I was hit by hurricane Helene in NC, my car got wiped out. I decided to buy a truck as my bridge is still destroyed and I have to now cross the river and drive across 2 farmers land to even get to my property. I am not a "truck guy" so really have no experience in these things. The tires that came on the truck were some Pirelli al terrain tires. There is mud after it rains all over the farmers fields and I got stuck trying to cross the river. Did some youtubing to find these KO3's and bought some for my truck. WOW. What a difference it has made. I am easily now able to cross all this muddy mess without having anxiety anymore. Cant wait for my new bridge, but this makes it far more bearable at least.
I put 30k miles on my KO2s that I purchased last year. Rotated every 5k miles, they’re still at 11/32 tread depth. Two of them took a shit ton of wheel weights to balance but they’ve been good tires.
Great review. Like others have said, I added larger mudflaps, 5 inch wide running boards that sit high under the body and PPF film on the sides. Plenty of high speed gravel road driving and no rock chips. I can here some rocks hitting the running boards after getting back on pavement so they are doing a great job of protecting the paint.
Yup, I have the Ko3 tires on my Ranger Raptor. My driveway is a 1,000 feet of 3/4 inch gravel. No rock chips because of the side step rails are designed to impact and block the throwing rocks from 1 mph to 100mph. All you need are the side steps with a pattern similar to the ranger raptors. 👍👍
It is not the final public version you have. The S shape lug in the midle is the easy way to tell. Must be a caterpillar shape and much more agressive alternate corner lugs. Public tires have the E load too. Advise for futur buyers.
I just had some KO3 tires installed yesterday afternoon. I drove them a couple of hours and they felt great. This morning for a little while in the way to work it felt like I was driving on little rumble strips. I was concerned that one had lost air or the tire had worked loose or something. But maybe that is just how they are until they warm up…..
@@richarcm I noticed the same thing with mine. Check your pressure and make sure they’re at 40-45 PSI if so the that feeling should go away after you drive about a mile
@ I checked it on the dash when I felt it the vibrations. It was reading about 38 in the rear and 41 in the front. But the feeling did eventually go away.
Rodney- thanks for the review. A question. I also have a Tacoma with Ko2s. My biggest complaint is the lack of traction when the roads are slick- not a hydroplaning issue with puddles, just slick to make them slippery. Tail out under acceleration and fishtailing on high speed turns when slightly wet. Moreso a tread compound issue versus a water-channeling hydroplaning tread pattern issue. Have you noticed if the KO3s are an improvement? I keep reading they added more silica to the compound, which should make them bite wet roads better , but curious with your experience on the ko3s.
Install some RC HD2 steps/boards, and larger mud flaps. I'd even mount a short flap under the running board at the first bracket behind the front wheel. Should minimize the rock chipping significantly
You should go see Rich and the guys over at Body Guard Paint Protection near the airport to get some better paint protection film applied in those high impact areas. He did the whole front end and rocker panels on my GR Corolla and its such a good peace of mind!
Did you need to add spacers or can you run those tires with the stock rims. I like the look of stock wheels- but ive had to upgrade wheels in past due to the width being wider than stock rim. I think this is the perfect look and usage for the 4th generation tacoma!
picking out rocks after you are off the gravel roads is nice for drivers that are behind you. It will save plenty of windshields. One thing that confuses me is why do you think you are just protecting the bed of your truck when on pavement... I am petty sure these tires will fling rocks while driving down a gravel road causing the same nicks and dings. The only protection is better rockguards at the wheel well, some protective armor at the bed, and limiting gravel road diving. Appreciate the review!
I also have the KO3 265/70R-17 on my TRD-PRO toyota 4runner, and i have the same issues with these pebbles and rocks.. I'm always inspecting my tires as i approach to drive off and use my keys 🔑 to remove rocks/pebbles. My other issue is the white-wall. I never wanted the white-walls but i needed tires like pronto because i was driving to Canada the very next day, so i ended up installing them with the white-walls inside.. i don't know if that defeats the purpose of the newly designed water channeling threads.. maybe i should have increased the tire size to 285/70R-15..
