. These tires are favored not only for their rugged appearance but also for their impressive on and off-road capabilities. Since BF Goodrich KO2 is only available in LT sizes, Toyo Open Country AT3 might be a better option for daily driving. However, depending on the tire size, tires might show different characteristics. Let’s start and see what to expect from these tires!
| BF Goodrich KO2 | Toyo Open Country AT3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Better for | Dry regions, Severe off-roading, E load range, if you prioritize road noise | Wet terrains, Snowy regions, Daily driving, Compact SUVs, |
| Pros | Responsiveness, strong sidewalls, | Compact pattern absorb the vibration better, last longer for on-road usage, Easier to balance |
| Cons | Harsh ride | Slightly heavy response |
From my perspective as a former Bridgestone engineer, I find that LT sizes of BF Goodrich KO2(review) offer a better overall option. While they may not perform as reliably as the Toyo Open Country AT3(review) on wet and winter roads, BF Goodrich KO2 excels in terms of responsiveness, road noise reduction, and on-road stability. On the other hand, if your driving consists mostly of on-road travel, the Toyo Open Country AT3 is the tire for you, thanks to its more compact tread pattern. Its p-metric sizes, in particular, are ideal for minimizing noise and enhancing driving comfort. Furthermore, the Toyo Open Country AT3 demonstrates superior performance on wet and winter roads. When it comes to longevity, I have confidence that the BF Goodrich KO2 outlasts the Toyo Open Country AT3 in off-road conditions, while the latter proves durable for predominantly on-road use.
All-Terrain Tires Cheat Sheet
Finding the ideal all-terrain tire among the plethora of options available can be overwhelming. But don’t worry, my team and I have taken on this challenge head-on. Besides our hands-on experiences with these tires, we also analyze thousands of customer reviews and test reports.
We also analyzed ‘What customer complains more about all-terrain tires?’. Even though some of these complains are coming from the nature of all-terrain tires, there is still way to prevent yourself from these issues. Below, you can see articles about, hydroplaning, tire noise
- How to reduce tire noise?
https://www.discounttire.com/learn/tire-noise - Tire Vibration
https://www.discounttire.com/learn/tire-vibration - Tire Air Pressure – How to Decide?
https://www.discounttire.com/learn/tire-air-pressure-info
Please note that: Light-Duty is 1500 series, Medium-Duty is 2500 series and Heavy-Duty is 3500 series. If you do towing or hauling, I recommend considering at least Medium-Duty tires.
Mobile users can scroll the table to the left to see the whole data.
For those who prefer a more textual representation and dislike sifting through tables of data:
- https://tireterrain.com/best-all-terrain-tires/
- https://tireterrain.com/best-all-terrain-tires-for-snow/
- https://tireterrain.com/best-1-2-ton-truck-tires/
- https://tireterrain.com/best-3-4-ton-truck-tires/
- https://tireterrain.com/best-rt-tires/
- https://tireterrain.com/best-tires-for-snow-plowing/
A couple of popular size analyses:
- https://tireterrain.com/best-35×12-50r20-all-terrain-tires/
- https://tireterrain.com/best-285-70r17-all-terrain-tires/
- https://tireterrain.com/best-275-55r20-all-terrain-tires/
- https://tireterrain.com/best-275-65r18-all-terrain-tires/
Want to learn more about all-terrain tires:
- https://tireterrain.com/highway-tires-vs-all-terrain-vs-mud-terrain/
- https://tireterrain.com/all-season-vs-all-terrain-tires/
- https://tireterrain.com/tire-load-index-and-load-range/
- https://tireterrain.com/lt-tires-vs-passenger-tires/
- https://tireterrain.com/are-all-terrain-tires-good-for-daily-driving/
- https://tireterrain.com/are-all-terrain-tires-good-in-snow/
- https://tireterrain.com/are-all-terrain-tires-loud/
- https://tireterrain.com/how-long-do-all-terrain-tires-last/
- https://tireterrain.com/are-all-terrain-tires-good-in-rain/
- https://tireterrain.com/off-road-tire-pressure-load-range-for-every-rig/
I highly recommend checking the below pages out before making any purchase:
- DiscountTire Deals:
https://www.discounttire.com/promotions - TireRack Deals:
https://www.tirerack.com/specialoffers - SimpleTire Deals:
https://simpletire.com/tire-deals
Table of Contents
Dry Performance
Dry traction is generally not a concern for all-terrain tires. The real challenge often lies in steering and handling, especially at high speeds.
