Kenda Klever R/T is the highly recommended rugged(hybrid) terrain tire. It’s designed for light trucks, SUVs, and 4×4 vehicles such as Jeeps. Due to its wide product range, Kenda Klever R/T is many people’s choice. However, not all of them are happy with its performance. In this article, I’ll explain the best uses and give some size selection tips for Kenda Klever R/T. Let’s begin!
As a former Bridgestone engineer, from my standpoint, Kenda Klever R/T is a reliable tire on wet and dry grounds. It provides a comfortable but a bit noisy ride. Moreover, even though it doesn’t have a 3PMSF, it still has decent winter performance in all conditions but ice. Due to its 3-ply sidewalls, its off-road capability is huge. Especially for rock crawling. Though, its tread life is slightly lower than all-terrain tires but better than most rugged-terrain tires.
Note: Kenda Klever R/T is specified for 3/4 or above light trucks. Hence, it’s only available in LT sizes. So, its on-road manners might feel a bit harsher on SUVs or 1/2-ton trucks.
Beneficial Links:
- TireRack Survey: https://www.tirerack.com/tires/surveyresults/surveydisplay.jsp?type=ORCT
- SimpleTire Customer Reviews: https://simpletire.com/brands/kenda-tires/klever-r-t-kr601/reviews
Table of Contents
Dry Performance
Dry performance can be evaluated under three different layers. While one of them is traction which is extremely easy for off-road tires. Though, the other two, cornering stability and steering response may become a complaining point of users.
Dry Traction
Due to its aggressive pattern design, Kenda Klever R/T can handle dry surfaces.
Rugged(Hybrid) terrain tires have bigger lugs, wider void areas, and relatively softer compounds compared to all-terrain tires. All of these features are implied to improve traction performance. Innately, all rugged terrain tires have a unique dry traction capability.
Kenda Klever R/T offers reliable traction on dry grounds.
Cornering Stability
Cornering stability is highly important on the highways. Since off-road tires are used by high torque and heavy vehicles, sometimes, drivers feel the floating feeling while cornering at high velocity.
In that case, the sidewall stiffness of the tire is the game-changer. If the tire has relatively weak sidewalls, the sidewall flexes a bit more than expected while turning and that effect handling negatively.
Since it’s only available in LT sizes, Kenda Klever R/T has a tough sidewall structure. Therefore, it has decent cornering stability.
Steering Response
Steering response is the challenge for off-road tires. Especially for rugged-terrain and all-terrain tires.
Kenda Klever R/T has a heavy internal structure. Moreover, its tread has big lugs which generally means poor steering response. However, in my point of view, Kenda optimizes the contact patch perfectly for Klever R/T.
Kenda Klever R/T has wide shoulder blocks and not perfectly but well-designed center blocks that almost work like robust tire rib(robust center rib offers better steering response). Well, still, it has an average steering response.
Note: Due to test results(see the document in the ‘Sizes’ section), Kenda Klever R/T has almost the same steering response time as the top-notch competitors. I’d like to say average because it’s only available in LT sizes. LT tires can’t offer a quick steering response as P-Metric tires do.
Wet Performance
Wet performance has two different dimensions. Wet traction and hydroplaning resistance.
Off-road tires have a questionable wet performance. While mud-terrain tires have traction issues due to their weak contact patch, all-terrain tires have some hydroplaning issues due to their poor water evacuation capability.
Lucky, Kenda Klever R/T is a rugged-terrain tire. These tires are the best off-road tires on the wet road. Let’s talk about the reasons!
Wet Traction
Wet traction is related to two things. Compound stiffness and sipe density.
Rugged(hybrid) tires have a good amount of void area on their tread. In fact, this is a huge issue for wet traction. If the tire doesn’t have enough sipe to increase the biting area, there is no way that they provide traction on the wet grounds.
Regarding Kenda Klever R/T, its award-winning design pays off. This tire has an acceptable amount of notches and has a soft compound that has a positive effect on traction. Hence, its wet grip ability is similar to its competitors.
I can confidently say that you’ll never have traction issues with Kenda Klever R/T.
However, still, the wet braking distance of off-road tires isn’t trustable. So, be careful anyway.
Hydroplaning Resistance
Unlike the common knowledge, mud and rugged terrain tires have a unique hydroplaning resistance. I know some people complaining about this but I guess they confuse it with dry braking distance.