@@TacoRancher these being a C rated tire instead of the E rated tire that most of the KO2’s come in, are considerably smoother, and don’t feel as harsh when you hit a big bump or pothole. They are still hard to balance like the KO2’s are. I have a slight vibration at 60 MPH, but nothing under, or over 60MPH
The majority of rocks are thrown from the front tires. They fly up and will hit the vehicle from the front door area to the rear fender without side steps . Side steps width need to be similar to the ranger raptor
I had several issues getting the tires balanced properly with the KO2’s, and I do a balance issue with the K03’s at 60 MPH. I’ll have to get them rebalanced.
@@Rodneysnwridesandreviews O.K.. Thanks, I also have balance issues with the current KO2's I have now. I think I will be investigating a different manufactures tires for my next set. I like the BFG's except for balance issues.
I used to feel that early morning flat spot on my old dodge Ram tires. I think that is a common thing. I have a gladiator now on K02’s but have not noticed it yet.
I noticed it for sure on my Chevy 2500hd duramax. One time it was so bad i could visually see the flat spot and watch as it rotated. Usually rounded back out in about 5 minutes though.
I also have the KO3 265/70R-17 on my TRD-PRO toyota 4runner, and i have the same issues with these pebbles and rocks.. I'm always inspecting my tires as i approach to drive off and use my keys 🔑 to remove rocks/pebbles. My other issue is the white-wall. I never wanted the white-walls but i needed tires like pronto because i was driving to Canada the very next day, so i ended up installing them with the white-walls inside.. i don't know if that defeats the purpose of the newly designed water channeling threads.. maybe i should have increased the tire size to 285/70R-15..
@@mrdex2787 had mine for a couple of months now. The pebbles is the only issue for me aswell besides that they’ve been great In mud gravel compacted dirt and rain. Can’t wait to try them in the snow this winter.
@@666dynomax our dealership ordered these, so I wouldn’t think they’re OEM since they normally come from the factory. It originally had the BF Goodrich Terrain Tera’s. I understand the difference between the tires that come as OEM, vs what you’d buy aftermarket. The aftermarket have a lot more tread on them, and is a better quality tire.
@@Rodneysnwridesandreviews yeah I was not really staying either way. Yours as the different pattern than I set I was looking at today. I'm not sure why they have two patterns. The set I was looking at from Canadian tire has larger side lugs and an extra sipe on every other lug around the perimeter.
Great question. No I don’t think that it does, since there’s only so much room underneath. From what I understand, it’s a temporary spare, and not the same size as the factory tires were.
@@Rodneysnwridesandreviews Man, I just put 295/70/18 on my Tundra Pro and I haven’t had time to get them on the interstate. Did you have yours road forced balanced? I was a little ambivalent about the BFG’s for that reason.
@@ronaldramsey6006 yes they did the road forced balance on them. I had the same issue on my KO2’s on both my 2022 Tundra, and the 2021 Tacoma. After a couple times being rebalanced, they were fine.
There’s quite a few pros and only a couple of cons which I pointed out in the video. I prefer the KO3’s over the KO2’s, so unless the width causes any scraping, or throws mud or rocks all over the side of your truck, then I think you’ll be happy with them.
It’s just a Rough Country 1.5” leveling kit which are just spacers on the front. The new Tacoma has larger fender wells, so it will already accommodate a larger tire.
@@todmiller2254 You’re not the first person that has said that, but an OEM tire would only be installed from the Factory, and the BF Goodrich KO3’s aren’t offered as as an OEM tire on the Tacoma. I do know for certain that the Falken Wild Peak tires that came on my 2022 Tundra were an OEM tire, and they were not the same quality that you would get at a tire dealer. Please let me know if I’m misinformed, and you truly can purchase OEM tires thru a tire store.
