265/70 R17 KO2 Load E to KO3 Load C

My 2020 ORP came with E load KO2s when I bought it in August 2023. Their snow performance was so awful that I wanted to replace them before another winter. The only other tire I really considered was the Baja Boss AT but in the end I decided on the KO3s in load C.

I've been on a couple of road trips, driven in the rain, and spent time on muddy trails. Rain traction is much improved over the KO2s and the difference in load C vs load E has been dramatic. This is my first 4Runner and it always felt like a tank. Turns out that was just those E load tires. The steering is now lighter, braking feels more natural, and the tires roll over imperfections in the road rather than trying to beat them down. They are also very quiet and smooth. I can say that I am very happy with the KO3s.

 

E load is really not meant for our 4Runners. C & XL are perfect and will preform better.

 

Indeed... I've only ever used C load tires on my Jeeps. I'm not sure why the original owner went with E load, maybe because they drove a lot, 91,000 miles in the 36 months that they owned it. The KO2s had 59,000 miles and 11/32nd tread depth.

 

Thanks for the review!

What is XL load? I think I saw that term used on Mickey Thompsons and I wasn’t quite sure if that was a standard designation or a specific marketing term that Mickey Thomson uses.

 

Wait until you try some SL-rated tires on that bad boy.

It's going to feel like riding on a cloud.

I have C-load KO2's. Going back to SL-rated on my next set.

 

May have been what was available or he did some serious rock crawling.

Its basically an equal medium between C & E load, or better alternative to C load. Goodyear/Mickey Thompson have some versions of XL for those who need it, like my Duratrac RT's are XL and were only slightly heaver than my C load. RT's are a fantastic tire all around, but particularly in the snow.

 

OK thanks, so XL is a term used across manufacturers?

I’m also not sure if I’m reading this right, but the Mickey Baja Boss AT in 285/70-17 is only available in either “standard” load, or E load. The XL load is only available in the stock size. Does “standard” load mean the same thing as a SL passenger tire? Also, I thought I saw their website used to have “suv” rated tires, but can’t seem to find that anymore, so I’m not sure if their “SUV” line represents a different level of construction compared to “standard” load.

I’m getting close to needing to buy another set. I’m happy with the Load C K02s and want a similar level of toughness for my next set.

I really like the Mickeys, but I don’t want Load E, and I’m not sure I want a passenger SL tire either. So I want to avoid “standard” load if it’s the same thing as SL.

I’m pretty confused between all the nomenclature . Anybody’s knowledge on this is greatly appreciated!!!





edit: dangit, I meant to post this on the Mickey Thompson thread. Sorry OP!

 

SL = Standard Load.

SUV implies a tire with heavier load over SL, similar to XL. Those that need a heavier load tire over the SL but don't need E load. Getting into different load capacity's is quite the rabbet hole which can be overwhelming coming from regular SL for cars. But as long as you match the load properly to your SUV/Truck its fine. Too big (Like E load) and your driving on rocks and may need too low a pressure, go too light and your over airing the tire to get the proper load capacity.

I was on the fence with Baja, but the Duratrac RT's were a much better match with my off road needs and something kind of in-between C and E load.