BF Goodrich KO2 has established a strong reputation for its dry performance. Customers have consistently praised its dry traction, steering response, and handling, with few complaints in this regard.
Toyo Open Country AT3 also boasts impressive grip capability, ensuring it won’t disappoint. However, some users have noted a tendency for loose steering when driving at speeds exceeding 60 mph. It’s important to consider that this observation could be attributed to the tire’s usage beyond its recommended parameters. Toyo Open Country AT3 is typically recommended for vehicles below 3/4 tons.
In summary, both tires offer competitive dry performance, but BF Goodrich KO2 holds a slight edge over the Toyo Open Country AT3 in this category.
Cornering Stability
In situations like these, having stronger sidewalls is always advantageous.
Both the Toyo Open Country AT3 and the BF Goodrich KO2 are equipped with exceptionally robust sidewalls. However, the BF Goodrich KO2 holds a slight edge in this aspect, although the difference is relatively minor.
Steering Response
Steering response is primarily influenced by the tire’s tread pattern. I can say this with confidence because both tires have tough sidewall construction that increase the rigidity of the tread.
In this regard, both manufacturers employ a 3-2 lug pattern in the center section to maximize compactness, and this design approach works quite effectively.
When it comes to steering response, both tires perform admirably, although the BF Goodrich KO2, with its shallower tread depth, holds a slight advantage.
Wet Performance
When it comes to wet performance, all-terrain tires often face challenges due to their wide and voided tread patterns. The primary concern here is hydroplaning rather than traction. (Are all-terrain tires good in rain?)
Hydroplaning occurs when the tire’s tread is filled with water, causing it to lose contact with the road surface as it passes through puddles. This leads to a floating sensation while driving.
Hydroplaning resistance, on the other hand, depends on the tire’s ability to evacuate water. It is influenced by features such as circumferential grooves and open shoulder blocks. Toyo Open Country AT3 excels in this aspect with its extended lateral grooves and two circumferential grooves, while BF Goodrich KO2 performs well with its wide grooves and open shoulder blocks, offering reliable hydroplaning resistance.
In terms of wet traction, Toyo Open Country AT3 has a slight advantage. Its siped and softer tread pattern, along with a larger contact patch, translates to improved wet traction. BF Goodrich KO2, while capable, might feel a bit stiff, especially on compact SUVs. However, its aggressive tread design provides decent traction for pickup trucks and Jeeps.
Overall, Toyo Open Country AT3 is the preferred choice, particularly for SUVs. Light-truck owners can also opt for BF Goodrich KO2. It’s worth noting that as BF Goodrich KO2 wears down, its void area increases, which can reduce wet traction and increase road noise.
Note: Hydroplaning is vital for a safe ride under the pouring rain. However, it might occur even with the best tire. Maybe you can’t prevent it but if you know what it is and how to deal with it, you can easily stay on the safe side.
Here is an extremely efficient guide about ‘How to Deal with Hydroplaning?‘ –> https://www.discounttire.com/learn/hydroplaning
Winter Performance
When it comes to evaluating the winter performance of all-terrain tires, there’s often confusion, with many mistakenly assuming that they can serve as a replacement for dedicated snow tires. (Are all-terrain tires good in snow?)
To clarify, while all-terrain tires do offer better winter performance compared to standard all-season tires, they are not a substitute for specialized winter tires designed for extreme cold and snow conditions.
Now, let’s take a closer look at the Toyo Open Country AT3 and the BF Goodrich KO2. Here’s some good news: both tires carry the 3PMSF (Three-Peak Mountain Snow Flake) marking, indicating that their compounds are capable of maintaining consistent performance in temperatures below 7°C (45°F).
In a comparative analysis, the Toyo Open Country AT3 holds a slight advantage in winter conditions, and here’s why:
The Toyo Open Country AT3 features more compound and additional siping on the surface, resulting in slightly better light snow traction. However, the BF Goodrich KO2 is also a reliable option due to its highly aggressive tread pattern, which provides good grip in winter conditions.
