Tire Advice for the Inexperienced!

Hey guys, I’m a recent 4Runner owner and have been lurking this site ever since. I have a 2017 dark gray stock SR5 with 4WD and after seeing everyone’s mods on here I’m obsessed. It’s amazing how great everyone can make them look. I have added some cheaper options like tint and a bull bar I saw recommend on here, but now I’m looking for some tires. I love that the bull bar adds a more masculine or “mean” feel but I’m riding around on granny tires haha

Anyways, long story short, here is my dilemma. I do zero to very minimal off-roading. I live in the south where it may snow once a year. This will be my daily driver. I want some tires that look great and add more to the masculine and “mean” feel but also want to maintain a decent mpg and not be too loud since I do a lot of hwy driving. I don’t have a huge budget so I’m looking to keep it ~200 a tire or cheaper and would love some recommendations!! I have seen the BFG KO2’s 265/70/17’s recommended and also the cheaper Falken wildpeak at3s. I want something that I will be able to get some miles out of and not wear down too fast. It is honestly overwhelming and would love some tips or pointers. Like is that a good tire size for my needs etc. Thanks guys

 

I have heard from more than one reputable tire place that the BFG KO2's are terrible to try and keep balanced. One shop said she won't even do them if someone brings them to her. she sends them away. We still have the original BFG KO's and have no idea what we will change them to once we need to change tires. Do your research. Check for problems with whatever tire you are thinking of buying. simple google search does wonders. Also talk to your local tire shop and see what they recommend.

 

I have had a few sets of Dueler H/Ts that are good. I do zero off roading and 50/50 city/highway driving.

 

I am an old guy that has gone through many vehicles and tires on said vehicles, i think the General Grabber A/T 2 worked best for on and off road, but thats just my $1.50 on it.

 

Michelin Defenders would be a great choice for you. The higher up-front cost... you'll get that back on the far end because you'll probably get 80k miles out of them. A perfect tire for your uses.

They're super quiet, awesome wet/snow/dirt traction (probably THE best you can get without going to a dedicated winter tire). If you don't need a true off-road tire, they're hard to beat.

Appearance aside, I have zero doubt you'd be disappointed. And they do look better than the OEM tires. Even though they're the same tire size, they're about an inch wider. And slightly fatter.

 

I agree with @4runningMan , in your situation the Michelins would be worth it and last you a looong time. Also in your situation I would stick with the stock size tire...265/70/17's. If you are going for "masculine" looks you can't do any better than the KO2's. I have them and have had a minor balancing issue on one tire that was corrected with a rebalance at Discount tire. Have had them now for over 32,000 miles. But they are getting louder and I don't care.

 

I'd love to have a more "masculine" tire. But the Michelin's are just such a low risk tire. They run forever, awesome traction in all conditions, and I don't think you can get a more quiet tire.

Not "the best looking" tire, but if you don't rock crawl, they're arguably the best performing tire and a good value due to the longevity.

 

I have KO2’s and they are smooth and look great. I run stock size, load range C and have no complaints. I only put Michelin’s on my wife SUV’s and if I were you, I would do the same. Michelin’s are the best, just not as cool looking as the others.

 

I agree about the Michelin Defenders. I had them on at 285 (on when bought) but switched to BFG KO2's in stock size. i love the KO2's, they are more suited for my overall purpose and the 285s were too big and rubbed a bunch. they were an awesome tire though. KO2's i am happy with though through sand rain, gravel and snow.

 

Here’s the thing OP, yes the Bfgoodrich are a much better looking “manlier” tire but it’s comes at a cost. I have used 3 sets of the KOs/KO 2s and I am on my 4th set of Michelin LTX/LTX 2s/LTX DEFENDERS on my Tacoma’s and 4Runners in the past. In deep snow and real off-roading (trails requiring 4x4 frequently), there is no competition between the two tires. But in all other categories the Michelin’s will be far superior. Rain/any type of wintry mix/pavement traction to name a few. Now in your first 5 to 10k miles the KO2 you won’t notice much of a difference between the two. But the KO2s hardened up much much quicker than the LTX therefore lessening asphalt traction. KO2s are great tires when used for their intended purpose...which in all honesty doesn’t sound like what you plan on doing. Additionally you will lose some MPGs but gas money is still money. Personally I have been in a few emergency situations and have always found the Michelin’s to stop and handle much better especially when I have had my trailer attached. I live in the magical land of the Northeast where there is a complete and utter disregard for human life on the roads and highways so in my older age I have buying tires based on performance not looks...