@@todmiller2254 I did some more research after your comment, and you were 100% accurate regarding the OEM tire. At the time that I purchased my tires, they were the only KO3’s that were available, and there was only a few sizes available for the initial launch. That makes sense, because the OEM tires came out as a medium duty tire, in the beginning. Thanks again
@@Rodneysnwridesandreviews I get it. I used to work at an Air Force base, and we had to remove ALL debris from tires before driving on the tarmac. Needless to say, I did whatever I could to not have to ever drive on the tarmac. Haha
@@RodneysnwridesandreviewsI also have the KO3 265/70R-17 on my TRD-PRO toyota 4runner, and i have the same issues with these pebbles and rocks.. I'm always inspecting my tires as i approach to drive off and use my keys 🔑 to remove rocks/pebbles. My other issue is the white-wall. I never wanted the white-walls but i needed tires like pronto because i was driving to Canada the very next day, so i ended up installing them with the white-walls inside.. i don't know if that defeats the purpose of the newly designed water channeling threads.. maybe i should have increased the tire size to 285/70R-15..
@@mrdex2787 that shouldn’t make a difference. They’ve been designing tires with raised white letters on one side for many years, and many just like yourself will turn them around depending on whether they want the letters inside or outside.
@@Rodneysnwridesandreviews hey.. No, sorry…it may be a month or so before they roll out the ‘24 version. There is a universal fit one, but the custom one is worth waiting for. Not only does it keep rocks off my paint, but I barely even have to wash the truck as they just keep everything off the sides too.
Bought two sets of BFG AT’s and they both dry rotted from the inside out with plenty of tread left…. Absolutely garbage. Fool me twice, shame on me…. Never again.
Try making sure you check the date when the tires were manufactured.. it's important not to buy very old stock units that's been sitting around and dry-rotted.. the dates are on the sidewalls of the tires
I was hit by hurricane Helene in NC, my car got wiped out. I decided to buy a truck as my bridge is still destroyed and I have to now cross the river and drive across 2 farmers land to even get to my property. I am not a "truck guy" so really have no experience in these things. The tires that came on the truck were some Pirelli al terrain tires. There is mud after it rains all over the farmers fields and I got stuck trying to cross the river. Did some youtubing to find these KO3's and bought some for my truck. WOW. What a difference it has made. I am easily now able to cross all this muddy mess without having anxiety anymore. Cant wait for my new bridge, but this makes it far more bearable at least.
Thanks for the comment, that’s quite a testament to how good these tires are. Hopefully you’ll get your bridge fixed soon. 👍
I put 30k miles on my KO2s that I purchased last year. Rotated every 5k miles, they’re still at 11/32 tread depth. Two of them took a shit ton of wheel weights to balance but they’ve been good tires.
Can I suggest you put a larger piece of clear braw to reduce the rock chips
Great review. Like others have said, I added larger mudflaps, 5 inch wide running boards that sit high under the body and PPF film on the sides. Plenty of high speed gravel road driving and no rock chips. I can here some rocks hitting the running boards after getting back on pavement so they are doing a great job of protecting the paint.
Yup, I have the Ko3 tires on my Ranger Raptor. My driveway is a 1,000 feet of 3/4 inch gravel.
No rock chips because of the side step rails are designed to impact and block the throwing rocks from 1 mph to 100mph.
All you need are the side steps with a pattern similar to the ranger raptors. 👍👍
Lol I wondered about that. I have a 24 Taco Sport with side rails all along, and instantly thought maybe that will save the chips on my rear fenders.
The senior package we call that
It is not the final public version you have. The S shape lug in the midle is the easy way to tell. Must be a caterpillar shape and much more agressive alternate corner lugs. Public tires have the E load too. Advise for futur buyers.
I just had some KO3 tires installed yesterday afternoon. I drove them a couple of hours and they felt great. This morning for a little while in the way to work it felt like I was driving on little rumble strips. I was concerned that one had lost air or the tire had worked loose or something. But maybe that is just how they are until they warm up…..
@@richarcm I noticed the same thing with mine. Check your pressure and make sure they’re at 40-45 PSI if so the that feeling should go away after you drive about a mile
@ I checked it on the dash when I felt it the vibrations. It was reading about 38 in the rear and 41 in the front. But the feeling did eventually go away.
Considering getting these when my Falken AT3W’s wear out
Great looking tires and truck 👍 I’m waiting to see how the new tacomas hold up over the next few years before maybe getting one mysel.