Hydroplaning resistance is related to water evacuation capability. Hence, wide grooves and open shoulder blocks always work best.
Due to its massive water evacuation capability, Kenda Klever R/T has decent hydroplaning resistance.
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.prioritytire.com/blog/hydroplaning-aquaplaning
Winter Performance
Winter performance is generally misunderstood by most reviewers. The light snow, deep snow, and ice performances are related to completely different things. Evaluating them under the one title is nonsense. Moreover, it might be dangerous for other people.
So, I’ll evaluate the winter performance of Kenda Klever R/T regarding the above conditions.
Light-Snow Performance
Light snow performance is similar to wet performance. The only needed extra feature is the self-cleaning capability.
Due to its relatively fluffy compound and horizontal notches, Kenda Klever R/T offers decent light-snow traction. However, still, if you’re looking for the best light-snow traction, you might look for something with 3PMSF.
Note: Kenda Klever R/T doesn’t have 3PMSF marking(what it is?).
Deep-Snow Traction
Deep snow is where Kenda Klever R/T shines. Due to its deep tread(17” to 19” depending on size), it has massive loose ground performance. Moreover, its staggered shoulder also increases the biting edges and improves loose ground traction.
If you need deep snow traction, you may stop searching and go with Kenda Klever R/T.
Ice Traction
Since Kenda Klever R/T can be stud-able, its ice performance is changeable.
Without studs,
If you’re not going to mount studs, I don’t recommend using this tire on icy grounds. Kenda Klever R/T’s contact patch is weak and has tons of void areas. It’s not safe to drive it on ice.
With studs,
You may increase Kenda Klever R/T’s ice performance with a stud(TSMI #15). Studs increase its traction capability by around 10-15% which makes them a usable tire on icy grounds.
Riding Quality
Off-road tires generally offer good riding quality. In that case, the order is as follows,
- Mud-terrain
- Rugged-terrain
- All-terrain
As you all realized, the ride quality is related to internal structure as well as compound stiffness. So, mud-terrain tires with a fluffy compound and internal structure that have the ability to perform on low air pressure perform best. They are followed by rugged terrain tires and all-terrain tires take the last place.
Regarding Kenda Klever R/T, if you’re looking for a soft and smooth ride, you may look for something like Nitto Ridge Grappler. However, still, it’s a good option for above 3/4 trucks.
Kenda Klever R/T is mainly built for 3/4 tons of above-light trucks. Therefore, its riding quality for lower-grade vehicles might be a bit stiff for some of you. In that case, I recommend the C or D load range to improve riding quality.
Road Noise
Compare to other successful features, it looks like road noise is where Kenda sacrificed. In my point of view, this trade pays off.
Due to increased traction, the tires need wide grooves and stiff compounds compared to all-season tires.
Even though its interlocked center blocks close the gap into the center section, it still makes some noise due to its aggressive pattern.
Kenda Klever R/T can reduce the noise but it’s not the best one in that case. If you’re looking for a deaf ride, you may check the Kenda Klever AT2(review) instead.
Tread Wear
Even though it has a softer compound compared to all-terrain tires, though, its compound is stiffer than its competitors. Moreover, its heavy-duty design is proof of its long-lasting rubber.
Kenda especially states that Kenda Klever R/T has a massive cut&chipping resistance. According to my deep research, they’ve got a point.
This tire is one of the long-lasting rugged(hybrid) terrain tires on the market. However, this tread life is completely related to you. Like all off-road tires, Kenda Klever R/T tends to wear unevenly and uneven wearing is the enemy of tread life.
I can confidently say that if you’ll pay attention to rotation time(I recommend 5,000 miles but as far as I see, people get decent wear life even with the period of 15,000 miles), you can get hight satisfying 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
Kenda doesn’t offer any treadwear warranty for this product.
Even though it doesn’t have a mileage warranty, Kenda covers up its product with other warranty types like uniformity.
If you’d like to check the warranty statement: https://automotive.kendatire.com/en-us/tire-tech/warranty/
Off-Road Performance
Off-road performance can be divided into two. Mild and severe off-road.
Since rugged-terrain tires place somewhere between mud and all-terrain tires, they can handle both at a certain level.
Though, it’s completely manufacturers’ decision to decide on the strongest side of the tire. Some of them prioritize on-road manners and built a tire for mild off-road, yet, others prefer severe off-road performance.