On the other hand, the BF Goodrich KO2 boasts a larger void area, which gives it a slight advantage. Moreover, its shoulder design resembles claws and provides effective traction. Additionally, the self-cleaning capability of the Toyo Open Country AT3 makes it a dependable choice for deep snow.
When it comes to icy conditions, both tires fall slightly short. However, the Toyo Open Country AT3 holds a slight edge because it can transmit more of its compound to the icy surface.
Overall, the Toyo Open Country AT3 is a slightly better tire for winter conditions. However, the BF Goodrich KO2 remains a reliable option, especially for 3/4-ton or larger trucks, providing solid performance in challenging winter conditions.
A side note here: Understanding the snow performance of all-terrain tires can be quite challenging. For those who find it perplexing, I’d like to direct your attention to a helpful resource: “6 Best All-Terrain Tires for Snow by AT Tire Category“ This article is specifically designed to assist you in making informed decisions regarding all-terrain tires in snowy conditions.
Road Noise
When it comes to road noise, all-terrain tires are generally considered noisy due to their lug-type patterns, mainly for two reasons.
Firstly, a portion of the road noise is generated by the air trapped inside the tire’s tread. All-terrain tires, with their significant void areas and deep treads, tend to hold more air compared to regular all-season tires. Additionally, the robust and aggressive shoulder design of all-terrain tires contributes to the noise as these shoulder lugs make contact with the road surface, creating sound. (Are all-terrain tires loud?)
Between the Toyo Open Country AT3 and the BF Goodrich KO2, I would consider both to be relatively noisy due to their shoulder patterns. Well, we’re talking about all-terrain tires here. This is to be expected.
So, in my opinion, when you opt for LT sizes, there is no way Toyo Open Country AT3 can outperform the BF Goodrich KO2 due to two reasons. First, it has a shallower tread depth. Second, for some sizes, you have a D load range option which has a more on-road oriented construction compared to the E load range.
On the other hand, if you can use SL load range and don’t care about off-road capabilities that much, Toyo Open Country AT3 is definitely the quieter option.
Overall, while BF Goodrich KO2 offers more for LT sizes, the SL Toyo Open Country AT3 is the best choice if you’d like to minimize noise.
A side note here: Even though some tires tend to make noise because of their tread patterns, it’s still possible to keep your tire noise down.
I’m leaving a perfect explanation below from DiscountTire for those who need it;
How to Keep Tire Noise Down? –>
https://www.discounttire.com/learn/tire-noise
Riding Comfort
Ride comfort is primarily determined by a tire’s internal structure and tread design, and both the Toyo Open Country AT3 and the BF Goodrich KO2 perform well in this aspect.
The level of ride comfort is often associated with the tire’s internal structure. In general, tires with stronger sidewalls tend to provide a stiffer but more predictable ride.
In this regard, the Toyo Open Country AT3 features a dual high-tensile steel belt construction within a dual-layer polyester casing. On the other hand, the BF Goodrich KO2 shares a similar construction but also incorporates a single-strand bead that adds rigidity to the sidewall. While this increased rigidity contributes to stability, it can lead to a less comfortable ride.
It’s worth noting that the load range E versions of both tires come with 3-ply sidewalls, while the load range C versions have 2-ply sidewalls to enhance comfort.
So, what am I trying to explain? The comfort largely depends on your size selection. Well, for sure, the larger lugs of the Toyo are more rigid, translating to less vibration. Moreover, this feature also explains why rugged-terrain tires are easier to balance.
Overall, if you’re transitioning from all-season tires, both of these all-terrain tires may feel a bit firmer. However, due to their interlocked tread designs, both offer a smoother ride. That said, the Toyo Open Country AT3 tends to excel in this regard due to its slightly more compact tread pattern and more flexible sidewalls. Though worth reminding, p-metric tires are also a better option if they are usable.
Here is a perfect article on what to expect from all-terrain tires for daily driving –> https://tireterrain.com/are-all-terrain-tires-good-for-daily-driving/
Fuel Efficiency
Rolling resistance is a critical factor that influences tire fuel consumption, and it is primarily determined by tire weight and tread pattern.
In this comparison, the Toyo Open Country AT3 emerges as the lighter option. Depending on the tire size, the weight difference can range from a significant 3 pounds to a substantial 10 pounds when compared to the BF Goodrich KO2.
