Buying new tires - recommedations please!

[Jim]

It's time for new tires. I'm replacing the spare but will entertain options for a "newer, but used" spare.

Current tires are BFG KM's (35 x 12.5 x 15)

The jeep's a leaf sprung weekend trail jeep with very little "around town" driving and near zero winter driving. The KM's (IMO) are terrible in the snow - but that doesn't overly bother me as snow runs are not common. I'm generally satisfied with their performance in the other three seasons.

Road noise isn't an issue - it's a soft top - that rattle drowns out road noise.

I don't know if I'll replace them in the spring or before the SW Utah thanksgiving trip.

Discount Tire links to 35/12.5/15's
https://www.discounttire.com/fitmentresult/tires/size/35-12.5-15

Patagonia MT ($207)
https://www.discounttire.com/buy-tires/milestar-patagonia-m-t/p/34465

BFG KM3 ($234)
https://www.discounttire.com/buy-tires/bfgoodrich-mud-terrain-t-a-km3/p/44332

Edit - added Paul's
General Grabber X3 ($212)
https://www.discounttire.com/buy-tires/general-grabber-x3/p/31875


Suggestions?

[Java]

https://www.amazon.com/General-Grabber-Season-Tire-35-12-5R15/dp/B00PUFDT0I

[Rocrawlr]

I’ve always been a BFG guy, KO2s and KM2s. I took a chance and got a set of Patagonia MTs last year. They balanced up with very little weight, a little bit of flat spotting in the morning but go away quickly. 2,000 miles so far so good. They are not black labels but they are stickier than KM2s griping the rocks. They are quiet because aired up you are only riding on the middle to the tread (floatation tire). They worked surprisingly well in the snow too (floatation). Sidewalls are holding up well to multiple air downs to 7-8lbs. The 2 main reasons I got them was because they were the lightest tire in the size I wanted and they were CHEAP. I searched for the best sale price online, went to Discount Tire and they matched it and I bought the certificates as well. Discount Tire is really good about warranty certificates, I have had a number of sidewall punctures over the years that they replaced the tire free of charge no questions asked. They also were wiling to balance headlocks.

[Brian]

I can only echo Gerald's thoughts above in regards to the Patagonias. I usually air down to 9-10 psi (no beadlocks) but I feel these could go a little further and they are slightly taller than my KM2s were as I get some light rubbing now. I need more time with them to really give a complete assessment, but I'm encouraged so far.

[Jaycifer]

Patagonia’s or fallen At3w. I just picked up a set of at3w for the WJ and they’re beyond incredible.

[Jim]

I'll take the recommendation for Patagonia MT's.

I've been on the fence regarding when to change'm - before my trip to SW Utah this fall or wait until next spring. I don't _need_ to change'm now (but should) while it'd be nice to have a bit more tread in the deep sand. Aside from that trip, there's not much reason to have new tires sitting unused, outside for a few months - just wait until spring and change'm then - but this is a strong sway to change'm now:

https://kdvr.com/news/local/la-nina-arrives-in-colorado-heres-what-it-means-for-snowfall-this-winter/

Maybe I'll enjoy a snow run or two this winter?!

[TyTheJeepGuy]

Potential conversation hijack but mostly related, has anyone here done a 5-tire rotation schedule? Do you think I could get the dealer to do it for my JL? I might be too worn down already on the first 4 but I'm wondering if it could extend the need to get new tires a bit and if I decide to go bigger on the next batch, I don't have a pristine 33" that I need to sell.

[open_circuit]

I have been rotating 5 tires since I bought this most recent set a a couple summers ago. Easy enough at Discount Tire to just say "rotate the spare into the set" and they know what to do.

[Jim]

My plan is for a set of 5 and I plan to do a 5 wheel rotation. So far, I've done the 4-wheel rotations myself (not bothering to have any re-balancing done). I'd imagine any shop would do a 5-wheel rotation if you asked. By going 5-wheel rotate, I'll likely have to be more scheduled & routine in the rotations.

I'm curious as to what others say on this...

[FINOCJ]

Just a couple other tire options to consider - don't really know how they compare in price in price to the Patagonia's, but they are cheaper than the BFG mud-terrains. (FWIW - I really like the KM2s and am looking forward to a new set of KM3s in another year or so - but I am also much more limited in tire choice give the need for 33x10.5 tires).
Hankook Dynapro MT: https://simpletire.com/hankook-lt235-75r15-2000978-tires?stmodel=dynapro-mtrt03-&stcategory=mud-terrain&sttype=light-truck&utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=shopping_feed&utm_content=surfaces_across_google&region_id=8000089999&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=G_Shopping_Region_08&utm_content=Profit-Bucket_Light-Truck_Competitive_HighProfit_RAD&utm_term=&utm_creative=383435609975&gclid=EAIaIQobChMItZfA0Nbu6wIVqxatBh1r_wV6EAQYASAB EgKiVfD_BwE
There is a new MT2 that looks a lot like the the Toyo Open Country MTs - they are more expensive and I don't know much about them. The old MTs proved themselves on the rubicon on some fellow jeeps.