Rodney- thanks for the review. A question. I also have a Tacoma with Ko2s. My biggest complaint is the lack of traction when the roads are slick- not a hydroplaning issue with puddles, just slick to make them slippery. Tail out under acceleration and fishtailing on high speed turns when slightly wet. Moreso a tread compound issue versus a water-channeling hydroplaning tread pattern issue. Have you noticed if the KO3s are an improvement? I keep reading they added more silica to the compound, which should make them bite wet roads better , but curious with your experience on the ko3s.
@@peteri6347 yes that is one area that I can see improvement.
I thought the point of this video was that the KO3s appear to have eliminated the slip -on- the- wet problem of the KO2s.
@ here’s a recent video in the rain and snow.
2024 Tacoma TRD Off-Road with KO3's in the snow.
ua-cam.com/video/R0PZyC2HgLg/v-deo.html
I am planning on putting these on my taco sport. Thanks for the review..
Great video. Lord almighty that is a nice looking rig. Just beautiful. Thanks for the work you did on this.
@@roberthenry9319 thanks for the comment 👍
Install some RC HD2 steps/boards, and larger mud flaps. I'd even mount a short flap under the running board at the first bracket behind the front wheel. Should minimize the rock chipping significantly
Need some 4 inch + step bars ! I ran into same problem ! Mud guards and some 4 inch step bars protected from stone chips 👌👍
You should go see Rich and the guys over at Body Guard Paint Protection near the airport to get some better paint protection film applied in those high impact areas. He did the whole front end and rocker panels on my GR Corolla and its such a good peace of mind!
I was actually thinking about doing that very same thing. Thanks for the feedback.
Did you need to add spacers or can you run those tires with the stock rims. I like the look of stock wheels- but ive had to upgrade wheels in past due to the width being wider than stock rim. I think this is the perfect look and usage for the 4th generation tacoma!
@@MrFa277 I didn’t need to add anything to it to run these larger tires on the stock rims.
Rodney my question on your front lift kit. Are the Rough Country 1.5 spacers truly level out this Truck?
@@garjagg yes they do
picking out rocks after you are off the gravel roads is nice for drivers that are behind you. It will save plenty of windshields. One thing that confuses me is why do you think you are just protecting the bed of your truck when on pavement... I am petty sure these tires will fling rocks while driving down a gravel road causing the same nicks and dings. The only protection is better rockguards at the wheel well, some protective armor at the bed, and limiting gravel road diving. Appreciate the review!
I also have the KO3 265/70R-17 on my TRD-PRO toyota 4runner, and i have the same issues with these pebbles and rocks.. I'm always inspecting my tires as i approach to drive off and use my keys 🔑 to remove rocks/pebbles. My other issue is the white-wall. I never wanted the white-walls but i needed tires like pronto because i was driving to Canada the very next day, so i ended up installing them with the white-walls inside.. i don't know if that defeats the purpose of the newly designed water channeling threads.. maybe i should have increased the tire size to 285/70R-15..
I like the ko2 c load better with bigger space on treads , my 4Runner never slides like you say it does
@@bonddav007 the 4-Runner’s have a better weight distribution from front to rear, so that could make a difference. Thanks for the comment
What air pressure are you keeping in your tires i have the same tires C rated tires
Outstanding review!!! Thank you so much!!!
Have you used them in the mud yet? How have they preformed
@@colin-me no because I ride dirt bikes, I’m normally on gravel roads until I get to a riding area and then I’m on my bikes when I hit the mud.
I would just PPF that area of the bed and add better mud flaps / rock rails. No way would I want to spend time picking rocks out of tires
Which tire would be more puncture resistant?
@@MidAtlanticTV the KO2 has a much stronger carcass
Do they vibrate and is the ride stiff ?
@@TacoRancher these being a C rated tire instead of the E rated tire that most of the KO2’s come in, are considerably smoother, and don’t feel as harsh when you hit a big bump or pothole.
They are still hard to balance like the KO2’s are. I have a slight vibration at 60 MPH, but nothing under, or over 60MPH
The majority of rocks are thrown from the front tires. They fly up and will hit the vehicle from the front door area to the rear fender without side steps . Side steps width need to be similar to the ranger raptor
When you say side steps are you referring to running boards?
What size are you running ? Have you installed a lift or level kit ?
