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Tire Update

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I put 285/75R17 BFG All Terrain KO2's on my van's stock rims as soon as I got it. They are AMAZING. I put some on my Sprinter about 10,000 miles before I sold it, they were very squirmy at first on the Sprinter but not a bit on the NV. They are quieter and smoother than the stock tires that came on my used NV, and the off-road traction is fantastic. Wet, snow and ice performance is outstanding. Before I got 4x4 installed on the NV I was shocked at what the van could push through without any trouble. Now with 4x4 and the KO2's its like a tank! Because the KO2's have a "snowflake" rating I don't need to put on tire chains anymore. In the Sierra's we have inspections stations that will not let you pass if you don't have chains installed or 4x4 with certified snow tires. I've only had them three months, so we'll see how tread life holds up. So far I love them.

 

I haven't needed to air them down on the NV yet, but on my Sprinter I could air down to 20 psi and get out of pretty much anything. Not too many tires will let such a heavy vehicle air down like the KO2 will. If you ever get stuck in sand, that trick is you new best friend.

Edited by Psyched

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Added another 2000 mi on Michelin Defender tires on s trip to Capitol Reef Natiomal Park and the San Rafael ("Rafell") Swell north of Interstate 70. Entered Capitol Reef via the southern entrance near Bullfrog. Washboard dirt roads that are not suitable for towing a travel trailer. Similar roads in San Rafael, but some were better than most paved roads. One long stretch of muddy road. Tires worked well. We had to return suddenly to Tucson, so missed a chance to try them in snow.

 

These are much better tires for us than the Transforce. They fall nicely between all season and AT tires. They also were less expensive.

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I wanted to go with the LT285/70 R17E but my NV only has the little V6 and i would need a gear reduction if i went that route so i tried the LT275/70 R17E instead. Theyre a little narrower than the 285's and not as tall but still several sizes bigger/wider than stock. So far theyre great. Im trying them out towing my little travel trailer soon.

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ASD Dad, Are you getting close to 10k on your tires? I am considering these but reviews on the Hankook site say they get very noisy around 10-15k. Tread wear is minimal at 10k, but they will not buy them again due to the noise.

 

Rad - I remembered chiming in about no noise after you asked.  Well I now have over 25K+ miles and they just recently started getting noisier.  Definitely not mud tire noisy but it was loud enough that I noticed it on certain pavement where before it was nice and quiet regardless.  Still have a LOT of tread left and I am still happy with the tires.  

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Took Michelin Defenders in for a free tire rotation and balance at Discount Tire this past week. Second re-balance. Tread wear not noticeable , “like new.”

 

Tires have worked well on dry and muddy roads. Also quiet on pavement, except for concrete. Then they sing..

 

The only problem has been the Flagstaff store and the one in Tucson; both got the psi wrong. Speed is more important than details I guess...

Edited by radin2son

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