Also check out the Nankang Mudstar: https://simpletire.com/nankang-lt235-85r16-22270003-tires?stmodel=n889-m-t-mudstar&stcategory=mud-terrain&sttype=light-truck&utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=shopping_feed&utm_content=surfaces_across_google&region_id=8000089999&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=G_Shopping_Region_08&utm_content=Profit-Bucket_Light-Truck_Competitive_HighProfit_RAD&utm_term=&utm_creative=383435609975&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIhP_Ektfu6wIV1h6tBh3EWgMAEAQYASAB EgIeAfD_BwE
These are made in Tiawan (not China!) and are great budget tire - I just bough their AT tire for my tacoma. If I could get these in the right size for my jeep, I would run them. That is actually true of either the Hankook or the Nankang - but no tall skinny ones for the cj5.

[FINOCJ]

Potential conversation hijack but mostly related, has anyone here done a 5-tire rotation schedule? Do you think I could get the dealer to do it for my JL? I might be too worn down already on the first 4 but I'm wondering if it could extend the need to get new tires a bit and if I decide to go bigger on the next batch, I don't have a pristine 33" that I need to sell.

How many miles do you already have on the 4 that are on the ground? Assuming you have a full-size matching spare, almost any place that does rotation and balance will include the 5th tire as part of the rotation per customer request assuming the mileage is not significantly different. Modern traction control systems and vehicle stability control are much more sensitive to different size tires than back in the analog days. Worth asking - if you only have 5k, maybe 10k miles difference with the spare, it might be doable.

[TyTheJeepGuy]

How many miles do you already have on the 4 that are on the ground? Assuming you have a full-size matching spare, almost any place that does rotation and balance will include the 5th tire as part of the rotation per customer request assuming the mileage is not significantly different. Modern traction control systems and vehicle stability control are much more sensitive to different size tires than back in the analog days. Worth asking - if you only have 5k, maybe 10k miles difference with the spare, it might be doable.

I have 6100 miles and an appointment with the firestone near me for tomorrow evening. I'll post back here with an update after

[FINOCJ]

I have 6100 miles and an appointment with the firestone near me for tomorrow evening. I'll post back here with an update after

I rotate and balance (well discount tire does) my DD tires every 6000 or so miles (with every oil change) - so I would think you should be fine. That would basically be like the first rotation. Of course, most of my experience is not with modern systems that are detecting small differences in wheel spin rate etc....

[TyTheJeepGuy]

Well it's a JL Rubicon, its in 2wd on the road and then just has "true lockers." The only thing I'm not sure of is apparently it has a traction control system. I'm not too worried about that though.

[TjSteveA]

You will be fine to do a 5 tire rotation unless this passed weekend really chewed the tires up that bad where you have a bigger difference then 4/32nds between the spare and the rest

[TyTheJeepGuy]

Sweet nice to have a number to reference, thanks

[derf]

I'm a fan of 5 tire rotation on a vehicle with a full size spare like a Wrangler. You get the full use of the tire you paid for.

But more importantly, you need to replace the spare anyway because the rubber deteriorates over time. May as well use it.

[4wdhunter]

I'm a huge fan of the Yokohama Geolander MT G003. Best off/on road MT tire I have ever run. I'm on my second set (upgraded to 37s and sold the 35s), and I will definitely get them again when the times comes.

https://www.discounttire.com/buy-tires/yokohama-geolandar-m-t-g003

[jayson44]

I was going to suggest the Kenati Trail Hogs, but I guess they don't come in a 15" rim...

J.

[Brian]

Circling back to this since I threw out a suggestion I'd like to amend about my Patagonia MT tires.

I've now logged a little over 2K miles on the Patagonia's. In that time I've been on four Colorado trails (typical stuff), seven Moab trails (typical stuff) and a mix of in-town and highway driving.

My impressions of on-road manners are positive. These tires require a little extra psi to ride in the center of the tread. They are designed this way and it helps to reduce cupping on the outer tread blocks. They are smooth and quiet on the pavement.

My impressions off-road are negative. These tires have not worked for me in the manner I expected. I seldom could get them to “hook up” as I was used to with past tires I have run (Super Swamper SSRs, BFG KM2, IROKs, GY Kevlar, BFG KO2). I couldn’t achieve the “tread spread” or sidewall bulge I was accustomed to and never felt like I had complete tread width contact with the ground. I noticed no real terrain conformity with obstacles or inherent grip on smaller (basketball sized) rounded rocks or smooth surfaces. However, they were awesome in shallow snow.