Luckily, Kenda prefers severe off-road performance that also contains mild usage. However, I still prefer to analyze its performance under 4 different sub-titles.
Before starting to read this section, check this article out to what to expect from mud, rugged or all-terrain tires –> https://tireterrain.com/off-road-tire-tread-patterns/
Dirt and Gravel Traction
Dirt and gravel traction is the default feature for off-road tires. Dirt is the starting point of the off-road. Then the gravel comes.
Since both are easy peasy for rugged-terrain tires, I’m going to evaluate both together.
Regarding dirt,
Due to its lugged-type pattern and wide grooves that can clean itself perfectly, Kenda Klever R/T provides huge dirt traction.
Regarding gravel,
Gravel is similar to dirt. The only difference is tires sometimes hold the rock. Hence, they lose traction capability. Kenda Klever R/T’s shoulders are the only section of its tread that might hold rocks(narrow grooves). However, Kenda solves this issue with a stone ejector placement. These ejectors throw the rock out of the tread and provide consistent traction. Moreover, its sidewalls inhold sidewall protectors which keep your sidewall safe from any kind of external damage. Unique improvement for a gravel performance.
Sand Traction
The best tire on the sand is the tire with a minimum lug. Therefore, people use smooth balloon tires for sand driving. However, sand driving is still possible for rugged terrain with air-down use.
Due to its high traction capability and wide grooves, Kenda Klever R/T has a high possibility to stick you into the sand.
However, Kenda Klever R/T has a satisfying self-cleaning capability which is the key to decent sand performance. So, I can confidently say that it’ll handle sand with ease. However, I’m not an expert on sand driving. Therefore, I’ll leave you guys a video to decide.
Mud Traction
Mud traction is related to tread depth, self-cleaning, and water evacuation capability. Luckily, Kenda Klever R/T has it all.
Due to its large volume of void area, this tire can clean itself and evacuate the water with ease. Moreover, its deep tread helps it to throw the mud out in early tread life.
I can confidently say that Kenda Klever R/T has a trustworthy mud traction. Moreover, according to field tests, Kenda Klever R/T is leading its category. However, this category contains only hybrid tires. So, expecting mud-terrain tire performance is a bit utopic.
Rock Crawling
If you follow my blog, you know that I’m in love with the BF Goodrich KO2’s rock climbing performance. However, its empery ends now.
All right guys, this tire has a phenomenal design for rock crawling. Its compound, sidewalls, flexibility… This tire is awesome for rock crawling.
Due to its 3-ply sidewalls, cut&chipping resisted compound, durable but flexible cords, and beefy lugs on the sidewall that protect from puncturing; Kenda Klever R/T is one of the best tires for rock crawling. Strongly recommended!
Sizes
Kenda’s size range is limited. However, it’s available in the most popular sizes.
Kenda has a size sheet that includes popular applications and test reports, to reach out –> https://automotive.kendatire.com/media/736114/kenda_kr601_sales-sheet-060121.pdf
| 15” | 16” | 17” | 18” | 20” | 22” | 24” |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 33×9.50R15LT Load Range: C Rating: 113Q | LT235/70R16 Load Range: C Rating: 104/101R | 33×10.50R17LT Load Range: E Rating: 121R | 33×12.50R18LT Load Range: F Rating: 122R | 33×12.50R20LT Load Range: F Rating: 119R | 33X12.50R22LT Load Range: F Rating: 114R | 33X12.50R24LT Load Range: F Rating: F 106Q |
| 35×12.50R15LT Load Range: C Rating: 113Q | 33×12.50R17LT Load Range: E Rating: 120R | 35×12.50R18LT Load Range: E Rating: 123R | 35×12.50R20LT Load Range: F Rating: 125R | 35×12.50R22LT Load Range: F Rating: 121R | 35×12.50R24LT Load Range: F Rating: 116Q |
|
| 35×10.50R17LT Load Range: D Rating: 121R | LT265/65R18 Load Range: E Rating: 122/119R | 37×12.50R20LT Load Range: F Rating: 128R | 37×12.50R22LT Load Range: F Rating: 127Q | |||
| 35×12.50R17LT Load Range: E Rating: 121R | LT275/65R18 Load Range: E Rating: 123/120R | LT275/55R20 Load Range: E Rating: 120R | ||||
| 37×12.50R17LT Load Range: D Rating: 124R | LT275/70R18 Load Range: E Rating: 125/122R | LT285/55R20 Load Range: E Rating: 122R | ||||
| LT235/80R17 Load Range: E Rating: 120/117R | LT285/75R18 Load Range: E Rating: 129/126R | |||||
| LT245/75R17 Load Range: E Rating: 121/118R | ||||||
| LT265/70R17 Load Range: E Rating: 121/118R | ||||||
| LT285/70R17 Load Range: E Rating: 121/118R |
Most tire sizes begin with modifier letters(P, LT, etc.) that identify the type of vehicle or type of service for which they were designed. Here is a perfect guide for reading tire size –> https://tireterrain.com/how-to-read-tire-size/
Spec
| Kenda Klever R/T | |
|---|---|
| Category | Rugged Terrain Tires |
| Vehicle | Light Truck, SUV |
| Available Sizes (Rim) | https://automotive.kendatire.com/media/736114/kenda_kr601_sales-sheet-060121.pdf |
| Made In | Dong Nai Province, Vietnam |
| Snow Rated | No |
| Warranty (P-metric) | N/A |
| Warranty (LT Sizes) | N/A |
| Prices | Check price section to see best possible prices |
Price
The tire market has a dynamic price policy. Hence, in my point of view, sharing tire price is pointless.
