Tires in a nutshell?
Thread Starter
JK Newbie
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 54
Likes: 0
From: Norfolk, VA
Tires in a nutshell?
So as I come down to the last month or two of saving before I decide which tires, lift and flares I'm going to be adding to my JKU Sport, I've read a lot of reviews and experiences and I've come down that these are the average feedbacks of the different tires I'm looking into:
Goodyear Duratrac - Solid snow tires, only complaints about sidewalls not being too good for more offroad/country wheeling.
Toyo Open Country MT - Nice overall, not too loud for a MT.
BFG KM2 - Solid tire, a bit louder than the Toyo MT's.
MT Baja ATZ P3 - Not many people have so don't know how I feel about them.
Any agreements, experiences, changes from one to another or any inputs to help me decide what tire you recommend is very appreciated.
It'll be my only vehicle so it will be my DD but I dont commute that far at all, 5-10 minute drive in 30mph traffic zones. I plan on wheeling at least once a month, twice if possible. I live in Norfolk, VA area to give an idea of terrain, weather, etc.
Goodyear Duratrac - Solid snow tires, only complaints about sidewalls not being too good for more offroad/country wheeling.
Toyo Open Country MT - Nice overall, not too loud for a MT.
BFG KM2 - Solid tire, a bit louder than the Toyo MT's.
MT Baja ATZ P3 - Not many people have so don't know how I feel about them.
Any agreements, experiences, changes from one to another or any inputs to help me decide what tire you recommend is very appreciated.
It'll be my only vehicle so it will be my DD but I dont commute that far at all, 5-10 minute drive in 30mph traffic zones. I plan on wheeling at least once a month, twice if possible. I live in Norfolk, VA area to give an idea of terrain, weather, etc.
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 302
Likes: 1
From: Virginia
I've had no problems with bfg mud terrain. I live in VB and have about the same commute. I dont get offroad though, unfortunately.
I have the AEV 3.5" lift with 35s. I love the handling on road. Would probably have gone with 2.5" lift if I did it all over, since 35s would still fit fine. I have OEM flares. I think flat flares would leave too much gap for my setup.
Good luck with your decisions.
I have the AEV 3.5" lift with 35s. I love the handling on road. Would probably have gone with 2.5" lift if I did it all over, since 35s would still fit fine. I have OEM flares. I think flat flares would leave too much gap for my setup.
Good luck with your decisions.
JK Freak
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 538
Likes: 0
From: Amarillo, Texas
I haven't been running my Duratracs very long now, so I can't report their effectiveness on the trail, or in severe on-road conditions, but a couple of things have stood out to me:
First, they're extremely quiet compared to the Rubi KMs they replaced. As an example, I had to keep my radio at 17 or 20 to hear on the highway. With the Duratracs, it's just fine at 15. And, second, the sidewalls are very stiff. I'm at 35 psi, and I'll likely bump it down some more. It's not uncomfortable, by any means, just noticeably firmer.
So far, I'm loving them!
First, they're extremely quiet compared to the Rubi KMs they replaced. As an example, I had to keep my radio at 17 or 20 to hear on the highway. With the Duratracs, it's just fine at 15. And, second, the sidewalls are very stiff. I'm at 35 psi, and I'll likely bump it down some more. It's not uncomfortable, by any means, just noticeably firmer.
So far, I'm loving them!
JK Jedi Master
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 11,463
Likes: 165
From: Austin <--> Colorado Springs
Check the ongoing 'Duratrac, Not Impressed' thread, lots of opinion there. 
I was looking at the KM2 a few months back, and was told that it is end of life and they are developing the KM3 now. Prices had skyrocketed (for the 37" size, at least) so it was not even an option for me.
The Cooper SST Pro is fairly new, so not a lot of reviews yet, but you might add it to your list of tires to research.
I was looking at the KM2 a few months back, and was told that it is end of life and they are developing the KM3 now. Prices had skyrocketed (for the 37" size, at least) so it was not even an option for me.
The Cooper SST Pro is fairly new, so not a lot of reviews yet, but you might add it to your list of tires to research.
JK Junkie
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 2,203
Likes: 4
From: Jacksonville NC
Have you looked looking at these?
Kumho Road Venture MT KL71
My Jeep Club Leader has these has taken trips to uwharrie national forest several times no problems.
