Bf Goodrich all terrain tyres

[Kmann]

Kenny, a guy from the Danish forum just mounted a set of beefy BFGoodrich All Terrain T/A KO2 on his Ocean.

As far as I can tell two sizes of that tyre fit the T6. The 225/65R17 is 4,93% larger than the circumstance on the original fitted wheel (i.e. 235/55R17). In Denmark the legal limit is +/-5%. Never the less does it make good sense if you want as much clearance as possible and not wanna go down the transaxle route. Especially in combination with i.e. VB air spring system or a Seikel (Kone or Monroe) spring set. But you should get your speedo adjusted.

The other size is 215/65R16 and is only 0,64% smaller, and the closest you get to the genuine measurements. So handlingwise the better option.

No doubt they eat more fuel, and are more noisy. But you get better grib in many offroad situations. But again poorer braking performance than a normal road tire. But on the other hand - most will naturally roll along in a slower pace when on "high heels". Anyway one has to consider the benefits worth and where to aim. Despite the fact that a full blown off road overlander looks stunning in many eyes, it is build for that purpose. And compromises comfort and main road security compared to a asphalt holiday cruiser.

Due to the limitations our "normal" Ocean has, we have been considering going some distance down the off-road. And Michelin Latitude Cross (235/65 R17 108H) as I later found out also is part of the Seikel Cruiser kit, looks like a great compromise on a "do-it-almost-all" travel rig.

 

[aBusAndBeyond]

We find that the tyres really aren't as much of a dramatic difference as people assume it will be. The biggest difference is the fuel economy. That's a noticeable drop of about 7 or 8mpg. Higher speeds on the motorway are more damaging to the economy than they used to be and our default cruising speed is now 70 rather than 75 or 80 like it used to be (on the private roads we used anyway).

The tyre noise is most noticeable when driving on newly laid roads at about 30 or 40mph. The noise difference on the motorway is not that much. The ride has definitely improved and our speedometer is now very closely matched to the actual GPS speed (so no more squeezing another couple of mph out in average speed camera zones). There is no noticeable difference in braking performance and we haven't fallen off the road in the rain either. Unlike the factory fit tyres we haven't had any of those "moments" when trying to pull out at a roundabout in to an ambitious gap in slightly damp conditions.

Regarding warranty, I haven't asked so I don't know. I'm sure if the wheel hub or bearing failed or something similar, they would probably find a way to make me pay but a lot of those type of things are classed as general wear and tear anyway.

All in all we are happy with them. As mentioned earlier in the thread I think it's entirely down to personal preference. They really are not night and day difference, they look cool in our opinion. If anybody is local to us (Southampton) and wants to ride shotgun before taking the plunge, give me a shout.

 

[Kingpopsy]

We find that the tyres really aren't as much of a dramatic difference as people assume it will be. The biggest difference is the fuel economy. That's a noticeable drop of about 7 or 8mpg. Higher speeds on the motorway are more damaging to the economy than they used to be and our default cruising speed is now 70 rather than 75 or 80 like it used to be (on the private roads we used anyway).

The tyre noise is most noticeable when driving on newly laid roads at about 30 or 40mph. The noise difference on the motorway is not that much. The ride has definitely improved and our speedometer is now very closely matched to the actual GPS speed (so no more squeezing another couple of mph out in average speed camera zones). There is no noticeable difference in braking performance and we haven't fallen off the road in the rain either. Unlike the factory fit tyres we haven't had any of those "moments" when trying to pull out at a roundabout in to an ambitious gap in slightly damp conditions.

Regarding warranty, I haven't asked so I don't know. I'm sure if the wheel hub or bearing failed or something similar, they would probably find a way to make me pay but a lot of those type of things are classed as general wear and tear anyway.

All in all we are happy with them. As mentioned earlier in the thread I think it's entirely down to personal preference. They really are not night and day difference, they look cool in our opinion. If anybody is local to us (Southampton) and wants to ride shotgun before taking the plunge, give me a shout.

Thanks for the insight. The mpg is a bit of a kick in the nuts, but I think I've made my decision to get some. My mate works for a local tyre company, so I'm going to tap him up for some discount.

 

[Trebor]

We find that the tyres really aren't as much of a dramatic difference as people assume it will be. The biggest difference is the fuel economy. That's a noticeable drop of about 7 or 8mpg. Higher speeds on the motorway are more damaging to the economy than they used to be and our default cruising speed is now 70 rather than 75 or 80 like it used to be (on the private roads we used anyway).

The tyre noise is most noticeable when driving on newly laid roads at about 30 or 40mph. The noise difference on the motorway is not that much. The ride has definitely improved and our speedometer is now very closely matched to the actual GPS speed (so no more squeezing another couple of mph out in average speed camera zones). There is no noticeable difference in braking performance and we haven't fallen off the road in the rain either. Unlike the factory fit tyres we haven't had any of those "moments" when trying to pull out at a roundabout in to an ambitious gap in slightly damp conditions.

Regarding warranty, I haven't asked so I don't know. I'm sure if the wheel hub or bearing failed or something similar, they would probably find a way to make me pay but a lot of those type of things are classed as general wear and tear anyway.

All in all we are happy with them. As mentioned earlier in the thread I think it's entirely down to personal preference. They really are not night and day difference, they look cool in our opinion. If anybody is local to us (Southampton) and wants to ride shotgun before taking the plunge, give me a shout.

That’s really good feedback aBusAndBeyond . Thanks . What size did you fit ? I’d be interested to ride shotgun sometime . I’m in Christchurch so not far away .