Though, I’ve analyzed the top 10 brands of most popular tire brands.
Here are the dealers with a reasonable price range,
SimpleTire
- Free shipping
- Delivered in 2 days
- Verified shops near you(for mount and balance)
- Mobile installation option
- 7 million customers since 2021
- 4.7/5 points on Google rate
- Top-notch customer service, you may even request a price match
Kenda Klever R/T: https://simpletire.com/brands/kenda-tires/klever-r-t-kr601
Amazon
- Fast and free shipping (mostly in a day)
- Get your tires shipped to a selected service center or get them installed at home or work (how does it work?)
- Installation on Mavis Discount Tire (15$ per tire)
- Installing new stem valves supplied by pro
- Balancing your tires
- Road/safety test
- Since Amazon provides wholesale and affordable prices, they don’t offer a road hazard warranty
Kenda Klever R/T: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=kenda+klever+rt&ref=nb_sb_noss
PriorityTire
- Local installer and mobile installer options
- Huge product range(you may find any tire you want)
- 4.8 overall satisfaction rate
- Always have a good deal to find
- 90 days money-back guarantee
- Free FedEx shipping
Kenda Klever R/T: https://www.prioritytire.com/by-brand/kenda/klever-r-t-tires/
While choosing dealers, I especially pay attention to reliability. All of the dealers on this list have 15-20 years of experience in the online tire business. Therefore, I can guarantee a smooth and fast tire buying process.
Conclusion
Depending on your expectations, Kenda Klever R/T can be a perfect tire for your vehicle. You may see the below table to see what to expect.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Dirt-cheap price | Slightly noisy ride |
| 3-ply sidewall | Relatively poor steering response for below 3/4 ton trucks and SUVs |
| Huge wet and dry traction | No treadwear warranty |
| Satisfiying winter performance | Only available for LT sizes, hence you don’t have an option for a better on-road manners |
| All-round off-road capability, especially rock crawling |
Take-Home Points,
- LT sizes have stronger sidewalls. That feature makes them more durable but less comfortable. I don’t recommend them only for inner-city driving. (LT vs P-Metric tires)
- XL sizes tend to carry more load and offer better handling. Hence, they might be a better pick for hauling and towing( XL vs SL tires)
- Please pay attention to load range and speed index. These metrics are essential if you expect decent tread life.
Pages that should be strictly checked before making a purchase:
- TireRack Deals: https://www.tirerack.com/specialoffers/specialoffers.jsp
- DiscountTire Deals: https://www.discounttire.com/promotions
- SimpleTire Deals: https://simpletire.com/tire-deals
- JustTire Deals (Goodyear, Cooper, Starfire, Kelly): https://www.justtires.com/en-US/offers
- Goodyear Deals: https://www.goodyear.com/en-US/tire-sale
I hope the article was helpful. If you have any further questions, please leave them in the below section. Have a safe ride folks!
Guide Me Bruh!
This section contains my research and top picks. Depending on your need, you may choose a category and easily find the best fit for yourself. Remember, nobody knows your driving conditions and requirements better than yourself. You’re in the charge out here.
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