However, it’s important to note that rolling resistance is not solely determined by weight. The rigidity of the tire compound also plays a significant role in this aspect. Unfortunately, a direct comparison based on Uniform Tire Quality Grading (UTQG) ratings is not possible due to the exclusive availability of the BF Goodrich KO2 in LT metric sizes. Nevertheless, we can make some educated deductions.
The Toyo Open Country AT3, with its deeper tread depth and extensively siped pattern, suggests a softer compound when compared to the BF Goodrich KO2. While a softer compound may have certain advantages, it’s essential to consider it in conjunction with the significant weight advantage of the Toyo Open Country AT3. In the grand scheme of things, the impact of the compound on rolling resistance becomes relatively minor.
In summary, the Toyo Open Country AT3 appears to be the more fuel-efficient choice. This difference in rolling resistance could potentially lead to an increase in fuel efficiency by around 1 to 3 miles per gallon (MPG). However, it’s important to keep in mind that actual fuel savings can vary depending on several factors, including the specific vehicle and driving conditions.
Treadwear
Tread life is closely tied to the stiffness of a tire’s compound and its ability to wear evenly (How long do all-terrain tires last?).
In a comparative analysis of the Toyo Open Country AT3 and the BF Goodrich KO2, we find that both tires utilize a medium-stiff compound. However, the BF Goodrich KO2 tends to lean slightly towards the harder side of the spectrum. This hardness results in a shallower tread depth.
From an off-road perspective, a shallower tread depth can be advantageous as it generally leads to more even wear in rugged terrains, giving a slight advantage to the BF Goodrich KO2. On the other hand, the deeper tread of the Toyo Open Country AT3 indicates a longer lifespan for the rubber, making it a better choice for primarily highway or urban driving.
To summarize, if your driving mostly involves city or highway conditions, the Toyo Open Country AT3 offers greater longevity. However, if you frequently venture off-road or tackle challenging terrains, the BF Goodrich KO2 is the more suitable option. Keep in mind that factors like driving habits, vehicle load, and regular maintenance can also impact tread life.
Getting maximum wear life from a tire is related to you as well as your tire,
If you’d like to learn how to get maximum tread life:
Warranty
Both manufacturers stand behind their products and provide tread life warranties.
Toyo offers a 65,000-mile warranty package for passenger-metric (P-metric) sizes, while BF Goodrich maintains its standard 50,000-mile warranty. Both brands provide a 50,000-mile warranty for light truck (LT) sizes.
Additionally, Toyo offers a 500-mile or 45-day trial period for the Open Country AT3, whereas BF Goodrich extends a 60-day satisfaction guarantee.
For more detailed information, you can refer to the Toyo Open Country AT3 Warranty Document here: Toyo Open Country AT3 Warranty Document.
Off-Road Performance
Off-road traction is a defining characteristic of all-terrain tires, and both the BF Goodrich KO2 and the Toyo Open Country AT3 excel in this regard.
The BF Goodrich KO2 boasts a serrated shoulder design that provides exceptional traction on challenging terrains such as mud, rocks, and snow. Its performance in air-down situations makes it a reliable choice for off-road adventures.
The Toyo Open Country AT3, on the other hand, features staggered shoulder lugs, enhanced lateral grooves, and a siped pattern, making it well-suited for light off-road use.
Now, let’s take a closer look at how each tire performs on different terrains.
Dirt Performance
Dirt terrain often serves as an intersection between on-road and off-road conditions, and it’s typically easier to handle. This is where all-terrain tires shine, providing versatility and reliability.
Both the Toyo Open Country AT3 and the BF Goodrich KO2 are among the top-performing tires on dirt surfaces. Due to their high amount of biting edges, they offer excellent traction and control, making them trustworthy choices for navigating through dirty and challenging terrains.
In summary, you can place your trust in these two tires when you’re dealing with filthy grounds, knowing that they’ll provide the grip and performance you need.
Mud Performance
Mud performance, especially at its best, relies on a tire’s ability to evacuate mud and provide exceptional biting capability. The design of the shoulder area is a crucial factor in achieving this.