 

[Roger Boeken]

As said before , some do anything just for the looks of it others do anything for better performance ..
In my opinion using these offroad tires for all year use holds too many risks and way too expensive..(tires, fuel, mileage..).
As the tires are the only part of the car in contact with the road I prefer safety over looks. Other bling bling like nice looking alloy wheels or sidebars etc.. may change the looks as you desire without compromising on safety.
my tip: michelin crossclimate+ SUV 235/55/17 : 4season tyres, snowflake and developed for 10% of the time offroad driving, sorry not the looks of BFGoodrich but all comfort , economy, safety and performance..
Afterall the looks are for the neighbours eyes seeing you drive by .. I enjoy my cali when I am inside and I seldom see how good looking it is from the outside (mostly when I'm washing the car ).

 

[aBusAndBeyond]

That’s really good feedback aBusAndBeyond . Thanks . What size did you fit ? I’d be interested to ride shotgun sometime . I’m in Christchurch so not far away .

We have 225/65/R17. Yeah just send me a message on here whenever

 

[Trebor]

As said before , some do anything just for the looks of it others do anything for better performance ..
In my opinion using these offroad tires for all year use holds too many risks and way too expensive..(tires, fuel, mileage..).
As the tires are the only part of the car in contact with the road I prefer safety over looks. Other bling bling like nice looking alloy wheels or sidebars etc.. may change the looks as you desire without compromising on safety.
my tip: michelin crossclimate+ SUV 235/55/17 : 4season tyres, snowflake and developed for 10% of the time offroad driving, sorry not the looks of BFGoodrich but all comfort , economy, safety and performance..
Afterall the looks are for the neighbours eyes seeing you drive by .. I enjoy my cali when I am inside and I seldom see how good looking it is from the outside (mostly when I'm washing the car ).

Not for looks just performance in mud gravel and snow . I know how good they are having fitted them on several 4x4 ‘s in the past . I have Goodyear Vectors on alloys for daily driving . Will put Bf Goodrich on my steels when I replace Dunlop Winter Sports .

 

[Trebor]

We have 225/65/R17. Yeah just send me a message on here whenever

Not getting option to message you aBusAndBeyond. Are you Vip member ?

 

[aBusAndBeyond]

Not getting option to message you aBusAndBeyond. Are you Vip member ?

Ah I'm guessing it's lapsed. You can easily message us on our website though, just search A Bus And Beyond and drop us a message on there, or facebook. Whichever is easiest for you.

 

[Kingpopsy]

Well I've purchased them, just got to get them fitted now.

 

[Blubus]

Well I've purchased them, just got to get them fitted now. View attachment 39829

Great! Is the white writing only on one side of the tyre wall?

 

[Jay20cali]

Well I've purchased them, just got to get them fitted now. View attachment 39829

Good for you buddy go for what floats your boat...they look strong

 

[Kingpopsy]

Great! Is the white writing only on one side of the tyre wall?

They don't do the white writing anywhere on the tyres anymore, I've brought a tyre pen

 

[Blubus]

Thanks for confirming

 

[Kingpopsy]

Couple of pics with the tyres on. Not sure if I should use a tyre pen on the writing or leave it black?

 

[Blubus]

They look good without the white walls.

How do they feel when driving? Increased noise etc?

 

[Kingpopsy]

They look good without the white walls.

How do they feel when driving? Increased noise etc?

Yeah little bit, but nothing to bother us. My wife likes the wheels the way they are.

 

[alistairogrady]

They don't do the white writing anywhere on the tyres anymore, I've brought a tyre pen

Hi,

Mine came with WSW as standard, I think you can specify or not?

Alistair

Sent from my F8331 using Tapatalk

 

[Blubus]

Hi,

Mine came with WSW as standard, I think you can specify or not?

Alistair

Sent from my F8331 using Tapatalk

Thanks. Where did you order yours from?

 

[Jay20cali]

Couple of pics with the tyres on. Not sure if I should use a tyre pen on the writing or leave it black?

View attachment 39914

View attachment 39915

View attachment 39916

Love them what was the size that you went for in the end?? Really tempted

 

[alistairogrady]

Thanks. Where did you order yours from?

I got them from eBay, there's was a discount on at the time, so they were 10%+ cheaper

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https://www.ebay.co.uk/ulk/itm/153171839474

Alistair

Sent from my F8331 using Tapatalk

 

[Kingpopsy]

Love them what was the size that you went for in the end?? Really tempted

225 /65 R17

 

[Ting Tong]

Saw these on T6 forum

 

[RTWoodstock]

Am in the process of organising a Seikel lift kit and a set of BFGoodrich KO2s. So, thanks for this thread - I travel semi permanently in my van around Europe and wild camp as remotely as I can and have had couple of instances where got into trouble and a couple of close shaves - gravelly farm tracks uphill and snowy forest tracks in Scandinavia being the main ones. I couldn’t give a toss about the looks just a little more ground clearance and some more traction. Have sort of decided to take the compromises of the KO2s as I only trundle about anyway but will look at other options before committing just to see if I can have my cake and eat it. So, again thanks as thread has been helpful.

 

[Kmann]

Am in the process of organising a Seikel lift kit and a set of BFGoodrich KO2s. So, thanks for this thread - I travel semi permanently in my van around Europe and wild camp as remotely as I can and have had couple of instances where got into trouble and a couple of close shaves - gravelly farm tracks uphill and snowy forest tracks in Scandinavia being the main ones. I couldn’t give a toss about the looks just a little more ground clearance and some more traction. Have sort of decided to take the compromises of the KO2s as I only trundle about anyway but will look at other options before committing just to see if I can have my cake and eat it. So, again thanks as thread has been helpful.

My (off-road-enthusiast) friend told me that the compound of the KO2 is as a summer tyre, meaning it will get quite hard when cold and eventually losing grip in comparison to a real winter tyre. So even though the look effective, they are not suitable for snow and ice …