Moab with its well known sandstone rocks and sandpaper surfaces was even tricky at times. Having been there before in the same Jeep on KM2s and enjoying an abundance of traction, this time I found myself actually spinning and slipping on very similar (some identical) obstacles with these tires. I also had a bead burp (stayed seated) on me in a heavy off camber situation. Something I’d never had happen with other tires.

With the exception of the IROKs which were beadlocked on my old Scout, and the Super Swampers which were also on the Scout with 10 inch wheels, I have consistently run 9-10 psi off-road on an 8 inch wheel with zero problems.

Now, these are obviously MY personal experiences. I have wheeled with a guy who has run Patagonias for a couple years on his XJ with excellent results. Our rigs are 100 pounds apart and 4 inches of wheel base difference. You can surf for days and find glowing reviews and vids on these tires, so they are actually really good for some people. Sadly for me and my wallet, this was not my experience.

I pulled the trigger on a set of BFG KM3 tires last night. Hopefully they are as good and dependable as other BFG products I’ve used in the past, because this has been an expensive venture.

[FINOCJ]

So is jim gonna get a discounted set of MTs?

[Brian]

So is jim gonna get a discounted set of MTs?

If he acts now.... :p

[Jim]

K - just stopped in.

So, whatchasell'n?!?!

You gotta-deal-fo-me?

Dark alley?

[Brian]

Well I have 5 lightly used 35x12.50R15 Patagonia MTs sitting next to my garage that will be hitting Craigslist soon. If you'd like to take a chance on them, I'd be motivated to sell them. ;)

[jayson44]

we just put these in 35" flavor on my wife's JKU. nice on the road so far, but haven't had them in the dirt yet. I feel like your review of them off road is what my impression of them will be just based on their design. I see a lot of the youtube crowd has them and I don't see a lot of crazy grip coming from them off road. I guess I'll have to form my own opinion when I finally get to wheel the Jeep.

J.

[Jim]

Will I be selling next spring?

Im committed now!

[Brian]

:steer:

[Jim]

Thank you Brian. Especially with the comment of traction, I am curious to put them to use.

Now to measure backspacing of existing wheels and get a five set of replacements. I'm toying with mounting myself (I dismounted / re-mounted my set of four when I tried the plastic BB balance method). I'd take'm to my local tire shop for balance. I'll do one and will see how difficult it is.

On the way home I headed north via the easterly route (Peyton, Kiowa, Bennett, Ault). It was interesting having clear sky (and fun military jets to watch!) down south and then rolling under the Cameron Peak smoke plume - to then pop out (barely) from under it a bit north of Greeley. The plume was well over 50 miles wide. The forest is rejuvenating itself.

[Steve-O]

Brian I'm very interested in the experience you have with the KM3s. I think I'm going to save my pennies and get a set in the spring, granted mine will be 30x9.5r15

[Brian]

Brian I'm very interested in the experience you have with the KM3s. I think I'm going to save my pennies and get a set in the spring, granted mine will be 30x9.5r15

I'm interested as well! Only got about 10 miles on them at the moment but I'll let you know how they do. :thumb:

[RockyMtRebel]

I have KM3’s on my Jeep and my Powerwagon! They are awesome tires for off-roading - I do a trail here and there and they’ve been great.

[Rocrawlr]

My impressions off-road are negative
I have had quite the opposite impressions with my Patagonia MTs in the rocks. I was a long time BFG guy and have been running 35x12.5R15 earlier KOs and KM2s for at least 10 years on my LJ. 2 years ago I got the itch to move up to 40's. I did a lot of research and narrowed the choices down to ProComp Xtreme M/T2 @$400 or Patagonia MT @$300 (Discount Tire price matched a Walmart special at that time). I ended up going with 40x13.5R17 Patagonias, $400 cost savings and a little bit of weight savings (Patagonia 88 lbs. vs. ProComp 91 lbs.). I agree with Brian on road manners and quite. These are floatation tires and they work great in sand and snow when aired way down (4psi-5psi). I've been twice to Moab and twice to Rubicon and I seem to have a lot more traction than I did with the BFGs (8psi-9psi). Granted this is not an apples to apples comparison as the BFGs were 35's on 15x10 non-beadlocks and the Patagonias are 40's on 17x9 beadlocks. Maybe it's just the extra ground clearance that I'm noticing, but so far they go where I point them. By far the best traction tires I have had were a set of 37x14.00-15 SuperSwamper IROK bias ply on 15x10 steelies, but they only lasted about 1.5 seasons. They wore out faster than pencil erasers. :lmao: Funny how you can get so much difference one rig over the other, but not surprising so get whatever works for you.

[jayson44]

SuperSwamper IROK bias ply

hard to beat IROKs for traction! and wear speed! :D

J.