In the case of both the BF Goodrich KO2 and the Toyo Open Country AT3, they boast unique shoulder designs that enhance their biting capability in muddy conditions.
However, the more void area of BF Goodrich KO2 creates a slight advantage out here. Moreover, the sidewall biters of BF Goodrich KO2 made for mud traction.
Overal, BF Goodrich KO2 and Toyo Open Country AT3 both provide reliable mud performance. Yet, BF Goodrich KO2 is a slightly better option.
Rock and Gravel Performance
When it comes to rock and gravel performance, various tire features come into play. However, in this category, we have a clear winner.
The BF Goodrich KO2 excels in this terrain, surpassing the Toyo Open Country AT3. Its robust shoulders enhance sidewall durability and enable effective air-down riding. Additionally, the KO2’s stone ejecting capability, particularly with its intersection block design, outperforms that of the Toyo Open Country AT3.
While the Toyo Open Country AT3 is a capable tire, the BF Goodrich KO2 stands out as the best choice for rock and gravel performance.
Sand Performance
Sand driving presents unique challenges, even for the most aggressive tires. There’s always a risk of getting stuck in soft sand, which is why some people argue that less aggressive tires are better for sand driving – a point I tend to agree with.
Both the BF Goodrich KO2 and the Toyo Open Country AT3 are wide tires that can float on sand. Additionally, both feature extremely aggressive sidewall biters that provide extra grip on loose surfaces. However, the sidewall and shoulder design of the BF Goodrich KO2 is specifically engineered for sand traction.
In summary, both tires offer reliable sand traction, but the BF Goodrich KO2 is a slightly superior option for this challenging terrain.
Specification Comparison for Popular Sizes
Toyo Open Country AT3 and BF Goodrich KO2 offer a wide range of tire sizes, but when it comes to all-terrain tires, a few common sizes dominate the market:
- 35×12.5R20
- 285/70R17
- 275/60R20
- 265/70R17
When selecting the right tire for your needs, key specifications such as tread depth, tread width, and tire weight provide essential information. Let’s delve into the specifics using the specifications of BF Goodrich KO2 and Toyo Open Country AT3 tires.
35×12.5R20
| Toyo Open Country AT3 | Toyo Open Country AT3 | BF Goodrich KO2 |
|---|---|---|
| Off Road AT Tire | Off Road AT Tire | Off Road AT Tire |
| E | F | E |
| 67 lbs | 67 lbs | 67 lbs |
| 16.9/32″ | 16.9/32″ | 15/32″ |
| 10.9″ | 10.3″ | 11.1″ |
| United States | United States | United States |
In the common tire size 35×12.5R20, both the Toyo Open Country AT3 and BF Goodrich KO2 are available in the E load range. However, the Toyo Open Country AT3 offers an additional option with the F load range, which can be beneficial for heavy towing applications.
When it comes to the E load range, there are some differences to consider. The Toyo Open Country AT3 has a higher tread depth, which can sometimes result in increased vibration, noise, and a rougher ride. However, it has a slightly narrower tread width, and its tread pattern is more compact with fewer void areas.
In summary, for this tire size, especially if you primarily use your vehicle for daily driving, the Toyo Open Country AT3 in the E load range could be a slightly better choice. On the other hand, if you frequently drive on loose ground surfaces, the BF Goodrich KO2 remains a solid option.
Note: While both tires have their strengths and weaknesses for this specific size, it’s worth noting that the BF Goodrich KO2 remains at the top of my list –> https://tireterrain.com/best-35×12-50r20-all-terrain-tires/
285/70R17
| Toyo Open Country AT3 | Toyo Open Country AT3 | Toyo Open Country AT3 | BF Goodrich KO2 | BF Goodrich KO2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Off Road AT Tire | Off Road AT Tire | Off Road AT Tire | Off Road AT Tire | Off Road AT Tire |
| E | SL | C | E | C |
| 55 lbs | 47 lbs | 54 lbs | 58 lbs | 51 lbs |
| 16.5/32″ | 13.6/32″ | 16.5/32″ | 15/32″ | 15/32″ |
| 9″ | 9″ | 9″ | 9.2″ | 9.3″ |
| United States | Japan | United States | United States | United States |
In the comparison between BF Goodrich KO2 and Toyo Open Country AT3, it’s important to note that BF Goodrich KO2 is primarily available in LT (light truck) sizes, while Toyo Open Country AT3 offers a broader range of sizes, including SL (standard load) and LT sizes.