What size "C" rated is that? My understanding is that only "E" rated are available with this initial release.
These are the 285/70/17 I’ve seen a couple reviews saying they were available in the C rating, but there were limited sizes to begin with.
@@Rodneysnwridesandreviews oh I see. I was looking at 265 70 17. The C is supposed to be available in August, just E for now.
@@PurpleMtOutdoorsAugust 2025
That seems like a bad design with the Tacoma... How does that not happen with the 3rd gen Taco?
No more rock chips after you add side steps.
nice tires.. how much are those sets of ko3? thanks
@@dennislabrador3554 around $1,200 for the set
How is the tire balance on the KO3's at highway speeds?
I had several issues getting the tires balanced properly with the KO2’s, and I do a balance issue with the K03’s at 60 MPH. I’ll have to get them rebalanced.
@@Rodneysnwridesandreviews O.K.. Thanks, I also have balance issues with the current KO2's I have now. I think I will be investigating a different manufactures tires for my next set. I like the BFG's except for balance issues.
@@wayneanderson991 they need to be load balanced. Once they do that, it should correct the issue.
@@Rodneysnwridesandreviews Keep us posted on the road force balancing.
I used to feel that early morning flat spot on my old dodge Ram tires. I think that is a common thing. I have a gladiator now on K02’s but have not noticed it yet.
I never noticed it with the 2 sets of KO2’s that I had either
I noticed it for sure on my Chevy 2500hd duramax. One time it was so bad i could visually see the flat spot and watch as it rotated. Usually rounded back out in about 5 minutes though.
Less plies
i just bought a set of these for my 100 series land cruiser. i might be the first person.
I also have the KO3 265/70R-17 on my TRD-PRO toyota 4runner, and i have the same issues with these pebbles and rocks.. I'm always inspecting my tires as i approach to drive off and use my keys 🔑 to remove rocks/pebbles. My other issue is the white-wall. I never wanted the white-walls but i needed tires like pronto because i was driving to Canada the very next day, so i ended up installing them with the white-walls inside.. i don't know if that defeats the purpose of the newly designed water channeling threads.. maybe i should have increased the tire size to 285/70R-15..
@@mrdex2787 had mine for a couple of months now. The pebbles is the only issue for me aswell besides that they’ve been great In mud gravel compacted dirt and rain. Can’t wait to try them in the snow this winter.
Those look like the oem ko3. Do a google search on the ko3 you'll find there's a different tread pattern out there.
@@666dynomax our dealership ordered these, so I wouldn’t think they’re OEM since they normally come from the factory. It originally had the BF Goodrich Terrain Tera’s.
I understand the difference between the tires that come as OEM, vs what you’d buy aftermarket. The aftermarket have a lot more tread on them, and is a better quality tire.
@@Rodneysnwridesandreviews yeah I was not really staying either way. Yours as the different pattern than I set I was looking at today. I'm not sure why they have two patterns. The set I was looking at from Canadian tire has larger side lugs and an extra sipe on every other lug around the perimeter.
@@Rodneysnwridesandreviews I love your truck by the way
Yes older has the s still dealership had different than new one!
Great review. Thank you.
Does it fit in the spare?
Great question. No I don’t think that it does, since there’s only so much room underneath. From what I understand, it’s a temporary spare, and not the same size as the factory tires were.
Solid review. Thanks!
How did they balance?
@@ronaldramsey6006 I had to have them balance them a second time. I still have a slight vibration at 60 mph.
@@Rodneysnwridesandreviews Man, I just put 295/70/18 on my Tundra Pro and I haven’t had time to get them on the interstate. Did you have yours road forced balanced? I was a little ambivalent about the BFG’s for that reason.
@@ronaldramsey6006 yes they did the road forced balance on them. I had the same issue on my KO2’s on both my 2022 Tundra, and the 2021 Tacoma. After a couple times being rebalanced, they were fine.
Thinking about getting the 285 70/r17 ... the 285 is 1.5" wider than my standard truck tire on my 2500hd diesel. Pros? Cons?
There’s quite a few pros and only a couple of cons which I pointed out in the video. I prefer the KO3’s over the KO2’s, so unless the width causes any scraping, or throws mud or rocks all over the side of your truck, then I think you’ll be happy with them.