Probably get these my next set.
Kumho Road Venture MT KL71
My Jeep Club Leader has these has taken trips to uwharrie national forest several times no problems.
Probably get these my next set.
JK Freak
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 644
Likes: 5
From: Santee
Check the ongoing 'Duratrac, Not Impressed' thread, lots of opinion there.
I was looking at the KM2 a few months back, and was told that it is end of life and they are developing the KM3 now. Prices had skyrocketed (for the 37" size, at least) so it was not even an option for me.
The Cooper SST Pro is fairly new, so not a lot of reviews yet, but you might add it to your list of tires to research.
I was looking at the KM2 a few months back, and was told that it is end of life and they are developing the KM3 now. Prices had skyrocketed (for the 37" size, at least) so it was not even an option for me.
The Cooper SST Pro is fairly new, so not a lot of reviews yet, but you might add it to your list of tires to research.
I run Duratracs now for 45K, I wheel every other weekend to pre-run trails for my Jeep club and then wheel with the club when we take the club on the trails. I have never had a sidewall issue and for them being an AT tire they do very well on and off the road.
JK Jedi
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 5,642
Likes: 486
From: Knoxville
There is no wheeling in the area so you're looking at 4 hours to drive anywhere to wheel. You'll get opinions all over the place but I'll tell you from experience in the area that I hated my km2's on 64 in the rain. I had claws that were great and I'd run another set of Mickey's in a heartbeat if the price was right. I'm running a "cosmetic blem" tire due to price and I'm happy with everything it does.
The toyo is a poor choice because of the excessive weight. Nitto will fall into the same category unless you do the all terrain in either brand.
The best thing you can do is ride around on a set locally and see what you think. Don't let the internet, Eastern, Starr, or 4wp bully you into a tire.
The toyo is a poor choice because of the excessive weight. Nitto will fall into the same category unless you do the all terrain in either brand.
The best thing you can do is ride around on a set locally and see what you think. Don't let the internet, Eastern, Starr, or 4wp bully you into a tire.
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Thread Starter
JK Newbie
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 54
Likes: 0
From: Norfolk, VA
Check the ongoing 'Duratrac, Not Impressed' thread, lots of opinion there.
I was looking at the KM2 a few months back, and was told that it is end of life and they are developing the KM3 now. Prices had skyrocketed (for the 37" size, at least) so it was not even an option for me.
The Cooper SST Pro is fairly new, so not a lot of reviews yet, but you might add it to your list of tires to research.
I was looking at the KM2 a few months back, and was told that it is end of life and they are developing the KM3 now. Prices had skyrocketed (for the 37" size, at least) so it was not even an option for me.
The Cooper SST Pro is fairly new, so not a lot of reviews yet, but you might add it to your list of tires to research.
Thread Starter
JK Newbie
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 54
Likes: 0
From: Norfolk, VA
Please don't read the duratrac not impressed thread it's nothing but BS by the OP, please do your own research on tires.
I run Duratracs now for 45K, I wheel every other weekend to pre-run trails for my Jeep club and then wheel with the club when we take the club on the trails. I have never had a sidewall issue and for them being an AT tire they do very well on and off the road.
I run Duratracs now for 45K, I wheel every other weekend to pre-run trails for my Jeep club and then wheel with the club when we take the club on the trails. I have never had a sidewall issue and for them being an AT tire they do very well on and off the road.
Thread Starter
JK Newbie
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 54
Likes: 0
From: Norfolk, VA
There is no wheeling in the area so you're looking at 4 hours to drive anywhere to wheel. You'll get opinions all over the place but I'll tell you from experience in the area that I hated my km2's on 64 in the rain. I had claws that were great and I'd run another set of Mickey's in a heartbeat if the price was right. I'm running a "cosmetic blem" tire due to price and I'm happy with everything it does.
The toyo is a poor choice because of the excessive weight. Nitto will fall into the same category unless you do the all terrain in either brand.
The best thing you can do is ride around on a set locally and see what you think. Don't let the internet, Eastern, Starr, or 4wp bully you into a tire.
The toyo is a poor choice because of the excessive weight. Nitto will fall into the same category unless you do the all terrain in either brand.
The best thing you can do is ride around on a set locally and see what you think. Don't let the internet, Eastern, Starr, or 4wp bully you into a tire.