For users who prioritize factors like noise levels, comfort, and dry and wet pavement grip, Toyo Open Country AT3 in SL sizes can be a reliable option. However, SL sizes may not be the best choice for towing and hauling heavy loads.
If you engage in light towing, the C-rated BF Goodrich KO2 provides a better solution. On the other hand, for E-rated versions of both tires, the deeper tread of the Toyo Open Country AT3 can result in increased road noise. However, Toyo’s wider and larger tread blocks contribute to a smoother ride, which can be advantageous for fuel efficiency, especially when combined with the tire’s lighter weight.
Ultimately, the choice between these tires depends on your specific needs and priorities, such as towing, load capacity, noise preferences, and fuel efficiency.
Note: While the Toyo Open Country AT3 might excel in the E load range, the C load range BF Goodrich KO2 can be a great choice for SUVs and Jeeps. For more options and details, check out my full list of recommendations here –> [https://tireterrain.com/best-285-70r17-all-terrain-tires/]
275/60R20
| Toyo Open Country AT3 | Toyo Open Country AT3 | BF Goodrich KO2 |
|---|---|---|
| Off Road AT Tire | Off Road AT Tire | Off Road AT Tire |
| E | SL | D |
| 55 | 42 lbs | 55 lbs |
| 16.4 | 13.5/32″ | 15/32″ |
| 9.4″ | 9.1″ | 9″ |
| United States | United States | United States |
The considerations for daily driving-oriented individuals are similar in the comparison for 285/70R17.
Toyo Open Country AT3 is available in SL (standard load) sizes, making it a preferable choice if it meets your load capacity requirements for daily driving. On the other hand, for LT (light truck) sizes, BF Goodrich KO2 offers a more reliable option due to its shallower tread and narrower tread width. However, Toyo Open Country AT3 remains a reliable choice for those who prefer a larger and more substantial tire, as its wide blocks help absorb a significant portion of vibrations, contributing to a smoother and more comfortable ride.
265/70R17
| Toyo Open Country AT3 | Toyo Open Country AT3 | BF Goodrich KO2 | BF Goodrich KO2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Off Road AT Tire | Off Road AT Tire | Off Road AT Tire | Off Road AT Tire |
| E | SL | C | E |
| 48 lbs | 42 lbs | 46 lbs | 53 lbs |
| 16.3/32″ | 13.4/32″ | 15/32″ | 15/32″ |
| 8.4″ | 8.4″ | 8.8″ | 8.7″ |
| United States | Japan | Canada | United States |
For this specific size, Toyo Open Country AT3 is also available in the SL (standard load) range, while BF Goodrich KO2 offers an option in the C load range. The C load range in BF Goodrich KO2, with its stiffer sidewalls, may be a more suitable choice for many light truck owners due to its potential for improved load-bearing capacity and durability.
In contrast, for the E load range options, Toyo Open Country AT3 is lighter and narrower compared to BF Goodrich KO2. Although the weight difference isn’t substantial, the deeper tread of Toyo Open Country AT3 compensates for it. While neither tire is exceptionally quiet, Toyo Open Country AT3 is expected to deliver better overall performance in winter and wet conditions.
Size Selection
Before we dive into selecting the right tire size, it’s essential to understand the tire standards that manufacturers follow.
Technical Standards & Regulations
In Europe, the tire standardizing organization is called ETRTO. In the United States, it’s The Tire and Rim Association (TRA), while in Japan, it’s the Japanese Automobile Tire Manufacturers Association (JATMA). Although there may be other organizations, they generally align with one of these three.
When it comes to passenger car tires, TRA designates them by placing the letter “P” in front of the size to indicate conformity to the TRA standard. On the other hand, ETRTO and JATMA do not use any letters, which can sometimes be confusing when determining which standard is being used.
For light truck tires, TRA uses the letters “LT” in front of the tire size, while JATMA places the letters “LT” after the size. ETRTO, however, uses the letter “C” after the size to indicate tires of this type.
In the realm of medium truck tires, ETRTO uses the letter “C” after the size to designate tires designed according to their standard. In contrast, TRA and JATMA do not use any letters in this context.