White letters available ?
I heard that they will have in the near future, but mine didn’t have them
Do you have a lift or just stock suspension?
It has the Rough Country 1.5” leveling kit which is just spacers on the front end.
Rodney, did you do a lift?
It’s just a Rough Country 1.5” leveling kit which are just spacers on the front. The new Tacoma has larger fender wells, so it will already accommodate a larger tire.
what size are they ?
285/70R17
Thanks. Do you know the offset of those rims ? @@Rodneysnwridesandreviews
Those are the oem. Not the regular. Regular has different pattern slightly and better.
@@todmiller2254 You’re not the first person that has said that, but an OEM tire would only be installed from the Factory, and the BF Goodrich KO3’s aren’t offered as as an OEM tire on the Tacoma. I do know for certain that the Falken Wild Peak tires that came on my 2022 Tundra were an OEM tire, and they were not the same quality that you would get at a tire dealer.
Please let me know if I’m misinformed, and you truly can purchase OEM tires thru a tire store.
@@todmiller2254 I did some more research after your comment, and you were 100% accurate regarding the OEM tire. At the time that I purchased my tires, they were the only KO3’s that were available, and there was only a few sizes available for the initial launch. That makes sense, because the OEM tires came out as a medium duty tire, in the beginning. Thanks again
Lovely truck!
Ah man…..picking out rocks from the front tires is going to get old really fast
It definitely is. I went riding again today, and spent 10 minutes picking out rocks before I hit the pavement. 🤦♂️
@@Rodneysnwridesandreviews I get it. I used to work at an Air Force base, and we had to remove ALL debris from tires before driving on the tarmac. Needless to say, I did whatever I could to not have to ever drive on the tarmac. Haha
@@RodneysnwridesandreviewsI also have the KO3 265/70R-17 on my TRD-PRO toyota 4runner, and i have the same issues with these pebbles and rocks.. I'm always inspecting my tires as i approach to drive off and use my keys 🔑 to remove rocks/pebbles. My other issue is the white-wall. I never wanted the white-walls but i needed tires like pronto because i was driving to Canada the very next day, so i ended up installing them with the white-walls inside.. i don't know if that defeats the purpose of the newly designed water channeling threads.. maybe i should have increased the tire size to 285/70R-15..
@@mrdex2787 that shouldn’t make a difference. They’ve been designing tires with raised white letters on one side for many years, and many just like yourself will turn them around depending on whether they want the letters inside or outside.
@@Rodneysnwridesandreviews thanks
Pretty truck.
Looks like you have some chopping going on
You need some Rekgen mudflaps…you won’t worry about thrown pebbles again.
I’ll check them out. Thanks for the suggestion
Hey Jeff, I checked out the mudflaps you suggested. I see they fit up to a 2023 Tacoma. Have you seen any for the 2024 models yet?
@@Rodneysnwridesandreviews hey..
No, sorry…it may be a month or so before they roll out the ‘24 version. There is a universal fit one, but the custom one is worth waiting for. Not only does it keep rocks off my paint, but I barely even have to wash the truck as they just keep everything off the sides too.
This K03 is E load my guy c loads dont come out till August 2025
@@germanarzola2576 depending on the size the KO3 did come out as an OE tire in a C range.
that why you get mud flaps there bud
@@TheOriginalStevenH I have the factory mud guards
@@Rodneysnwridesandreviews that’s factory?!?!! I added weather tech Matt’s on my ZR2, yours looks like nothing was installed
@@TheOriginalStevenH I’ve been looking for some wider mudguards, but there isn’t many aftermarket options out yet
Bought two sets of BFG AT’s and they both dry rotted from the inside out with plenty of tread left….
Absolutely garbage.
Fool me twice, shame on me….
Never again.
Try making sure you check the date when the tires were manufactured.. it's important not to buy very old stock units that's been sitting around and dry-rotted.. the dates are on the sidewalls of the tires
White. Letters. Out.
Nahhh
These new Tacos are 🤢
Hate the way they look.
Do these balance well?
@@TacoRancher they are difficult to balance like the KO2’s were