Now, here’s what’s essential: Tires with the same dimensions (size) may have different maximum load capacities depending on the standard being followed. So, it’s crucial to consider the relevant standard when choosing tires.
When it comes to load capacity designations, “SL” (Standard Load) and “XL” (Extra Load) are used for all passenger car tires, regardless of which standard is being followed. In the ETRTO standard, “Reinforced” is also used as an alternative to “XL.”
Load Range, on the other hand, is specific to TRA. ETRTO and JATMA use the term “Load Index.” While TRA references Load Indexes, it’s important to note that the values provided are approximate.
To sum it up, understanding the tire standards and designations is vital as they play a significant role in determining the right tire size and load capacity. By considering the appropriate standards, you can make an informed decision when selecting tires that meet your vehicle’s requirements.
Here are two great articles if you wanna dive deeper:
Load Range vs Load Index: https://www.discounttire.com/learn/load-range-load-index
Tire Sizing System: https://www.discounttire.com/learn/euro-vs-pmetric-tires
How to Select the Right Tire Size Based on Your Requirements?
When it comes to selecting tire sizes for your vehicle, it’s important to keep in mind that most vehicles offer more than one original equipment size. Let’s take the 2019 Ford F-150 Lariat Crew Cab 4WD as an example. You have three different tire size options: 275/55R20 SL, 275/65R18 Load Range C, or 275/65R18 SL.
Note: I use Toyo Open Country AT3 for an example tire. You can use this link to see tire options for your vehicle and then make a comparison between the sizes:
https://www.discounttire.com/fitment/vehicle
If you don’t know your tire size: https://tireterrain.com/find-tires-by-vin-number/
Let’s focus on comparing the 275/65R18 SL and 275/65R18 Load Range C options for a more detailed comparison. Your decision should be based on your priorities. If you prioritize a smooth ride and better handling, the SL option is the way to go. On the other hand, if you value hauling or towing performance and tire longevity, the Load Range C option would be a better fit.
As a tire engineer, my perspective often revolves around load-carrying capacity. Generally, tires with higher load capabilities tend to provide a stiffer ride. However, there’s a bit of an illusion to consider. When you compare the two tires in the same size, the SL-rated tire may initially appear to have a higher load capability. But here’s the catch: P metric tires, like the SL option, need to be derated by a factor of 1.1 when used on a truck. Crunching the numbers reveals that the SL option actually has a lower maximum load capability. Additionally, it boasts a lower tread depth, which translates to better responsiveness.
The same principles I mentioned earlier also apply when comparing XL and E Load range tires. In summary, if your vehicle allows for Passenger Car or LT (Light Truck) tires, going with a passenger option will provide you with better on-road manners. However, if you find yourself venturing off-road frequently, own a working truck, or regularly engage in towing and hauling heavy loads, then LT tires are generally the better choice for your needs.
Couple of tips for towing;
- Even though the load index of passenger car tires fits, when it comes to towing, sidewall stability is the issue. Hence, LT tires with Load Range C, D, or E provide better stability.
- Generally, a load index higher than 119 is recommended for towing
- Proper loading is important for even wearing. 60/40 rule should be followed. 60% of the weight should be on the front axle and 40%of weight should be applied rear axle of the trailer. Besides that, try to center load. Start with heavier ones if you gonna stack them up.
To wrap it up, selecting the right tires comes down to choosing the ones that align with your driving preferences and specific requirements.
Conclusion
While Toyo Open Country AT3 is a better option for daily driving, if you like tough weekend adventures, especially on rocky terrain, BF Goodrich KO2 is a better option. Still, both tires stay on the top of the all-terrain tire market.
Take-Home Points:
- LT sizes have stronger sidewalls. That feature makes them more durable. Yet, these tires offer a rougher ride. (LT vs P-Metric tires)
- XL sizes tend to carry more load and offer better handling. Hence, if you’ll go with p-metric sizes, they might be a better pick for hauling and towing( XL vs SL tires)
- Please pay attention to the load index & load range and speed index. These metrics are essential if you expect decent tread life
- There isn’t a bad tire in the market right now, you should just know what to expect from tires
I hope the article was helpful. If you have any further questions. Please let me know. Hava a safe ride folks!
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